The inaugural WWE Women’s Intercontinental Champion has been crowned.
Lyra Valkyria defeated Dakota Kai to win the WWE Women’s Intercontinental title in the tournament final on Monday Night Raw.
It was a back-and-forth affair that had plenty of bright moments, and Kai looked like she was setting up for victory when she landed a GTK on her opponent. However, Valkyria smartly went out of the ring to avoid the pin and recovered. She took advantage and landed the Nightwing to set up the winning pin and make WWE history.
The title win continues what’s been an impressive first year on the main roster for Valkyria. After she was called up in April, the Ireland-native entered the Queen of the Ring tournament and made it to the finals, losing to Nia Jax for the crown. After forming an alliance with Kayden Carter and Katana Chance over the summer, Valkyria was also in the women’s Money in the Bank match in July.
Valkyria’s path to the title included a first round victory over Zelina Vega and Ivy Nile in the first round, and she defeated Kai’s Damage CTRL teammate in the semifinals to reach the final.
The championship is Valkyria’s first on the main roster and second in her time in WWE. She was the NXT Champion in 2023-24 with her reign lasting 164 days. She joins Chelsea Green as the two newest midcard champions in the women’s division; Green won the Women’s United States Championship at Saturday Night’s Main Event on Dec. 14.