Since October 2023, Lyra Valkyria has taken the WWE by storm, capturing the NXT Championship by defeating her lifelong idol Becky Lynch at Halloween Havoc. Over the past year, the Irish wrestler’s journey has accelerated dramatically, culminating in major milestones that have positioned her as one of WWE’s most promising talents. In May 2024, Valkyria was promoted to the main roster, and by January 2025, she became the inaugural Women’s Intercontinental Champion. This rapid ascent has only intensified her spotlight, which includes a memorable WrestleMania moment and an intense rivalry with Lynch.
Aoife Cusack, known professionally as Lyra Valkyria, made her Royal Rumble debut the same month she won the Intercontinental title and then teamed with Becky Lynch at WrestleMania in April. The Irish duo won the WWE Women’s Tag Team Championship that night, marking Valkyria’s rise as a double champion. Her subsequent summer feud with Lynch, competing for the Intercontinental Championship, became a defining storyline of her career. Now aligned with veteran Bayley, Valkyria reflects on her journey with mixed feelings, embracing much of it while acknowledging the challenges.
A Landmark Victory and Championship Reign
On January 13, 2024, Valkyria defeated Dakota Kai to become the first-ever WWE Women’s Intercontinental Champion. The title itself was new, and Valkyria relished the opportunity to establish its prestige. During her nearly five-month reign, she successfully defended the belt against opponents like Kai, Ivy Nile, Raquel Rodriguez, Bayley, and Becky Lynch. This series of defenses added credibility to the new championship and helped cement Valkyria’s place in the WWE’s history.
Speaking about the tournament final and her reign, Valkyria explained the pride she felt:
“That was absolutely surreal. Like so, so proud. Just to have my name in the history books as the first forever.”
– Lyra Valkyria, WWE Wrestler
“We had two matches and I’m so proud of both of them so it being against her and it felt like we did something really great with the match.”
– Lyra Valkyria, WWE Wrestler
She described several matches as highlights, including those against Raquel Rodriguez and Becky Lynch, stating:
“I was quite happy with all the matches that I had and what I did with what I could with the time I had with the championship.”
– Lyra Valkyria, WWE Wrestler
She summed up her feelings on the rapid progression of her career:
“It feels like it’s been non-stop. It’s been so fast. I look back at it so proudly.”
WrestleMania Triumph and Teaming with a Legend
Although she did not defend her Intercontinental title at WrestleMania, Valkyria’s night was historic in a different way. Initially slated to team with Bayley against Liv Morgan and Raquel Rodriguez for the Women’s Tag Team Championship, Valkyria instead teamed with Becky Lynch, who was making a much-anticipated return. Their partnership ended with a victory, with Valkyria capturing the tag titles alongside her mentor and lifelong hero.
Celebrating the win was made even more special with her fiancé, fellow Irish wrestler LJ Cleary, in attendance. Valkyria shared the emotional moment:
“It was absolutely incredible. I had my parents in the crowd, waiting at the end of the ramp with the whole world not knowing that Becky was about to walk out.”
– Lyra Valkyria, WWE Wrestler
“I got to go over to him right after the match and it was just amazing.”
– Lyra Valkyria, WWE Wrestler
Becoming a double champion at WWE’s biggest event was a dream come true for Valkyria, highlighting both her personal and professional milestones.
The Heated Rivalry and Championship Battle Through Summer
The very next night on Monday Night Raw, Valkyria and Lynch lost the tag team titles, marking a turning point that ignited a summer-long feud. Becky Lynch’s unexpected heel turn, attacking Valkyria after the loss, led to a high-profile chase for the Women’s Intercontinental Championship. Valkyria valiantly defended her title at Backlash in May but eventually fell to Lynch at Money In The Bank in June.
The rivalry continued to evolve, with Lynch retaining the belt in a triple threat match involving Bayley at the all-female Evolution event in July. Valkyria’s final loss to Lynch came at SummerSlam in August. This four-month storyline represented Valkyria’s most prominent run, pushing her into the main event spotlight and showcasing her ability to carry a significant narrative in WWE.
Learning from the Icon: Collaborating with Becky Lynch
Working closely with one of WWE’s most iconic women wrestlers offered Valkyria invaluable experience. She acknowledged the influence Lynch had on her development:
“It was amazing. She’s one of the best to ever do it, but she always heard everything that I would say and bring to the table as well.”
– Lyra Valkyria, WWE Wrestler
“I learned a lot from her, and it was a very high-pressure, sink-or-swim kind of storyline because it’s the biggest thing I’ll ever do.”
– Lyra Valkyria, WWE Wrestler
She reflected how their careers are naturally intertwined, viewing herself as the Irish torchbearer following Lynch’s groundbreaking achievements. Valkyria’s pride in their shared storylines was evident:
“I’m so proud of 99 per cent of everything I did with her.”
– Lyra Valkyria, WWE Wrestler
The SummerSlam Setback and Its Emotional Fallout
Despite the successes, Valkyria’s SummerSlam match against Lynch was marred by a series of mistakes that left a lasting emotional impact on her. During the bout, a miscalculated move accidentally struck a cameraman, and an issue with zip ties binding her wrists caused unplanned delays and frustration. Rather than adjusting fluidly, Valkyria struggled, which contributed to her disappointment.
The post-match interview captured by WWE’s Netflix series Unreal showed Valkyria visibly upset over the performance and its significance as the feud’s climax. Reflecting on the experience months later, she expressed regret more about her reaction than the match itself:
“I did beat myself up a lot in front of the whole world but I don’t really know what to tell you.”
– Lyra Valkyria, WWE Wrestler
“There’s a lot of people that really enjoyed that match but, unfortunately, that’s what it is in my head and I don’t think there’s any changing that.”
– Lyra Valkyria, WWE Wrestler
Looking Forward to Growth and New Challenges
After a turbulent summer and an intense year, Lyra Valkyria is focused on continuing to develop her craft and evolve as a performer. With the Royal Rumble scheduled in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, as her next major event, she remains open to what opportunities the future holds while prioritizing learning and improvement.
Her journey from NXT Champion to multiple titleholder on the main roster illustrates both her talent and determination. With the spotlight shining brighter than ever, Valkyria’s story is still unfolding, marked by passion, resilience, and ambition within WWE’s ever-competitive landscape.
