Becky Lynch didn’t hold back during a recent ESPN SportsCenter appearance, firing a sharp verbal shot at AJ Lee just days before their Women’s Intercontinental Championship clash at Elimination Chamber 2026.
Lynch, who is set to defend her title against Lee on February 28 in Chicago, made it clear she believes her rival’s comeback tour is nearing its final curtain call. While previewing the matchup, Lynch declared that Lee’s era has long passed.
“Her time is over and it should be over. We’ve moved on, we’ve moved past her,” Lynch said. She added that she’s “very excited to see the end of her and to retire her.”
Becky Lynch Takes Shot at AJ Lee Before Elimination Chamber Showdown
The most pointed remark came when Lynch quipped, “Unfortunately for her, she will be the least talented AJ to retire this year.” The line appeared to reference Lee by name while taking a broader swipe at the wrestling landscape.
The rivalry dates back to Lee’s return in September 2025, when she attacked Lynch on SmackDown while supporting CM Punk.
Since then, Lee has scored key submission wins in tag and WarGames settings and even played a role in Lynch briefly losing the Women’s Intercontinental Championship to Maxxine Dupri. Lynch reclaimed the title on the January 6, 2026, Raw on Netflix anniversary special. She currently holds the record for the longest reign at 163 days.
Initially reluctant to put her championship on the line, Lynch ultimately agreed to the one-on-one bout to settle the score. The match takes place in Lee’s hometown at the United Center, adding hometown pressure to an already personal feud.
With both AJ Lee and CM Punk scheduled for championship matches on the same night, the stakes are layered. Lynch has vowed to “retire” Lee. Whether that promise becomes prophecy gets decided inside the ring — not on a talk show mic.
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