17 hours ago
4 ARTICLE AD
Welcome to another edition of Monday Night Raw on Netflix! Tonight we’re crowing the inaugural Women’s Intercontinental Champion! As a long time women’s wrestling fan, I never thought we’d see the day let alone get to cover the action. I’m really happy we made it this far ya’ll… anyways, let’s dive in!
Judgment Day opened the show, but the real drama started when Liv Morgan and Raquel Rodriguez interrupted their locker room strategy session. Liv wasted no time making it clear she’s not just after the Women’s World Championship—she’s still living rent-free in Rhea Ripley’s head.
WWE Women’s Intercontinental Championship: Lyra Valkyria vs. Dakota Kai
This was the match of the night—fast-paced, hard-hitting, and overflowing with counters that had the crowd on the edge of their seats. The bell rang, and the two locked up with Lyra quickly taking control, showing why she’s a rising force in the division.
Lyra countered Dakota’s early offense with a wristlock and into a suplex attempt, only for Dakota to showcase her veteran instincts with a leaping snapmare. The action spilled to the outside, where Lyra introduced Dakota to the apron with a shove that echoed through the arena. Lyra’s attempt at a dropkick through the ropes was countered when Dakota slammed her onto the mat from the apron. Ouch!
Back from the break, Lyra had Dakota trapped in a bow-and-arrow submission, wrenching her spine like a human slingshot. Dakota fought free and countered a fisherman’s suplex into a nearfall, keeping the audience guessing. From there, Lyra delivering a top-rope rocker dropper that nearly sealed the win.
But Dakota wouldn’t stay down, hitting her patented GTK finisher. Lyra barely survived, rolling outside to regroup. Dakota’s follow-up kick missed its mark, and Lyra capitalized with a Sling Blade before hitting Nightwing for the decisive three-count.
Winner and Inaugural Women’s Intercontinental Champion: Lyra Valkyria
Rhea Ripley arrived to a hero’s welcome, basking in chants of “MAMI!” With her Women’s World Championship firmly in hand, Rhea reminded everyone why she’s the most dominant force in WWE.
But wait—here comes Nia Jax. Yes, Nia Jax. Fresh from a backstage chat with Adam Pearce, Nia stormed the ring to announce her Royal Rumble intentions. In true Nia fashion, she declared herself the true queen of the division, taking shots at Rhea, Tiffany Stratton, and even hometown hero Bayley.
Bayley wasn’t having it, stepping up to Nia with a mic drop of her own. “Say it to my face, you big old dumb idiot!” she barked, proving once again why she’s one of the best talkers in the business. Things quickly escalated into chaos as Nia shoved Bayley and headbutted Rhea. Bayley retaliated with a knee strike, and Rhea cleaned house with a thunderous kick that sent Nia packing.
The Intercontinental Title Match was exciting, fun and unpredictable! The ladder being something that has been lacking from wrestling program for quite some time. At least for me.
Lyra is an excellent choice for an inaugural champion. She’s deserving, talented and over with the fans. Dakota was my personal choice and while I would’ve loved to see Kai get her flowers last night, Lyra is deserving of this accolade too.
All in all, I’m ecstatic we have a Women’s Intercontinental Title in WWE. Sound off in the comments below and stay mindful!!
