Becky Lynch made a striking return to WWE in 2025 after an 11-month hiatus, but despite her eventful year, she was passed over for the WWE Female Wrestler of the Year award in favor of Stephanie Vaquer. The focus keyword, Becky Lynch WWE 2025, underscores her headline-making run, yet recognition ultimately eluded her as emerging talent took center stage.
Becky Lynch’s Tumultuous WWE Journey in 2025
Becky Lynch, after letting her WWE contract expire in June 2024, was absent from the professional wrestling scene for nearly a year. Her return at WrestleMania 41 was a major moment, stepping in as Bayley’s replacement and pairing up with Lyra Valkyria. The Irish tag team made an immediate impact by securing the Women’s Tag Team Championship against The Judgment Day’s Liv Morgan and Raquel Rodriguez, marking a first-time title win for both Lynch and Valkyria.
Their celebration was short-lived, as they were promptly challenged to a rematch on Monday Night Raw. This time, Liv Morgan and Raquel Rodriguez reclaimed the championship, and in a dramatic twist, Lynch attacked Valkyria following their defeat, shifting her on-screen persona to a villainous role.
Lynch’s next chapter saw her capture the Women’s Intercontinental Championship at Money in the Bank by defeating her recent partner, Valkyria. Embracing her new status as the company’s top female heel, she turned on both her wrestling adversaries and global fanbase, including those in her homeland of Ireland, drawing negative reactions and intensifying her storylines.
Rivalries and Shocking Defeat
In the following months, Becky Lynch began a heated feud with Maxxine Dupri, asserting dominance in their initial singles match. Their rivalry reignited two months later, but Lynch failed to secure victories in their subsequent encounters, losing once by count-out and another by disqualification. These costly defeats led to a much-anticipated rematch for the Women’s Intercontinental Championship, scheduled for the November 17 episode of WWE Raw.
In an unforeseen result, Dupri won the title after AJ Lee interfered, creating a major upset within the division. The loss provoked Lynch, who reacted by publicly accusing referees and WWE officials of unfair practices and corruption on social media, even threatening legal action in her quest for justice.
Stephanie Vaquer Rises to the Top
While Becky Lynch experienced turbulence, Stephanie Vaquer, a newcomer from Chile, made major waves on WWE’s main roster. After making her Raw debut in May, Vaquer rapidly climbed the ranks by winning a women’s royal rumble at Evolution. She concluded her breakout campaign with a crowning victory at Wrestlepalooza, where she seized the vacant Women’s World Championship by overcoming Iyo Sky.
The impressive run from Vaquer drew praise from fans and insiders alike, firmly positioning her among the year’s most notable female talents.
Freddie Prinze Jr. Picks the 2025 Female WWE Wrestler of the Year
When it came time to recognize WWE’s standout female performer, former WWE employee and Hollywood actor Freddie Prinze Jr. was chosen to announce the winner. The shortlist included prominent names: Stephanie Vaquer, Tiffany Stratton, Rhea Ripley, Iyo Sky, Becky Lynch, and Jade Cargill. As the selection narrowed, the focus centered on Lynch and Vaquer.
“I’m doing the unthinkable and I’m giving it to Stephanie Vaquer. I think we give it to the rookie. I don’t think rookies usually win this; they would win, like, Rookie of the Year. I think she’s doing a lot for the brand outside of wrestling just because of who she is and that representation matters. [8:54 onwards]” – Freddie Prinze Jr., former WWE employee and Hollywood star
With that, Stephanie Vaquer received the honor, acknowledging both her in-ring performances and broader impact as a role model and representative for new audiences within WWE. Lynch, despite prominent storylines and a divisive heel run, saw her achievements eclipsed by a dynamic rookie.
What Lies Ahead for Becky Lynch and WWE’s Female Division
Becky Lynch’s eventful year, marked by dramatic returns, title wins and losses, and controversial storylines, kept her at the forefront of WWE headlines. However, her career now stands at a crossroads following high-profile defeats and her exclusion from top honors.
Meanwhile, Stephanie Vaquer’s ascent signals a generational shift, as WWE’s women’s division welcomes diverse new stars with wide-ranging appeal. As the company continues to invest in talented rookies and established champions, rivalries and new feuds are set to shape the landscape ahead.
