Lyra Valkyria Biography: Age, Fiancé, Net Worth, Height, Parents, Championships, Brother

Lyra Valkyria born as Aoife Cusack, is an Irish professional wrestler whose journey from local independent circuits in Dublin to WWE superstardom has been swift and remarkable.

Initially catching audiences attention with her technical skill and passion under the name Valkyrie Cain, she later ascended through WWE’s NXT UK and NXT brands before breaking onto the main roster.

Her breakthrough came when she dethroned Becky Lynch—a wrestler who inspired her—to win the NXT Women’s Championship in 2023.

Profile

• Full name: Aoife Cusack
• Nickname: Valkyrie Cain, Aoife Valkyrie, Lyra Valkyria
• Date of birth: 23 October 1996
• Age: 29 years old
• Gender: Female
• Place of birth: Dublin, Ireland
• State of origin: Leinster Province (Dublin)
• Nationality: Irish
• Profession: Professional wrestler
• Height: 161 cm (5 ft 3 in)
• Weight: 59 kg (130 lb)
• Parents: Mother: Louise Cusack (teacher); Father: Alan Cusack (works at Dublin Airport)
• Siblings: Brother, Darragh (younger)
• Spouse: N/A
• Children: N/A
• Relationship status: Engaged to LJ Cleary (since 2024)
• Ethnicity: Irish (Caucasian)
• Net worth: US $1 million

Early Life and education

Aoife Cusack is now 29 years old and was born on 23 October 1996 in Dublin, Ireland to Louise and Alan Cusack.

Inspired by seeing Becky Lynch’s entrance on NXT, she began training at Finn Bálor’s Fight Factory Pro Wrestling in Bray while balancing college, part-time work, and training sessions. Her mother teaches language, and her father works at Dublin Airport; her younger brother fostered her early love for WWE.

She studied journalism at Dublin City University.

Personal Life

Lyra Valkyria is engaged to fellow professional wrestler LJ Cleary; the pair have been together since 2014 and announced their engagement in September 2024.

She grew up in a household that was initially skeptical of her wrestling ambitions but later became supportive.

Career

Lyra Valkyria debuted on 2 May 2015 under the ring name Valkyrie Cain, inspired by the character from the Skulduggery Pleasant novels. She competed in Irish promotions—winning the Irish Junior Heavyweight Championship in 2018—and later wrestled in wXw and Pro-Wrestling: EVE, where she held the tag team title as part of The Woke Queens.

She got signed with WWE in January 2020; she competed in NXT UK as Aoife Valkyrie. She debuted on NXT UK tv in February, defeating Amale, and maintained an impressive winning streak before her first loss to Meiko Satomura in April 2021.

Following NXT UK’s closure, she transitioned to the NXT brand under the new name Lyra Valkyria, debuting decisively in December 2022.

She quickly became a rising star in NXT, competing in high-profile matches through 2023, culminating in her winning the NXT Women’s Championship at Halloween Havoc by defeating Becky Lynch. She defended the title on multiple occasions before losing it at Stand & Deliver in April 2024.

Promoted to Raw in 2024, Lyra made an impactful debut by aiding Becky Lynch against Damage CTRL. She participated in the Queen of the Ring tournament that year, reaching the finals before falling to Nia Jax.

In early 2025, she became the first-ever WWE Women’s Intercontinental Champion by defeating Dakota Kai. At WrestleMania 41, she further cemented her status by winning the Women’s Tag Team Championship alongside Becky Lynch.

Awards and Accomplishments

• Irish Junior Heavyweight Championship (Fight Factory Pro Wrestling)
• OTT Women’s Championship (Over the Top Wrestling)
• Pro-Wrestling: EVE Tag Team Championship (with Debbie Keitel)
• PWU Women’s Championship (Pro Wrestling Ulster)
• Ranked No. 73 in PWI Women’s 150 (2021)
• NXT Women’s Championship (1 time)
• WWE Women’s Intercontinental Championship (1 time, inaugural)
• WWE Women’s Tag Team Championship (1 time, with Becky Lynch)

Net worth

Lyra Valkyria net worth is estimated at $1 million, accumulated over the years of her work in the wrestling industry.

Social Media

• Instagram: @real_valkyria
• X (formerly Twitter): @Real_Valkyria