Sol Ruca made history on Sunday at WWE Clash in Italy. She defeated Becky Lynch to capture the Women’s Intercontinental Championship. Furthermore, she became the first Black woman to hold the title since the belt was introduced.
The victory took place at Inalpi Arena in Torino di Sangro, Italy, on May 31, 2026. Ruca closed out the match with her signature Sol Snatcher finisher. The win marks one of the biggest moments of her young WWE career.
Sol Ruca Defeats Becky Lynch at WWE Clash in Italy
This match was a rematch from their earlier encounter at Saturday Night’s Main Event. During that first bout, Lynch shoved referee Jessica Carr into Ruca’s path as Ruca went for the Sol Snatcher. Carr called for a disqualification, handing Ruca the win by default.
However, neither woman was satisfied with how things ended. Lynch felt Ruca had not earned a true victory. Ruca, meanwhile, still had something to prove against one of WWE’s biggest stars.
SmackDown GM Nick Aldis Books Title Rematch for Rising Star
SmackDown General Manager Nick Aldis stepped in and booked a proper rematch. This time, the Women’s Intercontinental Championship was on the line. Ruca accepted the challenge and delivered when it mattered most.
Lynch pulled out every tactic she could think of during the match. She talked trash, shoved Carr into the ropes to knock Ruca down, and even attempted a Sol Snatcher of her own. Nevertheless, none of it was enough to stop the rising star.
Historic Win Ends Becky Lynch’s 43-Day Championship Reign
As the match reached its climax, Ruca hit a sudden Sol Snatcher out of nowhere. The move floored Lynch and ended her reign as champion. Lynch had held the title for 43 days after winning it at WrestleMania 42.
That WrestleMania victory had made Lynch the first three-time Women’s Intercontinental Champion since the belt was created. Still, Ruca proved to be a challenge Lynch could not overcome. The torch has now been passed to a new generation.
Sol Ruca’s Rise From NXT to WWE’s Main Roster
Ruca had already been turning heads long before this championship moment. Back in December, she defeated Bayley at Saturday Night’s Main Event. That win came after John Cena personally selected her to appear on the card.
Before that, she had established herself as one of NXT’s top prospects. Her athleticism and in-ring ability set her apart from the crowd. Consequently, her call-up to the main roster was seen as a matter of when, not if.
First Black Woman to Hold the WWE Women’s Intercontinental Championship
Beyond the championship win itself, Ruca’s victory carries significant historical weight. She is the first Black woman to hold the Women’s Intercontinental Championship in WWE history. That milestone adds another layer of meaning to an already landmark night.
Representation in sports entertainment continues to grow, and Ruca’s moment reflects that progress. Her championship win is expected to resonate deeply with fans who have long called for more diversity at the top of WWE. Her reign now begins with history already behind her name.
