Lyra Valkyria Retains Women’s Intercontinental Title vs. Former World Champ on Raw
Lyra Valkyria retained the Women’s Intercontinental Championship against Bayley in a technical battle on the April 7 edition of Raw.
A championship clash opened the April 7 edition of Raw from Minneapolis, following Adam Pearce’s announcement of the Women’s World Title triple threat for WrestleMania 41. The Women’s Intercontinental Championship was put on the line as Lyra Valkyria faced off against Bayley in what would become one of the night’s standout bouts.
The contest received formal ring introductions from Alicia Taylor, adding to the big fight feel despite the Women’s IC Title not currently having a WrestleMania match scheduled. What unfolded was a technical showcase as both competitors locked up and exchanged holds in the early going, with neither gaining a clear advantage.
Bayley eventually took control with a knee strike to Valkyria’s face before maintaining her offense through the commercial break. Upon return, momentum shifted as Valkyria battled back, though she encountered trouble when Bayley caught her diving attempt and delivered a Bayley To Belly for a near fall.
The action intensified with Valkyria surviving a Nightwing attempt, while Bayley kicked out after a sunset flip bucklebomb. The champion responded with a fishermen’s buster suplex that earned a two-count as fans voiced their appreciation with “this is awesome” chants.
The finish came when Valkyria escaped both a Boson Crab submission and a Rose Plant attempt before securing a pinfall victory with a roll-up. After initially declining a post-match handshake, Bayley returned to embrace Valkyria in a show of respect.
Interestingly, these opponents will join forces as tag team partners in a gauntlet match on the upcoming SmackDown, while the championship’s place on the WrestleMania 41 card remains undetermined with the premium live event less than two weeks away.
