Becky Lynch Reflects on Her Unexpected Path to the Historic SmackDown Women’s Championship

Becky Lynch has provided insight into a pivotal moment in her WWE career, revealing that she was not the original selection to capture the inaugural SmackDown Women’s Championship.

Following the 2016 brand split, WWE established distinct championships for each roster. The SmackDown Women’s Championship was introduced at Backlash, with Lynch ultimately prevailing in a landmark six-pack elimination match.

Lynch overcame Natalya, Naomi, Nikki Bella, Carmella, and Alexa Bliss to become the first-ever SmackDown Women’s Champion. However, she contends that WWE had alternate plans for that historic occasion.

Becky Lynch recalls WWE’s original plans for the first SmackDown Women’s Championship

During an appearance on No-Contest Wrestling, Becky Lynch discussed her championship victory and explained how audience reaction ultimately influenced WWE’s direction. Lynch stated, “It was one of those situations where I was simply tired of taking a backseat, and that frustration was genuine. It was like constantly being close to getting the opportunity, yet never being the one selected—never being the one they would hand the torch to and say, ‘This is our girl. Go make the most of it.'”

Lynch disclosed that Nikki Bella was reportedly the original choice for the historic title. “Even the first time I won the SmackDown Women’s Championship—the first-ever, correct?—that wasn’t the plan. It wasn’t the plan at all. No, but I believe it was meant to go to Nikki Bella, who had just returned from a broken neck and was performing incredibly well. However, the audience responded positively to me, and once that became apparent, they began chanting ‘Becky.'”

According to Lynch, WWE officials took notice of the crowd’s enthusiasm. She explained, “The decision-makers in the office had to acknowledge that, and they realized they needed to go with me. I don’t think the plan was ever to give it to me again unless I took it for myself. That opportunity arose, and I decided I wasn’t going to sit back and wait. I was going to make this as compelling as possible.”

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