On May 11, 2020, Becky Lynch announced her pregnancy and vacated the WWE Raw Women’s Championship during a live episode of Raw at Orlando’s Performance Center, marking a pivotal moment for both the champion and the wider WWE universe. This announcement brought a wave of emotion to the WWE community, led to Asuka being crowned the new champion, and left fans and fellow wrestlers overwhelmed by the unexpected, historic development.
The Shocking Opening to WWE Raw
The show began with a recap of the previous night’s Money in the Bank match followed by the Raw opening theme, as commentators Tom Phillips, Byron Saxton, and Samoa Joe previewed anticipated segments. Among the highlights they mentioned were Edge and Randy Orton’s first meeting since WrestleMania, a tag match featuring Rey Mysterio and Aleister Black against Seth Rollins and Murphy, and Alexa Bliss and Nikki Cross hosting a mysterious edition of ‘A Moment of Bliss’.
Becky Lynch, carrying the Money in the Bank briefcase, made her entrance to the stage. The announcer team was visibly puzzled as to why Becky, and not Asuka, held the briefcase. With a trembling voice and tears, Becky addressed the crowd, hinting that she was standing at a crossroads and that her life was about to dramatically change. She explained that she asked WWE management to raise the stakes for the Money in the Bank ladder match and recounted her difficult journey from Ireland to the U.S., initially not knowing anybody or if she would even be accepted by American wrestling fans. She choked up describing her doubts and failures, but also noted that the support of her fans carried her through her challenges to historic triumphs. Becky candidly told her supporters she needed to step away for a while, struggling to get the words out.
Asuka’s Surprise and the Passing of the Title
Asuka’s music interrupted the emotional moment as she came to the stage, demanding answers about the briefcase. Becky revealed that she had bested Asuka previously and praised her as one of the finest competitors. Then, in a dramatic reveal, Becky opened the briefcase to show the WWE Raw Women’s Championship belt inside. Asuka was shocked as the implications dawned: the previous night’s match was not merely an opportunity for a title shot but, in fact, for the championship itself. Becky clarified that while she could no longer wrestle, Asuka could. In that instant, Asuka became the new champion and began celebrating exuberantly, dancing with the title throughout the arena and up to the stage. Meanwhile, Becky stayed behind, openly weeping as she took in the moment from the ring.
When Asuka returned to the ring, Becky managed to regain some composure, telling Asuka,
“Go be a warrior, because I’m going to go be a mother.”
The two embraced, sealing an iconic WWE moment. The crowd, although small due to pandemic restrictions, was clearly moved.
The Reaction from WWE Superstars and Commentary
The emotional scene shifted backstage where Charly Caruso spoke with Becky, who expressed her struggle to hold back tears. Congratulatory remarks and supportive gestures poured in from noted WWE names including Rey Mysterio, Natalya, Bianca Belair, The Street Profits, Ricochet, Dana Brooke, Cedric Alexander, R-Truth, Kairi Sane, and Akira Tozawa.
This show of solidarity and celebration was met with subtle criticism by observers concerned about COVID-19 protocols, particularly as Becky, newly pregnant, hugged a group of wrestlers who had been traveling—an echo of ongoing health and safety anxieties prevalent during the pandemic.
Other Highlights and Feuds Progress on Raw
A No Disqualification match between Bobby Lashley and Humberto Carrillo saw Lashley dominate, continuing his build as a formidable opponent. Phillips speculated that Lashley was being positioned as a threat to Drew McIntyre, referencing his string of decisive victories. Elsewhere, the tag team feud between the Street Profits and Viking Raiders found the teams clashing humorously on a basketball court, with the Street Profits outmaneuvering the Raiders initially but Ivar surprising everyone with unexpected skill in a post-game display.
Drama continued with Drew McIntyre issuing a challenge to SmackDown’s King Corbin, further developing his role as Raw’s fighting champion. Meanwhile, MVP sought to recruit Lashley with poignant words:
When is Lashley going to let Lashley out?
– MVP
Backstage, Lana loudly confronted MVP after his attempt to influence Lashley, exclaiming:
Who do you think you are? How dare you! Daaahhh!
– Lana
Tag Team Division and Rising Tensions
Alexa Bliss and Nikki Cross returned with their talk segment, discussing Becky Lynch’s announcement and Mother’s Day tributes before being interrupted by the IIconics. The IIconics, Billie Kaye and Peyton Royce, challenged them to a non-title match, ultimately scoring a victory and reigniting their status after a seven-month absence from television.
Meanwhile, Jinder Mahal returned from a ten-month knee surgery hiatus, conveying gratitude and ambition for a new chapter:
So this time, I’m on a new path. I will redeem myself.
– Jinder Mahal
Shayna Baszler’s Controversial Comments
The most divisive reaction to Becky Lynch’s news came from Shayna Baszler. When asked backstage for her response, Baszler fired off unapologetically harsh remarks:
How stupid do you have to be to get knocked up when you’re the champion,
– Shayna Baszler. She continued:
…threw it all away to have some miserable parasite.
– Shayna Baszler. Her inflammatory comments drew instant outrage, and later, Natalya confronted her, prompting Baszler’s cold retort:
The Hart Dynasty dies with you,
– Shayna Baszler.
Seth Rollins Withdraws After Becky’s News
The episode also chronicled Seth Rollins—the father of Becky’s soon-to-be-born child—displaying a deeply distracted and disturbed demeanor during his tag match with Murphy against Rey Mysterio and Aleister Black. Rollins appeared vacant, barely participating, and then attacked Rey savagely after the disqualification, attempting to injure his eye and leaving him bloodied. Rollins later approached an injured Rey, appearing confused and remorseful, stating,
I don’t know what happened out there.
– Seth Rollins. The chaotic aftermath underlined Rollins’ unstable mental state in the wake of Lynch’s announcement.
Edge and Orton Face Off Again
In the closing hour, WWE legends Edge and Randy Orton met in the ring for the first time since WrestleMania. Orton greeted Edge with an initial show of respect, only to backtrack, challenging Edge’s credibility as a wrestler and throwing down the gauntlet for a straightforward wrestling match at Backlash. He taunted Edge, asserting:
At WrestleMania, the better man won.
– Randy Orton;
And I don’t think you got it in ya’ anymore,
– Randy Orton;
There is doubt in your eyes,
– Randy Orton;
But your grit doesn’t come close to my natural ability,
– Randy Orton;
And that passion, that’s not going to knock off that ring rust.
– Randy Orton, and finally,
That is if you’ve got the guts,
– Randy Orton. Edge, left speechless, offered no answer as the show ended, setting the stage for a much-anticipated confrontation.
The Lasting Impact and What Comes Next
Becky Lynch’s announcement that she is pregnant and vacating the WWE Raw Women’s Championship is a profound moment of transition—not only for Lynch herself but for the entire roster. Asuka proudly takes over as champion, but questions linger about the future of the division and potential title challengers. Shayna Baszler’s biting remarks signal ongoing personal conflicts, while Seth Rollins’ turmoil suggests evolving narrative arcs as he grapples with the changes in his personal and professional life.
Fan response, emotional outpouring from the locker room, and storylines set in motion promise months of compelling television, all shaped by one of the most pivotal announcements in modern WWE history. The focus keyword
“Becky Lynch announces pregnancy and vacates WWE Raw Women’s Championship”
represents a milestone that will be revisited for years to come, both for its cultural significance and the unpredictable paths it opened for all involved.
