Who is Lyra Valkyria? - Dublin WWE star defeated by Becky Lynch
It was Limerick versus Dublin on Saturday night when WWE's Becky Lynch faced Lyra Valkyria at the Intuit Dome in Inglewood, California for Money in the Bank: Los Angeles.
Becky, 38, was victorious on the night, winning the WWE Women's Intercontinental Championship for the first time ever.
The victory comes not long after 28-year-old Valkyria was victorious over the Limerick woman at WWE Backlash in May of this year. It was Limerick versus Dublin on Saturday night when WWE's Becky Lynch faced Lyra Valkyria in St Louis at WWE Backlash. Pic: Georgiana Dallas/WWE via Getty Images
Saturday was the culmination in a lengthy feud between veteran Becky and her friend-turned-foe Lyra, with fans taking to X praising the two women. But just who is Lyra Valkyria?
Aoife Cusack is an Irish professional wrestler, who goes by the stage name Lyra Valkyria. She was previously known as Aoife Valkyrie, and has also been referred to as Valkyrie.
The Dublin native is 28 years old and has been in the wrestling industry for almost ten years. View this post on Instagram
A post shared by LJ_Cleary (@lj_cleary)
Lyra is engaged to fellow pro wrestler LJ Cleary (Lee Joseph Cleary) with the pair getting engaged in September 2024 after ten years together.
Confirming the engagement at the time, LJ took to Instagram and wrote: '10 years together celebrated by getting engaged to the person I will be spending the rest of my life with, and she is the love of mine.' The victory comes not long after 28-year-old Valkyria was victorious over the Limerick woman at WWE Backlash in May of this year. Pic: Cooper Neil/WWE via Getty Images
Cusack made her wrestling debut in 2015 under the name Valkyrie Cain after one year with training school Fight Factory Pro Wrestling.
In 2020, she was signed with WWE where she was assigned the ring name Aoife Valkyrie, and competed with NXT UK. Her first match took place on February 13 and resulted in a win over French woman Amale.
Following the closure of NXT UK in 2022, Valkyrie moved to NXT where she adopted the name Lyra Valkyria. Cusack made her wrestling debut in 2015 under the name Valkyrie Cain after one year with training school Fight Factory Pro Wrestling. Pic: Rich Frieda /WWE via Getty Images
The Dubliner's first title charge was in 2023 for the NXT Women's Championship at NXT Stand & Deliver, but her bid was unsuccessful.
She picked up the NXT Women's Championship in October 2023, defending the title in November.
Last year, Valkyria was promoted to the RAW brand, with her on-screen debut seeing her save Becky Lynch from a beatdown by Dakota Kai, Iyo Sky and Kairi Sane from the Damage CTRL team.
On Saturday night, Valkyria was defeated by Limerick fighter Becky Lynch in California, with Lynch claiming the Women's Intercontinental Championship as a result.
By any means necessary!#AndNew #MITB pic.twitter.com/Pc4B7OYhf9 — WWE (@WWE) June 8, 2025
The match nearly ended on a nine-count before both women managed to get back into the find where they traded hits in the final stretch of the bout.
As per a stipulation agreed prior to the match, Valkyria had to raise the hand of the new champion and wrap the title belt around her waist in a show of respect and good sportsmanship.
THIS IS AWE-SOME!#MITB pic.twitter.com/LNjt43Zlq6 — WWE (@WWE) June 8, 2025
Fans took to X to have their say following the thrilling Women's title match, with many lauding Valkyria.
THIS IS AWE-SOME!#MITB pic.twitter.com/LNjt43Zlq6 — WWE (@WWE) June 8, 2025
One wrote: 'Lyra Valkyria has had one of the best reigns in a while. She's been consistently great in-ring & elevated to a different level, the future is very big.'
Another called: 'Lyra Valkyria you will be a World Champion next year.'
A third added: 'Becky Lynch already having the best women's feud since?… her feud with Bianca. She is the best there's ever been.'
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Irish Sun
39 minutes ago
- The Irish Sun
Justin Bieber sparks concern with series of worrying selfies as he refers to drugs in shock post
JUSTIN Bieber has left fans worried after sharing a string of intense new selfies and rambling messages, during which he dropped a reference to the hallucinogenic drug ketamine. On Saturday, the Lonely singer, 31, posted a flurry of posts to his Instagram. Advertisement 9 Justin Bieber's social media posts sparked concern from his fans Credit: Instagram 9 One post showed that he'd been asking AI questions about the drug ketamine Credit: Instagram 9 The singer went off on a rant about various things Credit: Instagram 9 He commented that he accepted God had 'forgiven' him this morning Credit: Instagram 9 He shared a number of snaps to his account Credit: Instagram The first carousel Justin could be seen lounging on a couch, it then switched to moody black and-white close-ups including a screenshot that appeared to show him on FaceTime with wife Hailey Bieber, 28. Alongside these shots, Justin added the captions: 'IM ACCEPTING THAT GOD FORGIVES ME THIS MORNING. "SO CAN I CAN FORGIVE MYSELF AND OTHERS TODAY. JOIN ME IF YOU WOULD LIKE,' followed by a thumbs-up emoji. In the second set, Justin's message took a more confrontational tone, with the father-of-one writing: 'U could point at my flaws. Or u could recognize ur own lil b***h.' Advertisement Stunned fans raced to share their concern, with one person commenting, 'No way this is Justin,' accompanied by sobbing emojis. Another user joked: 'HAILEYYY HE GOT HIS PHONE AGAIN.' While someone else insisted: 'I strongly believe that Justin has NO social media team.' Other worried followers chimed in, saying it was 'like watching a train wreck and not being able to stop it.' However, not all comments were panicked, with some gushing they loved his approach. Advertisement Most read in Celebrity Exclusive Exclusive One fan wrote: 'This photos are like the ones you send to your friends. I love it,' and another person added, 'If they can't love you with your flaws then they don't deserve you when you're flawless,' followed by a red heart emoji. Things escalated further when Bieber took to his Instagram Stories, posting even more close-up shots. One slide featured a screenshot from an AI chat interface asking: 'Has ketamine been used to control people's emotions.' The AI reportedly answered: 'There is clear evidence that ketamine has been misused in certain law enforcement scenarios, particularly in ways that amount to chemical restraint or social control… Advertisement "With disproportionate effects on Black individuals. This is a serious public health, legal and racial justice issue.' In another slide, Justin superimposed text over a photo of himself looking defeated: 'This is how I feel after people keep telling me theres more work to do after the ive given everything I have to give.' He followed up with: 'I dont think any of us can handle hearing 'You just gotta try a little harder and you will be like me.' It's not true. "I listened to those fools who told me to work harder. And there's no end to trying to earn ur spot in this life because I tried. U have everything u need right now.' Advertisement On another snap, he wrote: 'We wanna make our life about work so bad. But this life is about God. Loving us so we can love eachother. Quit making ur life about work smh. God will always inspire u to wait to work hard. 'U think if you don't tell people to work hard that they won't. Stop playing God please.' Bieber went on: 'Conditioning. Will make u feel i didn't know what the f*** u knew.' This cryptic post was followed by another black-and-white selfie captioned: 'But I f***in always knew in my gut Jesus was always the answer to pain we are all facing. Advertisement 'People still keep making me think If I work hard on myself I'll be better like them. But the harder I work on myself the more I think about myself. I though the point was to think about one another?' He finished with: 'The only thing that helps me to think about others to let go not try harder. Join me in letting go of not trying harder.' This follows mounting worry over Justin's mental health in recent weeks. Earlier, he posted a cryptic rant that many believe was aimed at Hailey. He wrote: 'Telling other humans they deserve something is like raising someone else's kids. Who are you to tell someone what someone should or shouldn't have?' Advertisement He continued: 'That's not your place. God decides what we deserve.' Many speculated he was responding to online criticism directed at his wife, who had been told she 'deserves better.' It comes after Justin shared a since-deleted social-media post on Mother's Day, which was Hailey's first as Jack's mom, where he said 'Mother's Day sucks a*.'* He followed that up with another deleted post during Hailey's Vogue achievement, admitting he previously told her she would 'never' land a cover. Advertisement Fans were incensed by his comments. One user blasted, 'Justin. You told Hailey she couldn't be on a cover of Vogue, isn't that telling her she can't have something?' Another person added: 'Take a break from social media, Justin.' While someone else pleaded, 'God told me you need a social media break.' It comes amid growing speculation over the couple's relationship. Read more on the Irish Sun Earlier this month, Hailey's skincare line, Rhode, sold in a reported $1 billion acquisition, leading many to joke she should leave Justin now that she's independently successful. Advertisement The couple have been married for nearly seven years after getting married in a lavish ceremony in 2018. Their first child, Jack, was born in August 2024. 9 Many felt his posts were erratic and shared their concern Credit: Instagram 9 This snap appeared to show Justin speaking to his wife Hailey Credit: Instagram 9 The couple have been married for almost seven years Credit: GC Images Advertisement 9 The couple welcomed their first son, Jack, in 2024 Credit: Instagram
The Irish Sun
an hour ago
- The Irish Sun
Michail Antonio shares footage of himself re-learning how to walk after devastating car crash
MICHAIL Antonio has released footage of himself learning how to walk following his horror season-ending car crash. The West Ham striker, 34, posted the inspiring clip to his Instagram page as he continues his recovery. Advertisement 4 Michail Antonio posted an inspirational video of his rehab efforts Credit: Instagram 4 The West Ham striker suffered injuries following a horror collision in December Credit: Instagram He titled the video "Faith will overcome all challenges" accompanied by a montage of his rehab and touching moments with teammates. The star was airlifted to a Antonio's crash occurred in Epping on the way home from the Hammers' Rush Green training ground and he underwent surgery on the broken leg that night. Hammers players Advertisement Each of those, as well as the match-worn shirts, were signed and auctioned off to fans in order to raise cash. West Ham players and staff all went to visit their team-mate during his time in hospital. The Jamaica international, West Ham's all-time top Premier League scorer, is out of contract in the summer. A decision is yet to be made over whether to extend his deal in order to cover the recovery, though discussions will take place in the near future. Advertisement Most read in Football Antonio would watch The Hammers icon admitted that hearing his name being sung by supporters "helped him massively". He made an 4 The striker is out of contract this summer Credit: Instagram Advertisement 4 Teammates visited Antonio as he recovered in hospital Credit: Instagram
The Irish Sun
an hour ago
- The Irish Sun
Michelle Keegan looks incredible as new mum shows off her post baby body in figure-hugging dresses
MICHELLE Keegan looks incredible and ready for summer after showing off her newest dress collection. The Brassic star, who 7 Michelle Keegan looked incredible in a yellow maxi dress from her Very collection Credit: Instagram 7 The star looked completely at peace as she enjoyed the sun Credit: Instagram 7 One dinner outfit had gold seashell detailing Credit: Instagram Titled: "The fits & the details 💛🤎🩵" Michelle showed off her slender fame in a series of crochet outfits. One yellow strapless number looked stunning as Michelle posed against a sunset, with the intricate looping pattern giving the outfit a pop of character. The second outfit was a chocolate brown maxi dress perfect for a holiday dinner, with a plunging neckline and metal looping on the chest displaying gold seashells. The third pic was a turquoise blue, with the star showing off frilled detailing as she leaned against a tree, and looked out over a sprawling garden and swimming pool. READ MORE MICHELLE KEEGAN All of the dresses are part of Michelle's thriving Very collection. The new photos come just three months after Michelle gave birth to her baby girl, Palma, with husband Mark Wright. Fans praised the star for "getting her figure back so quickly" begging for secrets on how she did it. "You look absolutely stunning…I am still trying to get my post baby figure back and my baby is 17 this year!" joked one. Most read in Showbiz "How does anyone look 👀 that amazing after just having a baby 🔥" wrote a second. "@michkeegan firstly wow 😯 you looking stunning 😍 motherhood is clearly suited for you ❤️… " wrote a third. Michelle Keegan Welcomes Baby Girl with Mark Wright Michelle is currently enjoying a family holiday with her little girl, with other photos declaring her little girl "Princess P". This year is proving a massive change for the family, with The final season airs later this year, with filming wrapping in May and Michelle bidding an emotional farewell to her troublemaking sweetheart, Erin. Michelle said alongside behind-the-scene pictures: 'So finally the Brassic journey has come to an end (feels so strange saying that) and what an unbelievable 7 years it's been. I feel so privileged to have been a small part of such a mighty show.' The couple's trip to comes after Mark dropped a huge hint on social media that Mark took to his Instagram story as he took a selfie outside of the impressive US Embassy building in Nine Elms, London. The former ITV reality star captioned his snap: "Visa renewal," alongside an emoji of the US flag. 7 The star showed off a string of looks during her holiday away in Cadiz Credit: Instagram 7 Michelle welcomed her baby girl in March Credit: Instagram 7 The star has taken 'Princess P' on her first holiday Credit: Instagram 7 Michelle has been doting on her little girl, who they are keeping out of the spotlight Credit: Instagram
