Maxine Dupri’s unexpected victory over Becky Lynch to claim the WWE Women’s Intercontinental Championship caught many by surprise, but Bully Ray anticipated her rise, noting her in-ring development and speculating on her next challenger. Discussing her triumph on WWE Raw during an episode of Busted Open, Rey highlighted the positive impact of Maxine’s training sessions with Natalya. He mentioned, “I wasn’t shocked because it was clear Maxine was being prepared for this moment over the past weeks. This is a big milestone for her, and the dungeon sessions with Natalya have clearly paid off.” However, Bully Ray also pointed out that Maxine still needs to improve her in-ring spontaneity, as she tends to play out moves too predictably, suggesting she could benefit from more authentic, in-the-moment performance. Alongside Natalya’s coaching, AJ Lee also contributed by distracting Becky Lynch ringside, helping Maxine secure the win.
Regarding her future opponents, Bully Ray believes Natalya might step up to challenge Maxine, potentially leading to a compelling rivalry. He thinks this storyline is natural, given their close dynamic and Natalya’s desire to showcase a different, more intense side of her wrestling persona. Rey said, “Now that Maxine holds the title, the stage is set for Natalya—who might feel a bit jealous since she played a major role in Maxine’s rise.” He recalled Natalya’s recent unsuccessful title attempt against Becky Lynch and suggested tension could build with Maxine over their shared history, with Natalya feeling overshadowed by Maxine’s new opportunities and championship wins. This rivalry could highlight Natalya’s respect for Maxine’s dedication while exploring the emotional complexities between mentor and protégé.
Fan Take: This development is exciting for WWE fans as it illustrates the growth of emerging talent like Maxine Dupri while setting up fresh, emotionally charged rivalries rooted in personal history. It could inject new energy into the women’s division and create memorable storylines that blend skill development with compelling character dynamics.
