At WrestleMania 40, Rhea Ripley defeated Becky Lynch to retain her Women’s World Championship, achieving the biggest victory of her career. This match was a culmination of months of anticipation and buildup by WWE, positioning Ripley as one of the top stars in the women’s division. The victory over Lynch, a legendary star in her own right, solidified Ripley’s status as a dominant force in WWE. With Lynch’s future in the company uncertain due to her expiring contract, Ripley’s win may have implications for the direction of the women’s division moving forward.
Lynch’s loss to Ripley raised questions about her contract negotiations with WWE, as she has yet to sign a new deal with the company. In recent months, several major stars, including Drew McIntyre, have struggled to come to terms on new contracts with WWE, leading to speculation about their futures with the company. Lynch’s positioning as a top star in WWE may mean that she is seeking a significant deal to stay with the company, especially in light of other high-profile signings and departures in the wrestling world.
The recent signing of Mercedes Mone, formerly known as Sasha Banks in WWE, to a record-breaking deal with WWE has set a precedent for women’s wrestlers seeking lucrative contracts. Mone’s decision to sign with WWE over other promotions, including AEW, highlights the importance of financial considerations in contract negotiations for top stars. Lynch’s loss to Ripley, coupled with the uncertainty surrounding her contract status, raises the question of whether WWE is willing to meet her demands and secure her long-term future with the company.
The changing landscape of the wrestling industry, with stars like Mone and Lynch negotiating groundbreaking deals, has implications for WWE’s approach to contract negotiations with top talent. As more wrestlers seek higher pay and greater creative control, WWE may need to reassess its strategy for retaining key performers and attracting new talent. The departure of high-profile stars like Mone and Lynch could signal a shift in the balance of power between wrestlers and promotions, leading to a more competitive market for top-tier talent.
Despite Lynch’s loss at WrestleMania 40, her status as a marquee star in WWE remains undisputed, and her decision on whether to re-sign with the company will have significant repercussions for the women’s division. With Ripley emerging victorious over Lynch, WWE may be signaling a new era in which rising stars like Ripley take center stage and established veterans like Lynch face uncertain futures. The aftermath of WrestleMania 40 and the upcoming contract negotiations for Lynch will provide insight into the future direction of WWE and the broader wrestling industry.
