Lyra Valkyria's return to WWE NXT raises eyebrows

NXT is considered “developmental” but it’s also the land where main roster players can go to if they need a “fresh coat of paint.” During the September 3 episode of WWE NXT, Lyra Valkyria returned to save Tatum Paxley from Rosemary and Wendy Choo. The fans welcomed her back with open arms, as did Paxley. But it’s a move that should raise eyebrows based on where Valkyria was just months ago.

Just about four months ago, Valkyria was enjoying quite the push on WWE Monday Night Raw. After joining the roster in May, she was riding a wave. She reached the finals of the 2024 Queen of the Ring tournament, losing to Nia Jax in one of the highlight finishes of the year. Before that, she picked up strong wins against Zoey Stark and Dakota Kai, before putting on a Match of the Year candidate show with IYO SKY. It looked like Valkyria was enjoying a wave of momentum that would keep her in the title picture on Raw. But then it all suddenly came to an end.

After Money in the Bank in July, Valkyria became an afterthought on Raw. She’d be featured in a trio alongside Katana Chance and Kayden Carter, another pair of wrestlers who have disappeared from television. Valkyria would lose nearly every televised match she was in after the MITB. Many noted that she was suddenly de-pushed, and it was perplexing why it happened. There was a budding conspiracy theory that linked Valkyria’s de-push to Becky Lynch taking time away from WWE after her contract ended. That idea was never reported or truly gained steam. But it is clear that Valkyria has fallen down the pecking order on Raw. Seeing her return to WWE NXT will add to that idea.

Seeing Valkyria back in NXT creates some interesting opportunities. First, she and Paxley could have a strong run as a duo and there are plenty of women for them to work with. Paxley is one that many have their eyes on as a future piece for the division, so being back with Valkyria will help her. Then, there’s the influx of talent reportedly coming into WWE NXT. Giulia, DELTA, and Stephanie Vaquer will all need staunch challenges and Valkyria can be a key part of that equation.

Moving from Raw or SmackDown to NXT shouldn’t be seen as a massive demotion. It’s a valuable opening that can help someone in need of a momentum shift. Lyra Valkyria seems to be the latest to need such a push and there’s a lot of opportunity for this to be beneficial for several women on the roster.