The much-anticipated Becky Lynch Women’s Intercontinental Championship match with Bayley is set for the June 23 episode of Raw, marking a defining moment in the ongoing rivalry between these WWE superstars. Bayley made a dramatic comeback on the June 9 edition of Raw, reigniting tensions with Lynch after their heated confrontation at WrestleMania 41 and setting the stage for a clash that goes beyond the title itself.
Fans witnessed Bayley’s surprise attack on Lynch during Raw, a direct response to Lynch’s previous actions at WrestleMania 41. There, Lynch had ambushed Bayley backstage and seized her spot in a tag team match with Lyra Valkyria, causing a rift between the former allies. Their recent heated exchanges and physical confrontations have fueled anticipation for a match where pride, rivalry, and legacy seem just as important as the Intercontinental Championship.
The Rivalry Intensifies Ahead of the Championship Match
The animosity between Bayley and Becky Lynch has been steadily brewing since Lynch’s aggressive takeover at WrestleMania 41. With one dramatic moment after another, their story has veered from friendship to fierce competition. On Raw, just a week after Bayley’s return, the two stood face to face, with Bayley goading Lynch into putting her recently won Women’s Intercontinental Title at stake. WWE later made it official—Bayley would challenge Lynch for the championship on Raw’s June 23 broadcast.
Bayley described her motivation in the upcoming contest as deeply personal rather than entirely championship-driven. The tension and anticipation surrounding the encounter stem not only from their mutual desire for the title but also from unresolved tensions and the hope of setting the standard in WWE’s evolving women’s division. Their journey from tag team unity to opposition highlights how personal vendettas in WWE can become as significant as any championship.
Bayley Emphasizes Passion Over Possession
In a candid interview on Raw Recap, Bayley shared her thoughts about facing Becky Lynch, making it clear that her focus isn’t solely on winning gold. Instead, she pointed to the emotional and professional stakes involved, reflecting a resolve to make this match memorable for reasons beyond championship prestige:
“It’s really cool to think that people may think like that. I think to me, it’s not about the title right now. It’s just kind of like a cherry on top, to be honest. As much as I would love to win that title, as much as I would love to win the US Women’s title, because those are things I’ve never done before.Like you said, like I’ve done a lot, almost everything, but there’s two brand new titles that I’ve never won that I wouldn’t mind carrying and calling myself one of those champions one day. But I also think that the Intercontinental title for the women, it started off really well. I think the tournament was awesome. All the matches that Lyra had and defended, I think were freaking great. I think she was a perfect inaugural champion.I think like the whole workhorse title, really showcased in the women’s division as well. I think it got off to a good start, but I do believe for Becky and I to bring our experience to that championship and get the eyes on it, it’s only going to make everybody in the division hungrier to get that title, and that’s what it’s all about.That’s really like bringing in the tag titles. Like that was always the goal was to bring more eyes on more women in the division, make the women more hungry and want something bigger and better and more for themselves. I think that’s what this is going to do.If a match between Becky and I can even level it up just a little bit, then that’s what I want to do. But I’m just here to beat the living crap out of her, and my shoulder is nice and healthy now. So I think the title would fit perfectly.”
—Bayley, WWE Superstar
Bayley’s remarks place her match with Lynch in a wider context, suggesting that exposure and healthy competition within the women’s division are central motivations. She emphasized that the Intercontinental Championship for women has developed a strong foundation, highlighting Lyra Valkyria’s performance as the first titleholder, and the intense matches that followed. Bayley contends that her experience, combined with Becky Lynch’s star power, will inspire new levels of ambition across the division.
A Dynamic Era for WWE’s Women’s Division
The upcoming Becky Lynch Women’s Intercontinental Championship match with Bayley is set against a backdrop of significant milestones for WWE’s female competitors. Bayley noted the broader mission to elevate the women’s division, drawing parallels to the impact of the tag titles on creating additional opportunities and driving hunger among fellow wrestlers. This mission aligns with the introduction of newer titles like the US Women’s Championship, which Bayley identified as major goals still ahead for her.
As both Lynch and Bayley look to make a mark, their influence is helping to spotlight and motivate talent across the company. The Women’s Intercontinental Championship, having launched with an acclaimed tournament and respected inaugural champion in Lyra Valkyria, is emerging as a hard-fought “workhorse” title. Both contenders see their upcoming match as a chance to elevate its legacy, hoping to add value for both themselves and the future stars of WWE.
Bayley clarified her view that this match is strictly about her and Lynch, distancing the narrative from previous collaborations with former partner Lyra Valkyria. This emphasizes the intensely personal stakes between herself and Lynch, setting the stage for a showdown driven by pride and competitive spirit.
The Broader Picture in WWE: Recent Updates and Events
WWE’s women’s division isn’t the only area experiencing headline-making moments. Recently, another star was reportedly injured during a dramatic six-man tag team match on NXT, following the news surrounding Liv Morgan. Meanwhile, Hulk Hogan was hospitalized amid complications from a neck surgery, though rumors regarding the severity were refuted. Goldberg returned to the WWE spotlight with a succinct message to fans, drawing fresh attention to the wrestling icon.
WWE SmackDown fans can expect significant show changes soon, potentially affecting the roster and storylines. Rey Mysterio, known for his steadfast babyface career, addressed why a shift to a villainous persona is not in his plans. Tony Khan spoke out about the WBD split, signaling his confidence amid uncertainty. In other developments, a top WWE superstar is on track for an August return after suffering multiple injuries in April, while another wrestler is building anticipation for a comeback following an extended absence of over a year.
Looking Ahead: Stakes and Significance for Bayley and Lynch
As Raw’s June 23 episode approaches, anticipation is reaching new heights for the Becky Lynch Women’s Intercontinental Championship match with Bayley. Their personal rivalry, transformed from a supportive partnership to fierce competition, encapsulates the evolving spirit of WWE’s women’s division—where determination, visibility, and ambition shape new legacies. Bayley’s candid outlook and focus not just on championship gold but also on inspiring her peers may bring added energy and intensity to an already electric bout.
With top names like Becky Lynch and Bayley at the forefront, the ongoing advancements in the women’s division continue to capture the imagination of fans, build fresh storylines, and set higher performance standards. This showdown promises fierce athleticism and personal stakes, further raising the profile of the Intercontinental title. As new stars emerge and returning champions like Bayley and Lynch seek to etch their legacy into WWE history, the outcome of this high-profile contest will likely reverberate throughout the division, fueling future rivalries and ambitions well beyond Raw.
