Former WWE Intercontinental Champion set for major character change as Road to WrestleMania 42 intensifies
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The Road to WrestleMania 42 is underway!
With fewer than eight weeks remaining until WrestleMania 42, WWE creative is still shaping the direction of several key storylines.
While the major world title matches will crystallize after Elimination Chamber, much of the undercard remains fluid, including the WWE Women’s Tag Team Championship picture.
Rhea Ripley and IYO SKY captured the titles from The Kabuki Warriors last month and have embraced their role as fighting champions. Yet one team has consistently struggled to secure a meaningful opportunity. According to a report from BodySlam, that frustration may soon trigger a significant character evolution.
A more aggressive Lyra Valkyria?
“Sources indicate to BodySlam that there have been discussions regarding a shift to Lyra Valkyria’s character. Valkyria would become more aggressive as she and Bayley are tired of being overlooked.”
The development would represent a notable shift for the former Women’s Intercontinental Champion, who has largely been portrayed as resilient and technically driven rather than ruthless.
Valkyria and Bayley were the No. 1 contenders heading into WrestleMania 41 in Las Vegas. However, just two days before their scheduled title match, Bayley was attacked backstage at Allegiant Stadium and ruled medically unable to compete, strictly in storyline.
In a last-minute pivot, Valkyria called Becky Lynch, who returned from a nearly year-long hiatus. The two Irish Lass-Kickers defeated Liv Morgan and Raquel Rodriguez for the titles, only to drop them back to The Judgment Day the very next night on RAW.
That loss sparked Lynch’s heel turn and ignited a summer rivalry that ended with The Man capturing the Women’s Intercontinental Championship from Valkyria.
Also Read: All matches announced for WWE WrestleMania 42 so far
The road to WrestleMania 42
Fast-forward to the present, and Lynch still holds the Women’s Intercontinental Championship; though she briefly lost it to Maxxine Dupri before reclaiming the gold. She is set to defend the title against AJ Lee at Elimination Chamber, with all signs pointing toward their storyline extending into WrestleMania.
Meanwhile, Lyra Valkyria and Bayley remain on the outside looking in. A full-circle WrestleMania 42 title opportunity would serve as redemption for Bayley, who was effectively a healthy scratch last year.
Ripley and SKY are scheduled to defend their Women’s Tag Team Titles this Friday on SmackDown in a rematch against Nia Jax and Lash Legend. Both could also be involved in the Women’s Elimination Chamber, with Ripley already qualified and SKY competing in a final qualifier on RAW.
If the champions lose their titles before Chamber, it may signal a shift toward singles pursuits. Regardless, the division is as deep as it has ever been, and a multi-team WrestleMania match, perhaps even a TLC stipulation, remains firmly on the table. Whether Valkyria embraces a more aggressive edge or not, change appears imminent.
Why is Lyra Valkyria reportedly changing her character?
Reports indicate discussions about making her more aggressive, reflecting frustration over being overlooked in the Women’s Tag Team Title picture.
What happened to Valkyria and Bayley at WrestleMania 41?
Bayley was attacked backstage in storyline and ruled unable to compete, leading Valkyria to team with Becky Lynch instead.
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