Disappointing Becky Lynch updates following WWE RAW absence - Reports

The WWE RAW Netflix premiere has come and gone, and now the red brand is moving forward into a new era with immense momentum. Becky Lynch was among the rumored RAW returns, but her comeback was saved for another time. Sources are now revealing new details on Lynch's WWE status and backstage chatter.

The Man has not wrestled since losing to Liv Morgan in the RAW Steel Cage match on May 27, which came just two days after Morgan dethroned Lynch as Women's World Champion at WWE's King and Queen of the Ring PLE. Lynch went on hiatus after months of contract speculation, and then on June 1, it was reported that the 37-year-old was a free agent as her WWE contract had expired. There had been light rumors on Lynch potentially going to AEW, but most expected her to stay affiliated with World Wrestling Entertainment.

Backstage sources have just revealed how talents were also surprised at how Lynch did not return on RAW this week. Fightful Select adds that many in the locker room expected Becky to be on the show, but she was never scheduled for the red brand's Netflix premiere. There are rumors about WWE cutting Lynch's return from the show, but that talk is incorrect and pure speculation.

Lynch was not at the Intuit Dome for Monday's RAW and wasn't even in Los Angeles. The rumor mill fueled talk of Lynch returning this week after she appeared at a few Netflix-related promotional events, but the new mother-of-one confirmed to people that she was just there to support.

Fans continue to speculate on potential WrestleMania 41 plans for Becky Balboa. Sources noted that while husband Seth Rollins may be locking up with Gunther on The Grandest Stage of Them All, Becky had no plans for WrestleMania Vegas in the works as of the end of 2024, and no return plans were solidified at that point either. However, multiple sources have expected her to be factored into plans.

While there's no concrete word on when the nine-time WWE champion will be back, sources report that Lynch has always planned to return. Furthermore, both sides have expected to continue doing business together for some time.

WWE to crown new women's champion

Becky Lynch is set to return to World Wrestling Entertainment in the near future, and she will have a new championship to chase. The inaugural Women's Intercontinental Champion is scheduled to be crowned on next Monday's RAW.

Officials have confirmed the tournament finals for next week with Dakota Kai vs. Lyra Valkyria. Kai secured her spot by picking up wins over Katana Chance and Shayna Baszler in the opening round Triple Threat, then Zoey Stark in the semi-finals. Valkyria conquered Ivy Nile and Zelina Vega in her Triple Threat, then defeated IYO SKY in the semis.

The SmackDown brand also recently introduced a secondary women's championship. The tournament finals at Saturday Night's Main Event on December 14 saw Chelsea Green defeat Michin to become the inaugural Women's United States Champion.