The wrestling world loves a good backstory, and LJ Cleary found himself thrust into the spotlight in the most unexpected way. When his fiancé Lyra Valkyria defended her Women’s Intercontinental Championship against Becky Lynch at WWE Backlash, Cleary became an unwitting part of the action from his front-row seat.
Front Row Drama at WWE Backlash
The championship bout between Valkyria and Lynch quickly spilled beyond the ropes in typical WWE fashion. As the two competitors brawled outside the ring, “The Man” Becky Lynch took her aggression directly to Valkyria while her fiancé watched helplessly from ringside.
For most wrestling fans, seeing a loved one get attacked would be pure torture. But for Cleary, a seasoned wrestler himself, the moment became an unexpected career catalyst.
Turning Viral Moments Into Wrestling Gold
In a recent interview with Brass Ring Media, Cleary reflected on his sudden internet fame with genuine appreciation. The Irish wrestler revealed how the attention brought new eyes to his extensive body of work across multiple continents.
“I did have a lot of fun with it. Again, that was, it was kind of the perfect blend of the people who did know who I was and that supported me a lot over the years. Especially even like from the fans in Ireland that kind of watched me grow up. Like I started wrestling when I was 13.”
The wrestler’s journey from teenage rookie to international competitor resonated with fans who discovered his story through the Backlash appearance. Social media buzz helped connect his established fanbase with curious newcomers eager to learn more about Valkyria’s other half.
Building a Global Wrestling Reputation
Cleary’s confidence in discussing his career accomplishments stems from years of hard-earned respect in wrestling circles. His travels through Europe and Japan have established him as more than just a familiar face in the crowd.
“I have quite a strong one that the work speaks for itself, that it wasn’t just a case of like, oh yeah, there’s that like guy we saw in the crowd at the pay-per-view. It was like, oh wow, like he’s a wrestler, but not just a wrestler.”
The wrestler takes pride in being recognized as a “very well-traveled and very, very sought after” talent, particularly in European markets and Japan’s competitive wrestling scene.
Thick Skin and Social Media Success
Wrestling fans can be notoriously harsh online, but Cleary handled the sudden attention with veteran composure. He acknowledged finding humor in some of the reactions while focusing on the overwhelming support that followed.
The experience reinforced his belief that quality work eventually speaks for itself. Rather than becoming just another meme, Cleary successfully leveraged the moment to showcase his legitimate wrestling credentials to a broader audience.
Championship Rematch on the Horizon
The rivalry between Valkyria and Lynch continues at Money In The Bank, where the Women’s Intercontinental Championship will be defended once again. This upcoming bout promises another high-stakes encounter between two of WWE’s most determined competitors.
For Cleary, watching his fiancé compete at wrestling’s biggest stage while building his own career momentum creates a unique dynamic in the wrestling world. Will lightning strike twice with another viral moment, or will he be able to enjoy the match from a safer distance this time?
