The WWE Universe is accustomed to fan-less events as professional wrestling's largest promotion continues to air weekly shows at the WWE Performance Center. Coming off the WWE Money In The Bank pay-per-view, the following night's WWE Raw offered a surprise no one was really expecting.
To start the show, reigning Raw Women's Champion Becky Lynch took the microphone. Showing a wave of emotions never really seen by the WWE superstar we've come to know as "The Man," Lynch announced that she'd "have to go away for a while." The news, however, was anything but sad or negative.
Mid-promo, Asuka entered with her MITB briefcase in the ring. Asuka won the women's Money In The Bank ladder match the previous night, which entails the briefcase's winner a contract to wrestle for a WWE championship anywhere, any time. (Otis captured the men's MITB briefcase.)
Her briefcase wasn't for a contract, though. Lynch was relinquishing the Raw women's title, which she held for 399 days — It's the second-longest reign in modern women's history, according to CBS Sports.
But why was Lynch, who's real name is Rebecca Quin, stepping away?
"You are the champion. And as happy as you are to be the champion, I might be a little bit happier," Lynch told Asuka on Monday Night Raw. "So you go and be a warrior 'cause I'm going to go be a mother."
WWE's Becky Lynch Announces Pregnancy
"I've always, always wanted kids," Lynch told PEOPLE in an interview prior to her announcement. "I'm just so career-focused that it became one of those things that, when you're chasing a dream for so long, I always wondered, 'Am I going to get around to it? Is it going to happen for me?'"
Lynch began with WWE back in 2013 as the "Irish Lass Kicker" and blossomed into arguably the company's most marketable star. She defeated Ronda Rousey and Charlotte Flair in WrestleMania 35's main event to capture both the Raw Women's Championship and Smackdown Women's Championship, and she successfully defended that Raw title for over a year.
Lynch was named Sports Illustrated's Women's Wrestler of the Year in 2018 and 2019, and she was the WWE 2K20 cover athlete alongside Roman Reigns.
Becky Lynch Gives Birth
UPDATE (December 7, 2020): Becky Lynch and fiancé Seth Rollins officially welcomed their first child, Roux, into the world on Monday. Both Lynch and Rollins posted pics to their Instagram accounts.
"Welcome to the world Roux. You are the love of our lives. #andnew" she wrote in a caption.
Fellow WWE wrestlers like Carmella, Mandy Rose, Billie Kay and Lana all congratulated Becky in the comments.
Just six days ago, Lynch showed off her baby bump in a maternity photoshoot wearing a Black Lives Matter hat. Congrats to Becky and Seth on their new little one!
Who Is The Father of Becky Lynch's Baby?
RELATED: Becky Lynch's Net Worth: "The Man" Brings in the Big Bucks
Seth Rollins, currently one of WWE's most polarizing heels and one of the most decorated champions of this era, is the father of Lynch's first child.
The WWE stars began dating in May 2019 and engaged the following August. They were set on being married this spring, but the coronavirus pandemic and spread of COVID-19 changed their plans.
"Seth is one of the smartest people I know. He's just got an insane work ethic, insane integrity and he is the most generous, kindhearted person. He's very, very focused on what the right thing to do is and always looking to grow and correct himself and be better so he can be the best person for me, and now, the best father."
— Becky Lynch, via PEOPLE
The couple learned about the pregnancy in April, as Lynch told PEOPLE. They kept it very quiet, and many people inside WWE had no idea about the news until the segment took place, according to WrestlingNews.co.
Lynch doesn't foresee a timetable for her return to the WWE ring. Her focus shifts to this next chapter of motherhood and starting a family, something the 33-year-old native of Dublin, Ireland dreamed about.
"I have no idea what happens from here, but I do know that you've made all my dreams come true," Lynch said on Twitter. "I entered the PC in 2013 not knowing anyone, I'll leave that same building tonight with my new family. Thank you all so much."
This post was originally published on May 12, 2020, but was updated following the birth of Becky and Seth's baby.
