The Irish Power Couple: 5 Shocking Facts About Lyra Valkyria's Fiancé, LJ Cleary
The question of "who is Lyra Valkyria's fiancé" has become one of the most searched topics in professional wrestling, especially following a viral moment involving the couple at a major WWE event. As of December 22, 2025, the high-flying Irish WWE Superstar Lyra Valkyria is happily engaged to her longtime partner, fellow professional wrestler LJ Cleary.
Their relationship is a decade-long love story that culminated in a September 2024 engagement, bringing together two of the most talented athletes from the Irish wrestling scene. While Lyra Valkyria, whose real name is Aoife Cusack, has dominated WWE's NXT and is now making waves on the main roster, her fiancé, LJ Cleary, is an international star with a compelling career history that extends far beyond the WWE spotlight.
Lyra Valkyria: Complete Professional and Personal Profile
Lyra Valkyria, known for her aggressive, high-impact style and distinct black-and-green aesthetic, has quickly established herself as a top-tier talent in World Wrestling Entertainment. Her journey from the independent circuit to the main roster is a testament to her dedication and skill.
- Ring Name: Lyra Valkyria
- Real Name: Aoife Cusack
- Date of Birth: October 23, 1996
- Age: 29 (as of late 2025)
- Hometown: Dublin, Ireland (specifically Clarehall)
- Height: 5 ft 7 in (170 cm)
- WWE Debut: 2020 (as Aoife Valkyrie in NXT UK)
- Current Brand: WWE Raw
- Career Highlights: Former NXT Women's Champion (defeating Becky Lynch), NXT UK Women’s Championship Tournament Semifinalist, OTT Women's Champion.
- Finishing Move: The Nightwish (Roundhouse Kick)
- Relationship Status: Engaged to LJ Cleary (since September 2024)
- Dating Since: 2014
Lyra Valkyria’s career trajectory has been meteoric. After signing with WWE, she quickly moved from NXT UK to the main NXT brand, where she captured the prestigious NXT Women's Championship. Her transition to the main roster has positioned her as one of the future cornerstones of the women's division, often showcasing a unique blend of technical prowess and aerial agility.
Who is LJ Cleary? Lyra Valkyria's Fiancé Revealed
Lyra Valkyria’s fiancé is Lee Joseph "LJ" Cleary, a highly respected Irish professional wrestler with a significant international career. Unlike Lyra, who has been primarily with WWE since 2020, Cleary has built his reputation across various global promotions, making him a true independent wrestling veteran despite his young age.
LJ Cleary is not just "Lyra Valkyria's boyfriend" or fiancé; he is a celebrated athlete in his own right. His career is marked by championship reigns and extensive tours in Japan, which has given him a unique, hard-hitting style that complements Lyra's own in-ring work.
LJ Cleary: Complete Professional Profile
- Ring Name: LJ Cleary
- Real Name: Lee Joseph Cleary
- Date of Birth: March 12, 1999
- Age: 26 (as of late 2025)
- Hometown: Dublin, Ireland
- Height: 5 ft 9 in (177 cm)
- Major Promotions: Over The Top Wrestling (OTT), Pro Wrestling NOAH (Japan), Insane Championship Wrestling (ICW).
- Career Highlights: Two-time Hard Knox World Champion, OTT Tag Team Champion, ICW Zero-G Champion.
- Wrestling Style: High-impact, agile, and known for his speed and resilience.
The couple's shared passion for wrestling is a major foundation of their relationship, which began when they were teenagers on the Irish independent scene. This shared history provides an incredible layer of authenticity to their status as a wrestling power couple.
The Viral Moment: LJ Cleary’s Backlash 2025 Interaction
One of the most recent and talked-about moments involving Lyra Valkyria's fiancé occurred at Backlash 2025. While Lyra was defending her Women's Intercontinental Championship against Becky Lynch, LJ Cleary was seated ringside to support her. The moment that went viral was an unexpected, yet hilarious, interaction with Becky Lynch, "The Man."
During the match, Becky Lynch briefly engaged with Cleary, who was visibly nervous but played his role perfectly, showing a good sense of humor about the impromptu spotlight. This unplanned segment instantly put LJ Cleary on the international radar for casual WWE fans who may not follow the independent scene or Japanese wrestling, sparking massive curiosity about the man supporting the WWE star.
This appearance was a rare glimpse into the personal life of a WWE superstar, and Cleary handled the pressure with professionalism and charm, further endearing the couple to the WWE Universe. The interaction was a small, memorable addition to the premium live event, highlighting the supportive nature of their relationship.
From Dublin to Japan: LJ Cleary’s Impressive Pro Wrestling NOAH Career
While his WWE appearance was fleeting, LJ Cleary’s primary focus outside of his personal life has been his significant career in Japan with Pro Wrestling NOAH. His work in NOAH, one of Japan's most prestigious promotions, has earned him the respect of wrestling purists and established his reputation as a versatile and dedicated performer.
Cleary's involvement with NOAH, which began around late 2023, has seen him compete in major tournaments and against top-tier Japanese talent. He is often referred to as the "Irish MVP" for his stellar performances both in NOAH and back home in Ireland with Over The Top Wrestling (OTT). This commitment to the craft, traveling the world to hone his skills, speaks volumes about his ambition and dedication to professional wrestling as an art form.
His success in Japan and the UK independent scene (including ICW) is a key differentiator. It shows that the couple shares a deep, mutual understanding of the sacrifices and demands of the wrestling industry, from the grueling travel schedules to the physical toll of the ring. This shared experience is undoubtedly a major factor in the longevity and strength of their relationship.
A Decade of Love: The Lyra Valkyria and LJ Cleary Engagement Story
The engagement announcement in September 2024 was a heartwarming moment for the wrestling community. Lyra Valkyria (Aoife Cusack) and LJ Cleary had been together for an incredible ten years before he proposed.
Their love story is a rare example of a long-term, committed relationship that began on the Irish independent circuit and has thrived despite the global demands of professional wrestling. They started dating in 2014, long before Lyra signed her WWE contract, and have supported each other through every major milestone in their respective careers—from Lyra's NXT Women's Championship win to Cleary's tours of Japan.
The couple often shares glimpses of their life together on social media, showcasing a genuine connection that resonates with fans. Their engagement is a beautiful chapter in the story of two dedicated athletes who found love and partnership while chasing their dreams in the squared circle. As they move forward, the wrestling world eagerly anticipates the next milestone for this powerful Irish duo.
Detail Author:
- Name : Nicole Fritsch PhD
- Username : mlarson
- Email : becker.hilbert@denesik.biz
- Birthdate : 1997-11-09
- Address : 976 Luella Extension Apt. 086 Lake Kaseyhaven, AK 59126-1005
- Phone : 425.867.7010
- Company : Willms and Sons
- Job : Farm and Home Management Advisor
- Bio : Tempora illum illum pariatur. Accusantium qui rem fugit quos. Laboriosam omnis possimus eius dolores minus.
Socials
twitter:
- url : https://twitter.com/angelitastreich
- username : angelitastreich
- bio : Illum nam sapiente facere consequatur. Exercitationem consectetur ullam animi aut aut voluptates. Necessitatibus iste quas sit velit porro voluptatem.
- followers : 5122
- following : 425
facebook:
- url : https://facebook.com/astreich
- username : astreich
- bio : Quia in harum ut perferendis eum. Voluptas qui odio non est explicabo omnis ut.
- followers : 5568
- following : 2851
linkedin:
- url : https://linkedin.com/in/astreich
- username : astreich
- bio : Vitae sit omnis possimus mollitia qui.
- followers : 377
- following : 1019
