The wrestling world now has an official matchup between Becky Lynch and AJ Lee for the Women’s Intercontinental Championship, scheduled for WWE’s Elimination Chamber premium live event on February 28 in Chicago. Despite this early announcement on Raw, insiders indicate that this encounter is only part of a longer narrative set to reach its climax at WrestleMania 42.
Ongoing Rivalry to Build Through to WrestleMania
Although many fans expected Lynch and Lee’s rivalry to debut at WrestleMania itself, wrestling journalist Dave Meltzer shared on Wrestling Observer Radio that the story will continue to develop over the coming weeks. Meltzer stated,
“I was expecting this match at Mania,”
and added,
“But I was told, you know, there’s a reason it’s here and the story goes until Mania. I was just basically told, I go like, ‘I thought this was going to be at Mania?’ I was told, ‘Don’t worry, it all plays out to get there.’”
Elimination Chamber Event Highlights and Context
The United Center in Chicago will serve as a significant backdrop, hosting not only the Lynch-Lee matchup but also marking the return of AJ Lee and her husband CM Punk to their hometown. The event will additionally feature a World Heavyweight Championship contest between CM Punk and Finn Balor, adding prominence to the card. This homecoming element adds emotional weight to the ongoing battles.
AJ Lee’s Return and Current Limited Wrestling Schedule
AJ Lee made a surprising return to WWE in September after nearly a decade away from the ring, sparking this heated feud with Becky Lynch. The Elimination Chamber will be their first singles match, though Lee has already appeared alongside Punk in tag matches. Their team defeated Lynch and Seth Rollins at Wrestlepalooza and later secured victory in WarGames at Survivor Series 2025. Lee has been cautious with her schedule, competing in just two matches so far, as she and Punk prepare for what lies ahead.
Upcoming Appearances and Building Tension
In the lead-up to Elimination Chamber, AJ Lee is set to appear on Raw in Memphis, Tennessee, continuing the promotional build for the event. This ongoing storyline involving Becky Lynch AJ Lee feud is capturing attention due to its layered storytelling and the uncertainty surrounding its ultimate resolution at WrestleMania.
