The Women’s Intercontinental Championship landscape just got a whole lot messier on Monday Night Raw. What started as Bayley’s quest for revenge against Becky Lynch turned into complete chaos when former champion Lyra Valkyria emerged from the crowd to wreak havoc. Lynch may have retained her title, but the controversial finish has left more questions than answers heading into WrestleMania season.
Bayley’s Revenge Mission Hits Early Turbulence
The Role Model came to Raw with fire in her eyes, still fuming from Lynch’s betrayal that took out her fellow Four Horsewoman before WrestleMania 41. But “The Man” quickly reminded everyone why she’s held onto championship gold for so long.
Lynch showcased her veteran instincts early, catching Bayley mid-flight from the top rope and nearly locking in the dreaded Disarmher. The champion’s technical prowess was on full display as she targeted Bayley’s arm, wrenching it down and sending the challenger crashing to the canvas.
Bayley proved her resilience by escaping a Manhandle Slam attempt and connecting with her signature Bayley-to-Belly suplex. However, Lynch’s championship experience showed as she powered out of the pinfall attempt.
High-Flying Drama and Championship Warfare
The match’s intensity escalated when both women battled on the top rope. Lynch’s striking ability came into play as she connected with a devastating forearm before setting up for a high-impact superplex that had the Raw crowd on their feet.
The champion’s submission skills nearly sealed the deal with an armbar, but Bayley’s championship aspirations kept her fighting. In a brilliant role reversal, the challenger managed to hit Lynch’s own Manhandle Slam, creating a moment that could have changed everything.
Lynch’s ring awareness saved her title hopes as she rolled out of danger, but the action spilled to ringside where things got even more chaotic.
Valkyria’s Bombshell Return Changes Everything
Just when it seemed like Bayley might capitalize on her momentum, the unthinkable happened. Lyra Valkyria, the former Women’s Intercontinental Champion, leaped the barricade from her position in the crowd.
The Irish superstar’s motivations became clear as she pulled Bayley free from a pile of chairs that Lynch had strategically placed. This unexpected assistance created a three-way dynamic that nobody saw coming.
Lynch’s response was swift and brutal, taking out Valkyria with a baseball slam that demonstrated why she’s considered one of the most dangerous competitors in WWE today.
Chaos Erupts as Championship Match Implodes
The match’s final moments played out like a perfectly choreographed disaster. Bayley positioned herself on the top rope for what could have been the match-winning maneuver, but Valkyria had other plans.
Instead of staying down from Lynch’s attack, the former champion re-entered the ring and unleashed a vicious assault on “The Man.” The referee had no choice but to call for the disqualification, handing Lynch the victory but leaving everyone unsatisfied.
The post-match confrontation between Bayley and Valkyria added another layer of intrigue, as these former allies found themselves at odds while Lynch celebrated her tainted victory.
What This Means for the Women’s Intercontinental Division
Lynch’s title reign continues, but her celebration feels hollow given the circumstances. The disqualification finish protects both competitors while setting up potential future encounters that could reshape the entire division.
Valkyria’s interference suggests she’s not finished with the championship picture, despite losing the title to Lynch previously. Her willingness to insert herself into this high-stakes match indicates unfinished business with both women.
With WrestleMania season approaching and tensions at an all-time high, WWE’s women’s division just became exponentially more unpredictable. Will we see a triple threat scenario emerge, or does Valkyria have her sights set on a different target altogether?
