Lyra Valkyria Boyfriend & Fiancé: LJ Cleary

Lyra Valkyria’s high-flying moves and fierce energy in the WWE ring have fans buzzing. But off the mat, her personal life—especially her relationship with her boyfriend—sparks just as much curiosity. Let’s explore who shares Lyra’s world outside wrestling.

Who Is Lyra Valkyria’s Boyfriend?

Lyra Valkyria is engaged to Irish professional wrestler LJ Cleary. The couple announced their engagement on September 13, 2024, after a decade of dating, marking a heartfelt milestone. Cleary, a respected indie wrestler, has been Lyra’s partner since their teenage years in Dublin.

Their love story began long before Lyra, whose real name is Aoife Cusack, became a WWE standout. LJ Cleary, born Lee Joseph Cleary, proposed with rose petals spelling out “Will you marry me?” on a bed, a moment they shared on Instagram. Fans flooded social media with congratulations, noting the couple’s genuine bond. This engagement cements their status as a wrestling power duo, built on mutual support through the grind of their careers.

Lyra Valkyria’s Rise in WWE

Lyra Valkyria, born October 23, 1996, in Dublin, Ireland, is 28 years old. Standing at 5 feet 7 inches, she’s a force in WWE’s Raw brand, where she performs as the inaugural WWE Women’s Intercontinental Champion. Her journey started in 2015 on Ireland’s indie scene, wrestling under the name Valkyrie Cain, inspired by the Skulduggery Pleasant books.

She signed with WWE in January 2020, debuting as Aoife Valkyrie in NXT UK. By December 2022, she adopted the Lyra Valkyria persona in NXT, defeating Becky Lynch for the NXT Women’s Championship at Halloween Havoc 2023. Lyra held the title for 165 days, defending it against stars like Xia Li and Blair Davenport, before losing to Roxanne Perez at Stand & Deliver 2024.

Drafted to Raw in April 2024, Lyra made waves in the Queen of the Ring tournament, beating Dakota Kai and Iyo Sky but falling to Nia Jax in the finals. She also teamed with Becky Lynch to win the WWE Women’s Tag Team Championship at WrestleMania 41, though their reign lasted less than a day. Her latest triumph came at Backlash 2025, retaining the Women’s Intercontinental Championship against Lynch, a match where Cleary appeared ringside.

Who Is LJ Cleary?

LJ Cleary, Lyra’s fiancé, is a 26-year-old wrestler from Dublin, born in 1998. Known for his technical skills, he’s a staple in Ireland’s Over the Top Wrestling (OTT) and has competed in promotions like Pro Wrestling NOAH in Japan and Insane Championship Wrestling in Scotland. Cleary debuted in 2014 and has held titles like the Irish Junior Heavyweight Championship and OTT Gender Neutral Championship.

Unlike Lyra, Cleary isn’t signed to WWE but made a brief appearance at Backlash 2025, confronting Becky Lynch during Lyra’s title defense. His Instagram offers glimpses of his career and life with Lyra, including their engagement announcement. Cleary’s independent status lets him wrestle globally, recently earning praise for matches against Nic Nemeth and in NOAH’s Good Looking Guys faction.

How Long Have Lyra and LJ Been Together?

Lyra and LJ’s relationship spans over ten years, starting in 2014 when both were teenagers chasing wrestling dreams in Dublin. Their bond grew through shared training sessions and indie circuit travels, a foundation that’s kept them grounded amid Lyra’s WWE rise. Fans admire their low-key approach, sharing just enough on social media to celebrate big moments like their engagement.

The couple’s decade-long romance stands out in wrestling, where demanding schedules often strain relationships. Lyra and LJ balance their careers by supporting each other’s goals—her in WWE’s spotlight, him on the indie scene. Their engagement post, captioned by Cleary as a celebration of “10 years together,” resonated with fans who called it a “fairytale” love story.

Is Lyra Valkyria Married?

No, Lyra Valkyria is not married but is engaged to LJ Cleary. Their September 2024 engagement marked a commitment to wed, though no wedding date has been shared publicly. As of May 11, 2025, they remain focused on their wrestling careers while planning their future together.

Lyra’s choice to keep her personal life private aligns with her professional focus. While fans are eager for wedding updates, she and Cleary share only what feels right, like their engagement photos. This restraint earns respect from those who value their authenticity over tabloid-style gossip.

Lyra Valkyria’s Net Worth and Career Earnings

Lyra’s net worth is estimated at around $1 million in 2025, driven by her WWE contract, merchandise sales, and past indie wrestling gigs. Her main roster status on Raw, coupled with high-profile matches, boosts her earnings. Winning titles like the NXT Women’s Championship and Women’s Intercontinental Championship adds to her marketability.

Cleary’s net worth isn’t publicly detailed, but indie wrestlers typically earn less than WWE stars, relying on bookings and merchandise. His international stints with NOAH and OTT likely provide steady income. Together, Lyra and LJ’s financial stability reflects their hard-earned success in wrestling’s tough landscape.

Has Lyra Valkyria Faced Major Injuries?

Lyra suffered an ACL injury in 2021 during her NXT UK run, sidelining her for a year. She bounced back, debuting in NXT in 2022 with no reported setbacks since. Her resilience mirrors her in-ring style—gritty, determined, and unyielding.

Injuries are a wrestling reality, but Lyra’s careful training, honed at Fight Factory Pro Wrestling, minimizes risks. Fans sometimes speculate about her nose, wondering if it’s been injured due to wrestling’s physicality, but there’s no evidence of such an issue. Her focus remains on performing at her peak, injury-free.

Lyra Valkyria’s Personality Outside the Ring

Off the mat, Lyra is a dog lover, often sharing photos of her pet with Cleary on social media. Born into a sports-loving Dublin family, she grew up watching WWE with her younger brother, Darragh, who sparked her wrestling passion. Her mother, a French and Irish teacher, and father, a Dublin Airport worker, keep a low profile, reflecting Lyra’s private nature.

Lyra’s shy teenage years gave way to confidence through wrestling, inspired by Becky Lynch’s NXT debut in 2014. She worked part-time at CeX to fund training, showing her hustle. Her bond with Cleary, rooted in those early days, reveals a loyal, grounded woman who values love and ambition equally.

Can Valkyries Marry? The Myth Behind the Name

Lyra’s ring name draws from Norse mythology, where valkyries are warrior maidens serving Odin. Mythologically, valkyries like Brynhildr could fall in love and marry, often with mortal heroes, as seen in the Völsunga Saga. Lyra’s engagement to Cleary fits this archetype—a modern warrior finding her match.

Her “bird lady” persona, complete with feathered entrance gear, nods to valkyries’ association with ravens. Fans love this creative tie, but Lyra’s real-life romance with Cleary grounds her mythic image in a relatable, human story. It’s a reminder that even fierce fighters have soft spots.

Recent Updates on Lyra and LJ’s Relationship

At Backlash 2025, LJ Cleary appeared ringside during Lyra’s title defense against Becky Lynch, sparking buzz when Lynch trash-talked him. This marked Cleary’s first WWE TV appearance, hinting at potential storylines blending their real-life bond with wrestling drama. Fans on social media praised Cleary’s presence, calling him Lyra’s “sweetheart” and noting her beaming smile.

As of May 11, 2025, no new relationship updates have surfaced, but Lyra and LJ continue to share occasional Instagram posts. Lyra’s next challenge is the 2025 Royal Rumble, where she’s confirmed as an entrant, while Cleary wrestles on the U.S. indie scene post-NOAH. Their engagement remains a fan-favorite topic, with many hoping for wedding news soon.

How Does Lyra Balance Love and Wrestling?

Wrestling’s grueling schedule—travel, training, and matches—tests any relationship. Lyra and LJ make it work by understanding each other’s grind. She’s in WWE’s spotlight; he’s carving his path on the indies, yet they prioritize quiet moments together, like caring for their dog or celebrating milestones.

Their shared wrestling roots help. Both trained in Ireland’s tight-knit scene, so they get the late nights and bruised egos. Lyra’s success hasn’t outshined Cleary’s hustle—they’re a team, not competitors, proving love can thrive in wrestling’s chaos.

What’s Next for Lyra Valkyria?

Lyra’s career is soaring. As Women’s Intercontinental Champion, she’s set for the Royal Rumble 2025, a chance to earn a WrestleMania title shot. Her Backlash win over Lynch solidifies her as a top star, and rumors swirl about a Money in the Bank ladder match in June.

Personally, Lyra and LJ are likely planning their wedding, though they keep details private. Cleary’s indie bookings and potential WWE cameos could intertwine their paths further. Whatever’s next, Lyra’s focus and heart—both in the ring and with her fiancé—promise a bright future.

Why Fans Love Lyra and LJ’s Story

Lyra and LJ’s romance resonates because it’s real. They’re not chasing headlines with flashy posts; they share just enough to let fans in. Their decade-long bond, from Dublin teens to engaged wrestlers, feels like a victory lap for love in a tough industry.

Fans also respect Lyra’s hustle—beating legends like Lynch while staying true to her roots. Cleary’s quiet support, from indie rings to ringside at Backlash, makes him a fan favorite too. Their story proves you can chase dreams and hold tight to what matters.

Addressing Common Fan Questions

Some fans confuse Lyra’s relationship, asking if she’s linked to wrestlers like Sammy Guevara. To clarify, Lyra is engaged to LJ Cleary, not Guevara, who’s married to Tay Melo. Others wonder about her age or height—she’s 28 and 5’7”, stats that fuel her agile in-ring style.

Questions about her nose or past relationships pop up, but no credible reports confirm injuries or ex-partners. Lyra’s focus is her career and Cleary, with no public ties to others. Her real name, Aoife Cusack, ties her to her Irish heritage, a point of pride for fans.

Conclusion

Lyra Valkyria’s boyfriend—now fiancé—LJ Cleary is more than a footnote in her story. Their ten-year love, sealed with a 2024 engagement, shows a bond as strong as Lyra’s in-ring grit. As she dominates WWE and Cleary shines on the indies, their shared journey captivates fans, proving that even valkyries can find their forever match.