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Becky Lynch Heel Turn Was Reportedly Inspired By Roman Reigns

By TJR Staff • Published 27th August 2021

After receiving a hero’s welcome as she hit the ring for the first time in over a year at SummerSlam, Becky Lynch quickly defeated beloved SmackDown Women’s Champion Bianca Belair.

While Lynch departed WWE in May 2020 as one of the biggest stars and fan favourites in WWE, reports have suggested that she has something new in mind now that she’s returned. Following SummerSlam it was reported by Dave Meltzer on Wrestling Observer Radio, that Lynch had asked to come back as a heel.

Writing in the latest edition of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter Meltzer has now provided some more information on Lynch’s character. Not only will The Man be performing as a heel, but it was also a move that was inspired by Roman Reigns.

The current Universal Champion made his own return to WWE at SummerSlam in 2020, where he embarked on a heel run for the first time in his career. In the year that followed, Reigns has earned plaudits far and wide for his performances with many suggesting that he has never been better. Wrestler of the year in WWE? Most likely.

Discussing Lynch’s decision, Meltzer said that she may see it as a personal challenge, especially as it makes “zero sense” from a business perspective.

“Lynch had asked to return as a heel. Some have said in the company she was inspired by Reigns, and the reality is to many, being a heel is more fun. Of course, the last time she tried to go heel, she became the most popular wrestler in the company and the hottest woman wrestling star the company had ever had. Maybe it’s just a personal challenge, because from a business standpoint the move makes zero sense. A truly loved babyface is very rare and hard to replace, and there needs to be the start of underlying resentment from the fans along with a better younger babyface ready to take the spot for it to make sense. Belair has charisma and is a better athlete than Lynch, but there are no signs that she will be anywhere near as strong a babyface as Lynch was.”

Becky Lynch wasn’t the only former champion to return at SummerSlam as Brock Lesnar also returned at the summer spectacular.

Interestingly both Superstars, at least for the time being, will be appearing on SmackDown. While fans are understandably excited by the move, it hasn’t gone down well with everyone. A new report has suggested that the USA Network, the home of Monday Night RAW, are “not thrilled” that both Superstars are heading to the blue brand.

The report from Andrew Zarian of The Mat Men podcast closed by saying that SmackDown is “the main product show.”