AJ Lee Defeats Becky Lynch for Women's Intercontinental Title at Elimination Chamber

The former Divas Champion wins her first WWE title in 11 years

Mar. 3, 2026 at 3:31am

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In a surprise match at WWE Elimination Chamber 2026, AJ Lee defeated Becky Lynch to capture the Women's Intercontinental Championship. Lee, who returned to WWE last year, forced Lynch to tap out to the Black Widow submission hold to become a champion in WWE for the first time since 2015.

Why it matters

The match between Lee and Lynch was expected to be saved for WrestleMania 42, but WWE decided to book it at Elimination Chamber instead, likely setting up a rematch between the two stars at the company's biggest event of the year.

The details

Despite Lynch's attempts to cheat, Lee was able to overcome the Women's Intercontinental Champion and win the title. This marks Lee's third victory over Lynch since her return to WWE last year, including a win at WrestlePalooza and a WarGames match at Survivor Series.

  • AJ Lee returned to WWE in 2025 after a decade away from the ring.
  • Lee defeated Becky Lynch and Seth Rollins at WrestlePalooza in September 2025.
  • Lee's Survivor Series team defeated Lynch's squad in a WarGames match in November 2025.
  • The match between Lee and Lynch for the Women's Intercontinental Championship took place at WWE Elimination Chamber 2026 on March 1, 2026.

The players

AJ Lee

A former Divas Champion who returned to WWE in 2025 after a decade away from the ring.

Becky Lynch

The reigning Women's Intercontinental Champion who has spent the past year elevating the title.

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What they’re saying

“After a decade out of the ring, Lee returned to WWE last year and, alongside her husband CM Punk, faced and defeated Lynch and Seth Rollins at last September's WrestlePalooza.”

— Blake Oestriecher, Author

What’s next

With Lee's victory, Lynch is expected to campaign for a rematch at WrestleMania 42, where the two stars will likely clash again for the Women's Intercontinental Championship.

The takeaway

AJ Lee's win over Becky Lynch at Elimination Chamber sets up a highly anticipated rematch between the two stars at WrestleMania 42, as Lee looks to cement her return to WWE with her first title reign in 11 years.