In recent months, WWE’s women’s division has witnessed a remarkable resurgence, largely fueled by rising talents like Lyra Valkyria, Iyo Sky, Tiffany Stratton, and established stars such as Becky Lynch. Among them, Lyra Valkyria’s breakout performance has captured the attention of fans, especially following her stunning victory over Becky Lynch at Halloween Havoc 2023. Lyra’s journey from her beginnings in Dublin to becoming a prominent WWE figure highlights her potential to shape the future of the sport.
Early Life and Inspirations Behind Lyra Valkyria’s Ring Persona
Born Aoife Cusack in Dublin, Ireland, in 1996, Lyra Valkyria draws a strong connection to her Irish heritage, sharing hometown roots with WWE icons Finn Balor and Becky Lynch. Starting her wrestling training at 18 at Dublin’s Fight Factory Pro Wrestling—a school founded by Balor herself—Aoife adopted the ring name Valkyrie Cain, inspired by the protagonist of Derek Landy’s acclaimed Irish fantasy series Skulduggery Pleasant. She has openly credited Landy’s work for her wrestling identity:
“Discovered this series when i was 12 years old and at 22, i still relate and connect with the characters so much. @DerekLandy is an Irish hero and the reason i wrestle as Valkyrie.”
Lyra’s training combined with her background in dance and mixed martial arts helped her develop a unique style that quickly made her a standout performer across Ireland and Europe. She notably competed in intergender matches, a rare feat in men-dominated circuits. One highlight of her early career came in 2018 when she overcame five male opponents—including Jordan Devlin (now JD McDonagh)—to secure the Irish Junior Heavyweight Championship.
Transition to WWE: From NXT UK to NXT Stardom
Lyra’s WWE journey began in January 2020 when she signed and debuted in NXT UK as Aoife Valkyrie. Her initial run was impressive, remaining undefeated for over a year until a serious torn ACL sidelined her for a year, threatening to halt her ascent. However, with the closure of NXT UK, she relocated to NXT in Orlando, Florida, adopting the ring name Lyra Valkyria.
In NXT, Lyra leaned into her Irish roots and mythology as part of her character evolution, which culminated in a career-defining moment at Halloween Havoc 2023. There, she defeated Becky Lynch—dubbed “The Man”—to claim the NXT Women’s Championship, a victory that instantly raised her profile in the wrestling world.
Reflecting on Lynch’s influence, Lyra expressed in a 2023 interview with The Irish Times:
“Never in my life did I dream that it could be me in the ring until I saw Becky Lynch, the girl from Dublin, Ireland, walk out on NXT doing an Irish dance. And that for me just set the ball rolling.
You don’t understand how incredible it is to have that role model to aspire to from Dublin. Becky was part of the first women’s main event. And the fact that she was just down the road from me just made it seem that much more attainable.”
After her NXT success, Lyra made a swift transition to WWE’s main roster on Raw, where she quickly became a Queen of the Ring finalist and won the inaugural Women’s Intercontinental Championship. Initially, however, WWE struggled to craft a compelling character for her, causing fans to dub her “Bird Lady” due to her elaborate costumes and enigmatic presentation. This began to change after Becky Lynch’s heel turn and ensuing feud with Lyra rekindled her character’s fire, showcasing Valkyria’s charisma in promos and solidifying her as one of Raw’s top babyfaces.
The Feud with Becky Lynch: A Catalyst for Lyra’s Rise
Lyra’s rivalry with Becky Lynch over the Women’s Intercontinental Championship has been a defining storyline in WWE’s current programming. Prior to this feud, Valkyria’s role on Raw was less defined, with her often appearing in sporadic matches. But the conflict with Lynch allowed her to harness her full potential as an engaging performer. Through this feud, Lyra not only defended her title but also built a strong emotional connection with fans, who are now rallying behind her as a flagship competitor in the women’s division.
Personal Life: Lyra Valkyria and Her Fiancé LJ Cleary
<p Outside the ring, Lyra Valkyria has been in a long-term relationship with fellow wrestler LJ Cleary, another product of Dublin’s Fight Factory Pro Wrestling. The couple began dating in 2014 and announced their engagement in September 2023, sharing their commitment with the wrestling community. Cleary is a respected figure on the independent circuit and is currently a Fight Factory Pro Wrestling Tag Team Champion alongside Rich Swann.
Cleary often faces online teasing due to his slender build, long hair, and glasses, which contrasts with the typical wrestling physique. Fans and even Becky Lynch have made light of his appearance during promos, especially during Valkyria’s matchup against Lynch at Backlash, where Cleary was present at ringside. However, he embraces the humor and responds with resilience. In an interview with Sports Illustrated’s Rich Ucchino, Cleary said:
“I’ve very thick skin. I chuckled, like, I genuinely, I can honestly say, I saw someone, man, I just chuckled, but then to see the support, it was an overwhelming support, it was a very nice feeling.”
Their strong bond provides Lyra with unwavering support as she continues to rise in WWE.
Looking Ahead: Lyra Valkyria’s Future in WWE
At just 28 years old, Lyra Valkyria is positioned to dominate WWE’s women’s division for years to come. Her journey from Dublin’s Fight Factory to becoming an NXT Women’s Champion and the first Women’s Intercontinental Champion speaks to her talent, determination, and unique appeal. With her engaging persona now fully realized and a high-profile feud with Becky Lynch boosting her visibility, Lyra is likely to become a cornerstone of WWE’s evolving women’s roster.
As Lyra continues to build her legacy, fans can expect her to collect more championships and deliver memorable matches, powered by the passion that first ignited when she watched Becky Lynch parade her Irish pride in the ring. Supported by her fiancé LJ Cleary and fueled by her Irish heritage, Valkyria’s ascent exemplifies the new wave of wrestling stars ready to take the industry by storm.
