Becky Lynch Returns To WWE, Squashes Bianca Belair At SummerSlam 2021

Becky Lynch is back... yay! Bianca Belair got squashed... boo!

by Andy H Murray
Becky Lynch
WWE

Becky Lynch left WWE SummerSlam 2021 as the new SmackDown Women's Champion, crushing Bianca Belair in a sensational comeback.

Belair was originally scheduled to defend her belt against WrestleMania 37 opponent Sasha Banks. Though WWE advertised the match up until bell-time, it was confirmed following Belair's ring entrance the Banks hadn't been cleared to compete, leading to Carmella being announced as the replacement challenger.

Understandably, this went down like a fart in an elevator. This appeared to be the plan, though, as Lynch's music hit as Belair was readying herself for Carmella, drawing a building-shaking pop.

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Becky beat Carmella down, leaving her in no condition to compete, before challenging Belair to a title fight. Bianca said "yes," which turned out to be the biggest mistake of her WWE career thus far, as Lynch put Belair down with her Manhandle Slam.

The match lasted 25 seconds. WWE's story is that Belair wasn't ready for Lynch, having prepared for Banks, hence the quick defeat.

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This was the first time Lynch has been on WWE screens since May 2020, when she forfeited the Raw Women's Title to Asuka after announcing her pregnancy. She gave birth to her and Seth Rollin's first daughter, Roux, in December.

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Andy has been with WhatCulture for six years and is currently WhatCulture's Senior Wrestling Reporter. A writer, presenter, and editor with 10+ years of experience in online media, he has been a sponge for all wrestling knowledge since playing an old Royal Rumble 1992 VHS to ruin in his childhood. Having previously worked for Bleacher Report, Andy specialises in short and long-form writing, video presenting, voiceover acting, and editing, all characterised by expert wrestling knowledge and commentary. Andy is as much a fan of 1985 Jim Crockett Promotions as he is present-day AEW and WWE - just don't make him choose between the two.