A significant shift is reportedly underway in WWE following SummerSlam 2024, as Triple H allegedly demotes Lyra Valkyria, the former Women’s Intercontinental Champion, due to serious concerns about her in-ring performance. The decision comes after Valkyria’s recent loss in a high-stakes match at SummerSlam, where storyline implications threaten her place in top-tier programming.
Lyra Valkyria’s Rapid Rise and Career Challenges
Lyra Valkyria debuted on WWE’s main roster in 2024 after nearly four years competing in NXT, where she built a solid reputation. She quickly earned a substantial push, making history as the inaugural Women’s Intercontinental Champion and later capturing the Women’s Tag Team Titles with Becky Lynch at WrestleMania 41. The 28-year-old has been spotlighted in a prominent storyline involving Bayley and Lynch, who betrayed her on RAW soon after WrestleMania.
At SummerSlam 2024, Valkyria faced Becky Lynch in an Intercontinental Championship contest with specific stipulations: the match barred Valkyria from challenging for the title again while Lynch held it if she lost. The bout ended with Lynch winning after Bayley’s accidental interference knocked Valkyria out, enabling Lynch, known as The Man, to secure the pinfall.
Criticism from Wrestling Veteran Jonathan Coachman
Jonathan Coachman, former Interim RAW General Manager and longtime wrestling commentator, has expressed strong criticism regarding Valkyria’s recent performances. On The Last Word podcast, Coachman revealed his dissatisfaction with Valkyria’s showing at SummerSlam, suggesting her skills are not yet suited for leading major storylines.
So, I’ve been very critical and last night was more of the same that Lyra simply is not on the level to be in a major league storyline. It would not surprise me, and I never want to see anybody get demoted. Let me be very clear. This is my opinion. We are not gonna see Lyra in a main storyline for many, many, many months. [22:38 – 22:55]
—Jonathan Coachman, Former Interim RAW GM
Coachman predicted that WWE Chief Content Officer Triple H might respond to these concerns by removing Valkyria from top-tier programming, effectively sidelining her from key angles for an extended period. This potential demotion signals challenges ahead for Valkyria as she adjusts to the expectations of main roster competition.
Contextual WWE Updates and Notable Developments
While Valkyria’s future in WWE appears uncertain, other storylines and talent continue to evolve amid the SummerSlam aftermath. Gunther, a dominant figure in WWE, recently commented on celebrity visitors, expressing indifference to their presence backstage. Separately, Roman Reigns made a cameo as an unnamed MMA fighter in the Amazon Prime film “The Pickup,” demonstrating his crossover appeal beyond wrestling.
Additionally, major plans involving Cody Rhodes and Roman Reigns for WrestleMania 41 were reportedly scrapped, highlighting shifts in WWE’s creative direction. Paul Heyman addressed rumors about backstage tensions with Travis Scott, offering his perspective to dispel speculation. In family wrestling news, Dominik Mysterio expressed willingness to compete against his father Rey Mysterio again, but only outside WWE.
SummerSlam also marked the end of John Cena’s brief heel run as he reverted to a babyface character, a shift some fans and wrestlers criticized. Cena has since made unexpected remarks about his feelings toward wrestling as he nears retirement. Meanwhile, in the rival AEW promotion, another star recently underwent surgery following a severe ankle injury, underscoring the physical toll on professional wrestlers regardless of company.
Implications of Valkyria’s Alleged Demotion on WWE’s Future
If Triple H officially decides to demote Lyra Valkyria, the move could reshape the women’s division’s landscape, as Valkyria had been poised for major storylines. This step may reflect WWE’s cautious approach toward talent development amid fan and critic scrutiny. Valkyria’s absence from prominent matches might allow her time to refine her skills, though it also risks delaying her momentum and fan support built over the past year.
As WWE navigates these changes, fans will closely watch how Valkyria responds and if she can reclaim a main storyline role in the months ahead. Meanwhile, Triple H’s decisions signal an ongoing commitment to maintaining high performance levels in WWE’s key programming, especially at flagship events like SummerSlam.
