Lyra Valkyria and Dakota Kai are just one match away from experiencing the most significant point in their careers. Having battled tirelessly on opposite sides of a qualifying round, they are set to square off in the tournament final, with the winner earning the title of WWE’s inaugural Women’s Intercontinental Champion.

Prior to their upcoming confrontation, EbMaster held discussions with both Valkyria and Kai, a conversation that occurred before the latest stir caused by “Monday Night Raw” transitioning from traditional TV broadcast to streaming on Netflix.

Kai, who is from New Zealand, found Raw’s shift to Netflix very beneficial: “Previously, my family at home had difficulties watching any of my matches, so they would only catch up with YouTube highlights. Now that we’re on Netflix, it’s incredibly convenient for them to keep track of me and watch everything I do on ‘Raw.'”

The move by Raw to Netflix significantly benefited Kai, a native New Zealander: “My family back home had always faced challenges in watching my matches, resorting to YouTube highlights. Now that we’re streaming on Netflix, it’s effortless for them to follow me and watch any ‘Raw’ episode I appear in.

Valkyria, who joined WWE’s main roster in April 2024, expressed that things have been happening so swiftly for her that she often needs to step back, disconnect, and tackle each day as it comes because the pace can be overwhelming. Since joining ‘Raw’, she feels incredibly comfortable, from the locker room to working with management to the constant travel every week. She adores the road life of ‘Raw’, finding it fast-paced and invigorating, like being thrown into deep water, which she finds thrilling and enjoyable.

Although Valkyrie’s rise in WWE has been remarkably fast, Kai’s journey has been defined by consistent dedication over a longer period. As it stands, I’ve been with the company for roughly seven and a half years, and I’m incredibly thankful for all that I’ve accomplished. Reflecting on my time here, I can’t help but think about the incredible partners I’ve had in the ring, performing at WrestleMania, and the chances to do PLEs abroad.

Kai has won tag team gold twice in WWE, but winning the Intercontinental Championship would be her first solo title with the company. “Becoming the first-ever Intercontinental Women’s Champion is almost beyond comprehension for me. I struggle with visualization, it’s not my strong suit. My self-confidence isn’t always high. But I’ve wanted these chances, so I’m going to give everything I’ve got in the ring and hope that my victory will be announced at the end of the match.

As a cinephile, I must confess that I’ve had my share of doubts and uncertainties in the past. However, when it comes to taking on the role as the new title character for an upcoming film project, I find myself brimming with renewed confidence.

Facing Becky [Lynch] for the [NXT Women’s Championship], I felt prepared, but a tiny voice in my head would question if I was biting off more than I could chew. However, regarding this tournament and this title, I no longer feel that sense of uncertainty. I truly believe I’m ready to create history and that I deserve to be here.

Speaking as a devoted moviegoer, I must say, the tenacity of Kai in continuing with wrestling despite suffering from ACL and meniscus injuries truly resonates with me. His unwavering devotion to his craft is something I admire greatly.

I hold Dakota in high regard due to her resilience in overcoming a knee injury and surgery, which is something I’ve experienced myself. I understand the immense strength required for recovery, and though her journey was tougher than mine, she’s still managed to make an impressive comeback. Despite being a multiple tag team champion, Dakota hasn’t had her moment in the singles spotlight within WWE – a goal I know she cherishes deeply. My approach is simply to maintain a mindset that I desire it more.

Regarding strategy, Kai acknowledges that he studies videos of Valkyria’s confrontations with his fellow Damage Ctrl teammate Iyo Sky: “Just watching the matches between Iyo and Lyra, it’s mind-blowing. I think Iyo is the best in the world. She’s incredible. I’ve known her since my days in Japan.

Valkyria regards Sky with great respect: “The three bouts I had against Iyo on ‘Raw’ rank among my most significant accomplishments this year. I am extremely proud to have faced her three times, as I truly believe she is one of the finest wrestlers globally.

Should she win the gold, Valkyria named Sky as one of her possible dream competitors, along with the current Women’s World Champion Rhea Ripley.

I’d be thrilled to face Rhea Ripley, Iyo Sky, Tiffany Stratton or even rekindle my rivalry with Roxanne Perez from NXT again. Bayley would make it an exciting match. There are still so many talented women on the main roster that I haven’t had the chance to work with yet – I feel like I’m just getting started!

Kai also mentioned Bayley as an ideal opponent for a title defense: “Since she’s done so much for me, like helping form Damage CTRL and supporting me since my NXT days. It would be like a fairy tale if we could complete the circle by having a match with her.

WWE’s “Monday Night Raw” airs live on Netflix every Monday at 5 p.m. PT / 8 p.m. ET.

Read More

2025-01-14 03:16