Backstage Update On WWE Pulling Becky Lynch/Trish Stratus From SummerSlam 2023

Latest on Becky Lynch vs. Trish Stratus NOT being booked for WWE SummerSlam 2023.

Aug 2, 2023 August 2nd, 2023

WWE's decision not to book Trish Stratus vs. Becky Lynch for SummerSlam 2023 (5 August) was originally going to see the bout pushed to its next premium live event, Payback.

Fightful Select reports that WWE pivoted away from plans to book Stratus/Lynch for SummerSlam this past weekend. The promotion had discussed hosting the clash on the 2 September PayBack PLE instead of SummerSlam, though this was before announcing it for the 14 August episode of Raw.

Fightful has also moved to squash growing online rumours that Lynch is/was due to take time off around SummerSlam, which isn't true.

Lynch has spent the past few months campaigning for a rematch with Stratus, who defeated her through nefarious means at Night of Champions 2023 on 27 May. Raw saw Trish once again deny Becky that opportunity this week. Authority figure Adam Pearce intervened, booking an impromptu bout between the rivals, though Zoey Stark attacked Lynch meant the match ended via disqualification in just a few seconds.

Later, Pearce announced that Stratus vs. Lynch will take place on the 14 August Raw, with Stark banned from ringside to prevent further interferences.

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Andy has been with WhatCulture for six years and is currently WhatCulture's Senior Wrestling Reporter. A writer, presenter, and editor with 10+ years of experience in online media, he has been a sponge for all wrestling knowledge since playing an old Royal Rumble 1992 VHS to ruin in his childhood. Having previously worked for Bleacher Report, Andy specialises in short and long-form writing, video presenting, voiceover acting, and editing, all characterised by expert wrestling knowledge and commentary. Andy is as much a fan of 1985 Jim Crockett Promotions as he is present-day AEW and WWE - just don't make him choose between the two.

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