On the first WWE RAW episode of 2026, Becky Lynch reclaimed the Women’s Intercontinental Championship from Maxxine Dupri, marking a pivotal moment in WWE’s ongoing storylines. This title change at Stamford‘s showcase event has raised questions about why Maxxine Dupri’s reign ended so quickly, especially as WWE sought to reset its women’s division dynamics with Becky Lynch—nicknamed “The Man”—as champion once again and the focus keyword Maxxine Dupri WWE Champion at the heart of this news.
Unclear Creative Plans Impacted Maxxine Dupri’s Time as Champion
Maxxine Dupri took the Women’s IC title from Becky Lynch only weeks prior, but her run as champion lacked clear direction or memorable rivalries beyond her initial feud with Lynch. Maxxine, who previously made an impression as a member of Alpha Academy, struggled to sustain storylines that engaged the audience or advanced her character on RAW after her win. This stagnation suggested that WWE’s Stamford-based creative team did not have a lasting narrative planned for her reign, making her position vulnerable heading into 2026’s first Monday Night RAW.
WWE Favored a Brief Title Run for Dupri
When Maxxine Dupri captured the Women’s Intercontinental Championship from Becky Lynch, speculation began about WWE’s intentions for her run. The quick return of the title to Lynch indicated that Dupri’s championship win was designed not for a prolonged story, but rather to boost her recognition as a singles competitor within the division. By having her defeat a high-profile star like Becky Lynch, WWE elevated Maxxine’s profile, but promptly refocused on “The Man” as champion. This approach aligns with the company’s history of using brief title changes to develop newer talent before re-centering storylines on popular figures.
Preparing for an Anticipated Feud Between Becky Lynch and AJ Lee
The recent shift in titleholders appears strategic for WWE as it builds towards a major feud for the Women’s IC Championship. Since AJ Lee’s return—herself a former Divas Champion—fans have anticipated a singles rivalry between Lee and Becky Lynch. With Lynch regaining the title, WWE’s creative direction under Triple H now has the flexibility to book a high-stakes championship match between these two prominent superstars. The upcoming Premium Live Event, Royal Rumble 2026, taking place in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, is rumored to be the likely stage for their confrontation, or potentially WrestleMania 42 if their rivalry intensifies over the coming weeks.
Insiders expect AJ Lee to challenge Becky Lynch for the Women’s IC Title soon, setting the scene for a compelling narrative that could headline major events. This anticipated clash between Lynch and Lee signals WWE’s commitment to exciting storylines in the women’s division, highlighting established names while giving the division renewed momentum.
The conclusion of Maxxine Dupri’s brief tenure as champion, and Becky Lynch’s resurgence, illustrates WWE’s ongoing efforts to recalibrate its women’s competition. As the company preps for blockbuster events in Riyadh and beyond, all eyes now shift to how Lynch’s victory reshapes the championship picture and what the next chapter holds for Maxxine Dupri and the rest of the roster.
🚨 WWE is reportedly working toward AJ Lee vs. Becky Lynch at WrestleMania 42, per Fightful Select. pic.twitter.com/Q3RWZ4fB5z
— wrestling.killer (@wrestlingkill3r) January 6, 2026
