Becky Lynch, the global wrestling sensation known as "The Man," is taking on new horizons as she joins the cast of the upcoming series Star Trek: Starfleet Academy. The news has electrified fans across both the Star Wars and WWE universes, as Lynch moves from the wrestling ring to the stars with the iconic franchise.
Star Trek: Starfleet Academy is currently under development for Paramount Plus and is set to be filmed in Toronto. Executive produced by co-showrunners Alex Kurtzman and Noga Landau, the series will introduce viewers to the late 32nd century, following the aftermath of the galactic catastrophe known as The Burn, as depicted in Star Trek: Discovery.
The series already boasts an impressive cast, including the celebrated actress Holly Hunter, who will take on the role of Captain and Chancellor of Starfleet Academy, and Paul Giamatti, who plays the recurring villain. Lynch, who has taken time away from WWE, will play one of the Starfleet Officers potentially facing this new menacing threat.
Announcing her role, Lynch shared her excitement on social media, saying, “You know, when you’ve already been champion of the world, there’s really only one place to go next, and that's to the stars. I am so excited to share with all of you. I’m joining Star Trek: Starfleet Academy as part of the bridge crew.” (Original quote in English) Going beyond traditional Starfleet duties, Lynch hinted, “I'm not your average Starfleet officer!”
This bold step marks Lynch's expansion beyond wrestling, where she has solidified her reputation as one of the most charismatic and popular competitors, having multiple championship reigns under her belt.
Lynch's crossover appeal is significant, as her fanbase from WWE may flock to watch the series, much like how former wrestlers have successfully transitioned to blockbuster franchises. This pivot is reminiscent of her WWE peers like Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson and John Cena, who have both found massive success as actors after their wrestling careers. It remains to be seen whether Lynch can replicate this success, but her resume suggests she is prepared for the challenge.
Born Rebecca Quin, Lynch's professional wrestling career has been nothing short of meteoric. Having made her WWE debut as part of the developmental brand NXT, she quickly became famous for her powerful persona and impressive wrestling skills, which paved the way for her breakout moment during WrestleMania 35, where she became the first woman to headline the event.
While she has recently taken time off from WWE, Lynch continues to keep her presence strong. She has been involved with WWE Studios as part of their film initiatives, including appearances in films such as The Marine 6: Close Quarters and the animated feature Rumble. Recently, Lynch's autobiography, The Man: Not Your Average Average Girl, reached New York Times bestseller status, highlighting her prowess both inside and outside the ring.
But does this imply the end of her wrestling career? Industry insiders suggest otherwise, anticipating her return to WWE soon—potentially by January 2025 when WWE's RAW debuts on Netflix, following the promotion's major shift to streaming platforms.
Notably, Lynch's new role compels her fans to explore the world of Star Trek, potentially igniting interest among wrestling audiences who may have previously overlooked the legendary sci-fi franchise. The series itself will likely capitalize on this crossover by incorporating elements of action, adventure, and camaraderie, central to both Star Trek and wrestling.
Becky Lynch's casting is more than just star power; it marks the continuous evolution of the Star Trek franchise as it welcomes increasingly diverse talents, bridging gaps between fan communities.
With creative forces driving both the franchise and Lynch's performance, fans can expect exciting developments not only for the show's character dynamics but also for Lynch’s narrative as she deeply immerses herself in her new role.
Star Trek’s core themes of exploration and friendship stand to resonate well with Lynch's established charisma and ability to connect with audiences.
Could Lynch's dual success as both a WWE superstar and now as part of the Star Trek universe pave the way for even more wrestling stars to explore acting? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain: Becky Lynch's move to Star Trek: Starfleet Academy is bound to usher fans across multiple realms of entertainment, stimulating curiosity, and paving the way for potential future collaborations between franchises.
