There Was A Heel Turn During WWE Raw

The relationship between the “Queen of Harts” Natalya and her protege Maxxine Dupri imploded in spectacular fashion tonight on Monday Night Raw. What began as a championship opportunity for the rising star turned into a nightmare of betrayal, leaving the Belfast crowd stunned. Becky Lynch defended her Women’s Intercontinental Championship against Dupri, who had earned the shot through weeks of hard work and guidance under the tutelage of the Hart Dungeon graduate.

The Student Surpasses The Master?

For much of the match, it appeared that the student was ready to graduate. Maxxine Dupri put on the performance of her career, countering “The Man” at several key turns and showcasing a technical prowess clearly influenced by Natalya. The champion found herself on the defensive, struggling to put away the challenger. The turning point came late in the match when Dupri seemingly had the bout won. She hit her signature maneuver and hooked the leg for what looked like a guaranteed three-count.

The Ultimate Betrayal

However, victory was snatched away not by the champion, but by Dupri’s own cornerman. Just as the referee’s hand was coming down for the three, Natalya reached into the ring and placed Becky Lynch’s foot on the bottom rope. The referee, noticing the rope break, immediately waved off the pinfall. A confused Maxxine stood up, staring at her mentor in shock, unable to comprehend why her partner would sabotage the biggest moment of her career.

The distraction proved fatal. With Maxxine’s eyes off the ball, Becky Lynch capitalized on the confusion. She grabbed the challenger and planted her with a Manhandle Slam to secure the pinfall and retain her Women’s Intercontinental Championship. Lynch, seemingly aware that she escaped by the skin of her teeth, took her title and exited quickly, leaving the drama in the ring to unfold.

A Post-Match Assault

Any hope for a misunderstanding was erased moments later. As a devastated Maxxine tried to plead with Natalya, the veteran snapped. Natalya launched a vicious assault on her former student, beating her down in the center of the ring. The attack signaled a definitive end to their partnership and a heel turn for the Guinness World Record holder, who seemingly grew jealous of her student’s rapid ascent toward gold.

Royal Rumble Implications

This shocking turn adds a volatile new layer to the women’s division as the road to the Royal Rumble heats up. With the event in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, just weeks away on January 31, it is highly likely that both Natalya and Maxxine Dupri will be entrants in the 30-woman over-the-top-rope match. If their paths cross in the Kingdom, their collision could be one of the most heated moments of the night. Meanwhile, Becky Lynch moves forward with her title reign intact, having survived a scare in her home territory, though she now knows there is a target on her back from every angle.