Lyra Valkyria, born Aoife Cusack in Dublin, Ireland, has rapidly become a standout in the world of professional wrestling. Since signing with WWE in January 2020, she has made waves on both the NXT and Raw brands, capturing titles and the admiration of fans worldwide.
Valkyria’s wrestling journey began in the Irish independent scene, where she honed her craft before debuting as Valkyrie Cain in 2015. Her WWE career has been marked by historic achievements, including becoming the inaugural WWE Women’s Intercontinental Champion and a former NXT Women’s Champion. With her dynamic in-ring style and fierce persona, she continues to be a force in the women’s division.
How Lyra Valkyria Met Her Husband
The story of Lyra Valkyria’s love life centers on her long-term relationship with fellow Irish wrestler LJ Cleary. Their romance began in 2014, when both were teenagers navigating the Irish wrestling scene. Training and performing together in the local circuit, their shared passion for wrestling laid the foundation for a deep and enduring bond.
The Engagement: A Decade in the Making
After a decade of dating, Lyra Valkyria and LJ Cleary announced their engagement in September 2024. Cleary shared the news on Instagram, posting heartfelt photos of the proposal, including a bed decorated with rose petals spelling out “Will you marry me?”
Valkyria’s delighted reaction and sparkling diamond ring quickly became a talking point among fans and fellow wrestlers alike. The couple’s engagement was met with an outpouring of congratulations from the wrestling community, celebrating their milestone after ten years together.
“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.” — LJ Cleary
When Did They Get Married?
As of May 2025, Lyra Valkyria and LJ Cleary are engaged but have not yet announced a wedding date. The couple’s engagement, celebrated in September 2024, marks a significant chapter in their relationship, but fans continue to eagerly await news of their upcoming nuptials.
Do Lyra Valkyria and Her Husband Have Kids?
Currently, Lyra Valkyria and LJ Cleary do not have any children. However, they do share a beloved dog, often featured in their social media posts. Their pet has been a part of their family for years, symbolizing their commitment and shared life even before their engagement.
Interesting Facts About Their Marriage and Relationship
Teenage Sweethearts: Lyra and LJ’s relationship began in their teens, growing together through the highs and lows of the wrestling world.
Shared Passion: Both are professional wrestlers, which has allowed them to support and understand each other’s demanding careers. Their mutual respect and encouragement are often cited as keys to their lasting bond.
Public Support: The couple is known for sharing sweet moments on social media, from travel adventures to behind-the-scenes glimpses of their wrestling lives. Their engagement announcement was met with widespread joy from fans and colleagues alike.
Balancing Careers: Despite their busy schedules, they prioritize spending time together, often coordinating their wrestling commitments to enjoy rare breaks as a couple.
What Does Lyra Valkyria’s Husband Do for a Living?
LJ Cleary is a successful independent professional wrestler from Ireland. He began his career in 2014 with Fight Factory Pro Wrestling and gained prominence in the Irish promotion Over the Top Wrestling (OTT). Cleary has competed across Europe and Japan, earning accolades such as the Irish Junior Heavyweight Championship and the OTT No Limits Championship. He is particularly recognized for his performances in Pro Wrestling NOAH in Japan and has made appearances in New Japan Pro Wrestling (NJPW).
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Cleary’s wrestling style is dynamic and crowd-pleasing, making him a favorite in both his home country and abroad. He continues to build his reputation internationally, while also supporting Valkyria’s WWE career.
The Future for Lyra Valkyria and Her Husband
With both Lyra Valkyria and LJ Cleary excelling in their wrestling careers, the future looks bright for this power couple. Their journey from teenage sweethearts in Dublin’s wrestling scene to internationally recognized athletes is a testament to their dedication—both to their craft and to each other. As they prepare for marriage, fans can expect more heartwarming moments and professional milestones from the duo.
