Irish WWE star thinks Conor McGregor "doesn't have what it takes" for wrestling
World Wrestling Entertainment superstar and Dublin native Lyra Valkyria has said that Conor McGregor "doesn't have what it takes" to compete in the WWE.
Speaking to the Irish Mirror after becoming the first ever Women's Intercontinental champ in WWE, she said it felt "amazing" and that she was "on top of the world."
Valkyria, known as Aoife Cusack at home, also lauded the bond between the many Irish figures in WWE. She told the Irish Mirror: "I always think about how small our country is, with WWE, this massive international, huge company.
"The amount of Irish on RAW alone is incredible. It's such a talented bunch to have come from our country, so I'm really proud to be a part of that."
The Dubliner made her WrestleMania debut last month, with her rapid rise taking even herself by surprise. She explained: "I just had just had my one year on RAW date on May 1st, and I can't believe how much I had managed to do in that time.
"It really hit me when I was coming up to facing Becky [Lynch] at Backlash. I was watching back when she wrestled Rhea [Ripley] at WrestleMania last year, and I was in the stands watching that match!
"I had just done NXT Stand and Deliver and I was sitting in an NXT box, watching from way way up, - thousands of people and the ring - great view but the ring was small from where I was at and you're always thinking how do I get there?
"So to go from sitting in the NXT box watching WrestleMania last year, to tag teaming with Becky one year later is insane."
UFC fighter McGregor has been tipped by some as well suited to the showmanship of WWE, but when asked about his prospects in the sport, Lyra was emphatic. She said: "He doesn't have what it takes."
The Dubliner refused to comment on McGregor's chances on becoming President of Ireland in the upcoming elections.
But she hopes the Irish crowd will bring the volume when SmackDown comes to the 3Arena in August.
"I can't believe this is happening while I'm a part of it.. I'm really, really hoping - I know I'm at RAW - that I'm going to be a part of that," said the 28-year-old.
"I really really need Dublin to be on par with [the European crowds], so if there's one thing I can get across with this, I hope the Irish doesn't disappoint me now when we come there!"
Lyra praised the wrestling system here in Ireland, saying, "I think wrestling in Ireland is doing just fine, we've got OTT, we've got FIght Factory, those promotions are still putting on the best shows and continuing to do so.
"We get shows in the National Stadium outside of WWE, Fight Factory is more of a grungy, underground feel, you've got a promotion in Cork, a promotion in Belfast, there's always been a good scene there.
"And because I still know everyone that's on the mats I still go down training with them when I'm home, I can confidently say that there's no shortage of Irish talent either and I won't be the last Irish person to get to WWE."
WWE returns to the U.K. & Ireland this August for the Road to Clash in Paris Tour - featuring SmackDown in Dublin on 22nd August and Raw in Birmingham on 25th August. Tickets are now available here: https://www.wwe.com/events
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