Adam Pearce, General Manager of WWE RAW, has rejected a formal petition from Becky Lynch requesting the suspension of referee Jessika Carr following Lynch’s loss of the Women’s Intercontinental Championship at the Elimination Chamber event. Pearce announced his decision in a video statement released Monday evening, addressing the controversy that has escalated in recent days.
The petition, submitted through representatives of Lynch and spearheaded by Holly Hudson, president of “Becky Believers” HQ, alleged impropriety in Carr’s officiating during the championship match against A.J. Lee. Lynch had previously threatened to boycott the March 2nd episode of RAW if her demands were not met, a position she has not yet altered.
Pearce confirmed he had thoroughly reviewed both the petition and footage of the match. “Good evening, ladies and gentlemen. We see now just past 8pm Eastern as I sit in Indianapolis in preparation for Monday Night RAW… But I come to you in this hour in review and after review of a petition submitted to my office through representatives of one Rebecca Lynch,” Pearce stated in the video. He emphasized the seriousness with which he approached the allegations, reading directly from the petition to underscore the claims that Carr’s actions had compromised the integrity of WWE officiating.
“I have reviewed your allegations… and have gone over the footage of the match last night at the Elimination Chamber in Chicago between Rebecca Lynch and A.J. Lee for the Women’s Intercontinental Championship, specifically centering around the alleged improprieties allegedly committed by referee Jessica Carr,” Pearce explained. The petition argued that Carr’s performance was “inexcusable” and demanded disciplinary action, claiming a pattern of unfair officiating when Carr is assigned to Lynch’s matches.
Pearce defended the challenging nature of officiating high-stakes championship bouts, acknowledging the split-second decisions referees must make. “When it comes to the job of a WWE referee, I don’t understand that there are many jobs in our company that are more important… Her decisions are split second and in the moment and of paramount importance,” he said. He framed his role as an arbiter, stating, “Part of my jobs at WWE is to act as an arbiter. And in some cases you might make the argument that I am judge, jury and executioner.”
Despite the gravity of the accusations and the extensive review, Pearce ultimately denied the request for Carr’s suspension. “So I have reviewed this petition in depth. I have reviewed and re reviewed and re, re, re reviewed the footage from last night at the Elimination Chamber. And when it comes to the suspension, the request for the suspension of referee Jessica Carr without question… As much as it may pain me to say Becky, the answer is no.”
Lynch’s reaction to Pearce’s decision was not immediately available. However, sources indicate she is “shocked” and “disappointed” by the outcome. The situation remains unresolved as the March 2nd episode of RAW approaches, leaving the question of Lynch’s participation – and potential boycott – unanswered.
