Becky Lynch’s Biggest Feuds: Analyzing the rivalry with Natalya

Breaking down WWE superstar Becky Lynch’s greatest rivalries. Next on the list? Natalya.

In the first article of this series, I took a look at Becky Lynch’s first feud as part of the Blue Brand against Alexa Bliss. As I was writing up that piece, I started thinking about which of Becky Lynch’s WWE rivalries would make for a seamless continuation of this series, and my mind immediately settled on Natalya.

So, as promised…

Next Up: Becky Lynch vs Natalya.

The Beginning of Becky Lynch vs. Natalya

When I was writing the first article in this series, my focus was on how Becky Lynch ( a veteran in her own right) and Alexa Bliss (who was relatively new to the industry) interacted in their feud. Suffice it to say, those parameters are not applicable in this case. The focus is no longer ” Veteran vs Rookie”. No, the focus is on two industry veterans.

The Man and The Queen of Blackharts have crossed paths several times, both before, and during their careers within the WWE.  If I were to write about each and every time these two incredible superstars have stood in the ring, be it on the same or on opposing sides (Welcoming committee, anyone?), we’d be a here a while. Spanning from their matches on the British, Canadian, and Japanese independent circuits earlier in both their careers to their matches on WWE’s main roster just a few years ago, Becky and Natalya have had some fun matches.

However, for this article, I won’t be focusing on any of the above-mentioned matches. No, for now, the focus is completely on a very recent feud. A feud that happened just over one year ago. The feud that led to a submission match at the 2019 SummerSlam PPV.

The Build Up To Becky Lynch vs. Natalya at WWE SummerSlam

2019 was an incredible year for Becky. She had started out the year by winning the Royal Rumble leading to her Main Eventing Wrestle Mania and becoming #Becky2Belts albeit with some significant bumps   on the road ( we’ll talk about  those in the next article).

Natalya lasted an impressive 56 minutes and 1 second in the very same Rumble that Becky won. She would also compete in several matches here and there, including a failed attempt at  the WWE Women’s Tag Team Championships with long time friend – and current NXT Commentator – Beth Phoenix, at the Fastlane PPV that year.

On the July 15th episode of Monday Night Raw, Natalya would defeat Alexa Bliss, Naomi, and Carmella in a Fatal Four-way elimination match to become the No. 1 Contender for Becky’s Raw Women’s Championship.  The post-match interview would kickoff the feud at the center of this article, leading to a Submissions match for the RAW Women’s Championship at the SummerSlam 2019 pay-per-view that was to be held in Natalya’s Home Country of Canada.

The Dis- Arm-Her vs. The Sharp Shooter

Becky Lynch vs. Natalya was the first match on the main card for SummerSlam 2019, and they were both determined to prove they’re naysayers wrong.  Were they able to do what they set out to do? Absolutely. From the bell to bell,  Becky and Natalya proved with every move, why they are considered to be two of the best technical wrestlers in the industry.

The match was full of incredible counters, painful-looking submissions (the top rope Sharpshooter), and creative escapes (Becky Lynch escaping the previously-mentioned Sharpshooter), but by far the best parts were when they’d trade finishers.

It was clear to all watching that these two competitors had taken the time to study each other, and each woman adopted her style of wrestling to her opponent to create a submission match most in the wrestling world would consider the one of the best pure technique-based wrestling in both their careers.

What does the future hold for Becky Lynch, Natalya in WWE?

The recently concluded WWE Draft for 2020, saw Natalya drafted back to SmackDown. The move was very much needed as a boost in her career, and will hopefully lead to fresh possible feuds with the likes of  SmackDown Women’s Champion Bayley, or even the EST of WWE, Bianca Belair.

As for Becky Lynch, the Irish superstar is currently on hiatus as she is pregnant with her first child, so as of right now there’s no telling when she’ll be back in the ring, or which brand she’ll end up on. If and hopefully when she does return, however, wrestling fans wouldn’t mind seeing her mix it up in the ring with Natalya again.

Or how about a feud with Natalya’s friend, training partner, and focus of the next part of this series, Ronda Rousey?

Next up, Becky Lynch vs Ronda Rousey.

See you then.