Becky Lynch became the new Women’s Intercontinental Champion at Money in the Bank, overcoming her former protege Lyra Valkyria in a controversial finish. As new storylines emerge, three potential challengers for Becky Lynch’s Women’s Intercontinental Title are gathering momentum, each bringing unique rivalries and history to the championship picture.
Bayley’s Unfinished Business with Becky Lynch
Becky Lynch made her WWE return at WrestleMania 41 after a break, stepping into a high-stakes tag match with Lyra Valkyria to defeat Liv Morgan and Raquel Rodriguez for the Women’s Tag Team Titles. Originally, Bayley was set to be Valkyria’s partner, but she was sidelined by a backstage attack and replaced by Lynch. After WrestleMania, The Judgment Day reclaimed the titles on RAW, prompting Lynch to turn on Valkyria, revealing herself as Bayley’s attacker to secure her own spot at the Show of Shows.
As a four-time Women’s Champion and seasoned competitor, Bayley now finds herself with a personal score to settle. With motivations rooted in betrayal and the drive for championship gold, Bayley stands out as a top contender who could seek to dethrone Lynch for the Women’s Intercontinental Title.
Asuka Poised for a Comeback
Another name in the conversation is Asuka, a respected veteran last seen at Backlash 2024 when she and Kairi Sane lost their Women’s Tag Team Championships to Bianca Belair and Jade Cargill. At 43, Asuka has since been sidelined with a knee injury that also cost her a spot in last year’s Queen of the Ring Tournament. The exact timeline for her recovery remains uncertain, but Asuka’s history of fierce battles with Lynch is well known to fans and competitors alike.
Many view the Women’s Intercontinental Championship as the perfect opportunity for Asuka’s return. Her rivalry with Lynch offers a compelling narrative, and her comeback from injury could add intensity to the title picture. If The Empress of Tomorrow re-emerges, she would immediately be a credible threat for Lynch and bring a veteran presence back to the forefront of WWE’s women’s division.
Roxanne Perez Targets New Opportunities
Roxanne Perez, also known by her moniker The Prodigy, has made significant waves throughout the year. She set a new record for the longest time spent by a woman in the Women’s Royal Rumble Match, lasting over 67 minutes. She’s also grown her profile within WWE by becoming an unofficial affiliate of The Judgment Day, weaving herself into major storylines.
Perez earned her chance in the Money in the Bank ladder match by defeating Natalya and Becky Lynch—due in part to Lyra Valkyria pulling Lynch from the ring, allowing Perez to score the win. Now, with her growing momentum and connections, particularly with Finn Balor potentially by her side, Perez appears ready to challenge Becky Lynch for the Women’s Intercontinental Title. Her ambition and recent victories make her stand out as a rising contender in the women’s division.
The Changing Landscape of the Women’s Division
The outcome of Money in the Bank has injected intensity and uncertainty into the road ahead for the Women’s Intercontinental Championship. With Bayley, Asuka, and Roxanne Perez each representing distinct challenges—be it from personal vendettas, a champion’s legacy, or emerging star power—Becky Lynch finds herself at the heart of a division filled with conflict and ambition. As new rivalries develop and returning stars eye the title, fans and competitors alike will be watching closely to see who will step up to challenge Lynch next and reshape the future of WWE’s women’s championship scene.
