AJ Lee Wins Women's IC Title At WWE Elimination Chamber

Chicago native AJ Lee defeats Becky Lynch to become new champion

Mar. 3, 2026 at 3:23am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

In a highly anticipated match at WWE's Elimination Chamber pay-per-view, AJ Lee defeated Becky Lynch to become the new Women's Intercontinental Champion. The match featured high-intensity action with both women utilizing their technical and submission skills, as well as some outside interference that nearly cost Lee the victory. However, Lee was able to lock in her signature Black Widow submission hold to force Lynch to tap out, marking Lee's first singles title win in over a decade.

Why it matters

This victory is a major milestone for AJ Lee, a former three-time Divas Champion who has been away from WWE for several years. Her return to the ring and championship win will surely excite her hometown fans in Chicago and reignite her rivalry with Becky Lynch, one of the top women's wrestlers in WWE today.

The details

The match began with a tense lock-up between the two competitors, showcasing Lee's technical prowess against Lynch's more aggressive style. After failing to secure an early submission, Lee resorted to high-risk maneuvers like a second-rope DDT and running knee strike to try and put away the champion. However, Lynch's underhanded tactics, including exposing the steel turnbuckle and attacking the referee, nearly gave her the edge. But Lee was able to capitalize on Lynch's frustrations, locking in the Black Widow submission hold to force the champion to tap out and become the new Women's Intercontinental Champion.

  • The match took place at WWE's Elimination Chamber pay-per-view on March 1, 2026.
  • Lee's victory marked her first singles title win in over a decade.

The players

AJ Lee

A former three-time WWE Divas Champion who is making her return to the company after a long hiatus. She is a technical wrestling specialist known for her submission moves.

Becky Lynch

The reigning and now former WWE Women's Intercontinental Champion, known for her aggressive in-ring style and heated rivalry with AJ Lee.

Jessika Karr

The referee who was involved in the match, getting caught up in the action between Lee and Lynch.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Chicago, let's light it up. AJ Lee is your new WWE Women's Intercontinental Champion.”

— AJ Lee

What’s next

With AJ Lee's victory, a rematch between her and Becky Lynch for the Women's Intercontinental Championship is likely to be booked in the near future, continuing their long-standing rivalry.

The takeaway

AJ Lee's championship win at Elimination Chamber marks a triumphant return for the former Divas Champion, who has proven she can still compete at the highest level in WWE. Her technical wrestling skills and submission expertise make her a formidable champion, and her victory will surely delight her passionate fanbase in Chicago.