Capturing the audience's and opponents' attention in pro wrestling takes work. Not many have managed to do so like Taya. Born Kira Renee Forster on October 22, 1983, she has established herself as a force to reckon with throughout her iconic journey showcasing her incredible skills and charisma.
Kira didn't start as a wrestler. She was a model and fitness competitor, then transitioned to professional wrestling. Here is a glance at her journey from the early days and remarkable moments that thrust the incredible athlete to the top of the wrestling world and continue her coronation as the Empress of Canadian Wrestling.
Training
The transition from model and fitness competitor to wrestler was not easy. Training changed from keeping fit and building muscles to knowing how to throw a punch, knock someone out and learn the opponent's weak points. Taya enrolled in Storm Wrestling Academy in 2010 and graduated the same year in September. The training equipped her with the fundamentals of wrestling. She then started competing in various Canadian promotions under the alias Taya Valkyrie.
Career
Franky started making a name for herself through several independent promotions across Canada and the United States. She worked hard and gained experience, which helped her build a reputation in the wrestling community.
Mexico
Taya moved to Mexico in 2012. She wrestled for several promotions here, including Los Perros Del Mal in Lucha Libre AAA underground. Taya later competed in other promotions, such as Universal Wrestling Entertainment, Legend Promociones, International Wrestling League, and Invasion RCH. In November 2012, she joined Lucha Libre AAA Worldwide. Here, she fully adopted the name Taya Valkyrie a character inspired by Norse mythology. Her determination and in-ring abilities helped her stand out from the other wrestlers in the promotion.
She debuted in a six-person tag team match alongside Gran Apache and Mari Apache, which they won. She also had a single match with Jennifer Blake in the final tournament for AAA Reina de Reinas Championship, which she won.
As she showed her capabilities,Taya was involved in major competitions like Triplemania XXII pay-per-view in 2014, in which she defeated Faby Apache. Soon after, Franky defended her title in a six-woman elimination match.
In 2017,Tayalost her Reina de Reinas Championship title to Hamada, ending her impressive 945 days reign. But, the following year, Franky defeated Hamada and became a two-time Reina de Reinas Champion before leaving Lucha Libre AAA.
In 2021 she returned and debuted, defeating Keyra, La Hiedra, and Vanilla to qualify for the tournament. She went on to win the Reinas de Reina Champion for the third time, which reigned 528 days.
Impact Wrestling
Taya took her experience to Impact Wrestling (TNA Wrestling), where her fame hit the roof. Franky worked her way to the main roster, where she was included in various storylines and championship matches.
At Impact Wrestling, Franky was booked as a heel. Her debut saw her confront Rosemary. Her first match was with Amber Nova, and she could not wait to resume her feud with Rosemary. A match was scheduled, where she faced Rosemary at the Bound for Glory pay-per-view.
Unfortunately, the match didn't take place due to some undisclosed circumstances. Franky was absent for five months, and when she returned, the feud was fired-up when she again attacked Rosemary.
The feud led to a thrilling encounter in a demon dance match. Franky lost to Rosemary, which brought the feud to an end. She then disappeared for a while, and on her return, she was booked as a face and had a match with Tessa Blanchard for the Impact Knockouts Championship title, which she lost. Then at Bound for Glory, Franky had another match with Blanchard, which ended in favor of the opponent. Then she got a rematch that Blanchard won by disqualification as she attacked the referee.
NXT
Taya appeared in WWE NXT in 2021 under "Franky Monet." Monet debuted in NXT as she interrupted Raquel Gonzalez and Dakota Kai. She later had matches with Jacy Jayne and Elektra Lopez and won. But, her stay was short, as she was released the same year.
Return to Impact Wrestling
Following her NXT release, Monet returned to Impact Wrestling in 2022 under the ring name Valkyrie. She won the AAA Reina de Reinas Championship for a record fourth time, defeating Purrazzo. She then teamed up with Rosemary and won the Impact Knockouts World Tag Team Championship, the first in her career. Monet lost the tag team championship in March 2023 following the revelation that Valkyrie was done with Impact Wrestling. During the same 2022-2023 window, Monet competed in Major League Wrestling and National Wrestling Alliance.
All Elite Wrestling (AEW)
Taya debuted in AEW on March 2023 under the Valkyrie alias, continuing to exude her expertise in the squared ring to date.
Taya accomplishments
The journey has been challenging, butTaya has secured victories and fame. She is well-recognized for her fierce personality, impressive wrestling skills, and dominating presence in the knockout division. It is evident considering the match odds you find from top betting sites on LegalBet Canada.
Taya has won several titles, including:
· DDT Pro-Wrestling
· Ironman Heavymetalweight Championship
· Impact Wrestling
· Impact Knockouts Championship
· Knockout of the year (2019)
· Impact year end Awards
· Lucha Libre AAA Worldwide
· AAA Reina de Reinas Championship
· Luchador of the Year (2014, 2015)
· Women's Lucha Capital (2018), among others
Taya's success has set her as the Empress of Canadian Wrestling. Still, the journey hasn't been without a fair share of challenges. She has endured a lot, including moving from her home country. She understands wrestling demands hard work, perseverance, patience, and an open mind, skills she has accumulated over the years. Today, she is one of the most charismatic and experienced in-ring performers who easily commands respect from fans and fellow professional wrestlers.
