Becky Lynch overcame AJ Lee at WrestleMania 42, Night 1 in Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, to reclaim the WWE Intercontinental Championship. Lynch’s victory on Saturday night was marked by what some might call questionable methods.
Lynch’s Tactics Prove Decisive
The match started at a fast pace. The wrestlers quickly moved to the outside of the ring, where Lee executed a Fallaway Slam against the barricade. Back in the ring, Lynch attempted to cheat by removing a corner turnbuckle, but referee Jessica Carr intervened.
Lee then connected with a missile drop kick and attempted a Black Widow submission. However, Lynch countered with a Powerbomb after Lee’s failed Shining Wizard attempt.
Lee went for a second Black Widow submission. But she was too close to the corner. Lynch slung her into it. Lee then suffered a Manhandle Slam, but kicked out at two.
Controversy in the Closing Moments
Lynch then confronted Carr, and they began to shove each other. Lynch ran toward the champion, only to be caught in her own move. Lee landed the Manhandle Slam.
After some strikes, Lynch went for another Manhandle Slam, but Lee countered with the Black Widow, locking it on. Lynch escaped by pulling Lee’s hair. That created an opportunity for Lynch to remove the turnbuckle again, use Carr as a shield against a Lee splash, and then knock Lee into the exposed metal before hitting the Manhandle Slam. This allowed Lynch to become a three-time WWE Intercontinental Champion.
Full WrestleMania 42 Night 1 results, highlights and match-by-match updates are available.