Becky Lynch's aim to inspire young women ahead of first trip to Saudi Arabia for WWE Crown Jewel

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Becky Lynch

Becky Lynch is one of the biggest stars in WWE in recent years - and her latest challenge is to turn the tide in Saudi Arabia and inspire young women.

The 34-year-old rose to prominence in 2018 and 2019, feuding with former UFC champion Ronda Rousey as they became the first women to main-event WrestleMania alongside Charlotte Flair.

After a year-long run with the Raw Women's Title, Lynch stepped aside at the start of the pandemic after announcing she was pregnant with her first child.

Lynch and fellow WWE superstar Seth Rollins welcomed baby girl Roux into the world earlier this year - and just months later, she was back in the ring for SummerSlam in August. 

In a recent interview supplied by WWE in the lead-up to the Crown Jewel PPV on October 22nd (AEDT), Lynch spoke about how motherhood has changed her outlook on many things - especially social media. 

“One thing I find I look at differently now (that I am mother) is social media and how that affects people, and how it affects young people in particular," she said.

"You may have noticed but I don't really post as much anymore, and it’s very much around the narrative of how we empower women to use our voices in an appropriate way, especially when there is so much noise all the time.

"I think I am very much still trying to figure all that out, but I think anything I do has that much more weight to it now I am a mom.”

Lynch has since captured the SmackDown Women's Title, and will defend the title at Crown Jewel in a triple-threat match against Sasha Banks and Bianca Belair.

With the event taking place in Saudi Arabia - a country that has only recently allowed female wrestlers to perform - it's up to athletes like Lynch to inspire young women.

“This will be my first trip to Saudi Arabia, but I have only heard great things about the country from the guys who have already been over," she said.

"Everyone is so nice when the guys go over and the people there are so grateful and appreciative of us going there and performing - so I can't wait to be there and see all this for myself.

"Being able to inspire people is the most important thing - that's why we do this. We are seeing a whole new generation of women and kids and hopefully showing them what is possible and what can be done.

“I think it is all about being true to yourself and trusting your gut. As women, and as people, we often don't trust ourselves enough and I don't know where that comes from.

"As you grow up, we are always told to be careful, and don't do this or that, but I do think you have an inner voice that never serves you wrong.

"I don't recall ever thinking in my life that I wish I didn't trust my gut. Once we follow our intuition is always brings us to good places.

"It is hugely important for us to go over there and steal the show - which of course we will."

Lynch's battle with Banks and Belair will certainly be one of the show-stealers on a stacked card in Riyadh, that will also feature a clash between Roman Reigns and Brock Lesnar. 

Asked what fans can expect from Lynch in her defence of the title, the champion remained confident and has no doubt they will steal the show. 

“Firstly, people can expect me to walk out there still the Smackdown Women's Champion," she said.

"In addition to that they can expect a barnstormer of a match.

"Any time you get myself, Sasha Banks and Bianca Belair - three of the best in the industry regardless of gender - you know you are going to be watching something very special and there is no doubt that match will steal the show.”

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Liam O'Loughlin Photo

Liam is a content producer for The Sporting News Australia.