In a thrilling showdown at WWE Backlash 2025, Lyra Valkyria successfully defended her Women's Intercontinental Championship against Becky Lynch, showcasing resilience and skill in a match that had fans on the edge of their seats. The event took place on Saturday, May 10, 2025, in St. Louis, and it was a clash that not only highlighted both wrestlers' abilities but also the intense rivalry that has developed between them.
The match was set against a backdrop of dramatic tension, as Valkyria and Lynch have a complicated history. Just a month earlier, at WrestleMania 41, the duo had captured the Women's Tag Team titles but lost them the very next night to Liv Morgan and Raquel Rodriguez. This swift defeat ignited Lynch’s fury, resulting in her turning on Valkyria, whom she accused of betrayal for teaming with her rival, Bayley. Lynch revealed that she was the one who had taken Bayley out of the picture to take her place in the high-profile WrestleMania match.
As the match commenced, Valkyria quickly gained the upper hand with a series of submission moves that had Lynch scrambling. However, Lynch countered, knocking Valkyria off the top rope and taunting her fiancée at ringside, which only fueled Valkyria’s determination. "The Man messed with Lyra's man and paid the price!" WWE tweeted, capturing the moment perfectly.
The back-and-forth action saw both competitors deliver and withstand signature moves, including Valkyria’s superplex and Lynch’s powerful Manhandle Slam. Despite Lynch’s aggressive tactics, including attempts to use a steel chair and exposing the turnbuckle, Valkyria demonstrated her tenacity and skill, escaping several near falls and submission holds.
In a pivotal moment, Lynch attempted to use the exposed turnbuckle to her advantage, but the referee intervened just in time. As the action intensified, Valkyria managed to land her finisher, the Nightwing, but the referee was delayed in making the count, allowing Lynch to kick out. The match reached its climax when Lynch, in a moment of desperation, poked Valkyria in the eyes, trying to secure a pinfall. But Valkyria countered, rolling Lynch up for the victory.
Immediately after the match concluded, Lynch, enraged by her loss, unleashed a brutal post-match assault on Valkyria, applying her signature Disarm-her submission hold and refusing to let go until WWE officials intervened. The scene was chaotic, with officials rushing to separate the two competitors as Lynch was escorted out of the ring, leaving Valkyria to celebrate with her championship belt amidst a chorus of cheers from the audience.
Valkyria, who had previously defeated Lynch at Halloween Havoc 2023 to become the NXT Women's Champion, proved once again that she could stand her ground against one of WWE's most formidable competitors. In an exclusive interview with The Takedown earlier in the week, Valkyria stated, "I will show Becky Lynch that I am the better wrestler," and she certainly backed up that claim in the ring.
As Valkyria held her championship title high, the St. Louis crowd erupted in applause, signaling their support for the champion. The aftermath of the match suggests that this rivalry is far from over, with many fans speculating on a potential rematch given the intensity of their encounters.
In the world of WWE, where rivalries can shape careers and storylines, the saga between Lyra Valkyria and Becky Lynch is one to watch. With both women showcasing their skills and determination, the WWE Universe eagerly anticipates what comes next in this gripping narrative. Will Lynch find a way to bounce back, or will Valkyria continue her reign as champion? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain—this rivalry is heating up, and fans are here for every moment of it.
