One of wrestling’s biggest stars is boldly going where no champion has gone before. WWE’s Becky Lynch — real name Rebecca Quin — is making her Star Trek debut in Paramount+’s Star Trek: Starfleet Academy, the highly anticipated Discovery spinoff launching January 15, 2026.
Paramount released the first image of Quin in uniform, showing the former Raw Women’s Champion suited up in a gold-accented Starfleet uniform, hinting that her role may fall within operations, engineering, or security. While her character’s name and rank remain under wraps, Quin confirmed she serves as part of the bridge crew, placing her at the centre of the show’s interstellar drama.
“You know when you’ve already been champion of the world, there’s only one place to go next — and that’s to the stars,” Lynch shared on social media. “I’m so excited to join Star Trek: Starfleet Academy as part of the bridge crew. Acting alongside this spectacular cast and crew has been amazing. Live long and prosper.”
A New Frontier for WWE’s Becky Lync
For Quin, Starfleet Academy marks her most prominent television role yet, continuing her steady transition from wrestling superstar to on-screen performer. She previously appeared in projects such as Young Rock, The Marine 6, and Billions, but Starfleet Academy is her first major science-fiction role.
In a recent interview, Quin reflected on her lifelong familiarity with Star Trek:
“I grew up in Ireland when Star Trek was one of the two shows that were always on TV. I can’t say I was a hardcore Trekkie, but I loved the movies — and of course, Colm Meaney. Anytime he showed up, you had to sit down and watch.”
That Irish connection is fitting, as Star Trek has long had ties to Ireland through Meaney’s portrayal of Chief Miles O’Brien in The Next Generation and Deep Space Nine.
About ‘Star Trek: Starfleet Academy’
Set decades after Star Trek: Discovery, the new series introduces audiences to a diverse group of cadets entering the most prestigious institution in the Federation.
According to Paramount+’s official synopsis:
“Star Trek: Starfleet Academy introduces viewers to a young group of cadets who come together to pursue a common dream of hope and optimism. Under the watchful eyes of their instructors, they discover what it takes to become Starfleet officers as they navigate blossoming friendships, explosive rivalries, first loves, and a new enemy that threatens both the Academy and the Federation itself.”
The show promises to blend coming-of-age drama with Star Trek’s classic ideals of exploration, teamwork, and moral discovery — echoing earlier entries like The Next Generation and Voyager, while appealing to a new generation of fans.
Star-Studded Cast and Crew
Star Trek: Starfleet Academy boasts a formidable cast combining Hollywood veterans, fresh faces, and high-profile guest stars.
Holographic AI responsible for overseeing cadet programs.
Brit Marling
Voice of the Academy Computer
Follows in Majel Barrett’s legacy as the voice of Starfleet systems.
Sandro Rosta, Karim Diané, Kerrice Brooks, George Hawkins, Bella Shepard
Starfleet Cadets
Represent the new generation of Federation officers.
Tig Notaro, Robert Picardo
Faculty Members
Returning Star Trek veterans from previous installments.
Guest Stars: Oded Fehr, Mary Wiseman
Appear in key crossover episodes connecting the Discovery timeline.
Recurring Guest Stars: Gina Yashere, Paul Giamatti
New additions to the Star Trek universe.
“We wanted to capture the spirit of discovery, but through younger eyes,” said showrunner Noga Landau (The Magicians). “This is about finding your place — in the galaxy and in yourself.”
Becky Lynch’s Role: What We Know So Far?
Though Paramount+ hasn’t released character details, Lynch’s gold-toned uniform suggests she’s part of Starfleet operations or engineering, aligning with her “hands-on, tactical” persona from her wrestling days.
Fans have already started speculating that her role could mirror a mix of Star Trek’s most beloved characters — combining the discipline of Tasha Yar (security chief from The Next Generation) and the charisma of Scotty (The Original Series).
Lynch, who is known for her fierce energy and natural charisma, shared that working on the set was a “surreal dream”:
“It’s not every day you go from cutting promos in the ring to commanding a Starfleet console,” she joked. “It’s been incredible to learn from some of the best actors and directors in sci-fi.”
A Fresh Take on a Classic Universe
Starfleet Academy continues Paramount’s strategic expansion of the Star Trek television universe, following recent hits like Strange New Worlds, Picard, and Lower Decks.
Unlike its predecessors, this spinoff focuses primarily on young cadets — a narrative shift that blends space exploration with the emotional arcs of adolescence and early adulthood.
“It’s about growing up under immense pressure, surrounded by the stars,” explained executive producer Alex Kurtzman. “We wanted to explore the idea that being a Starfleet officer doesn’t start with command — it starts with chaos, friendship, and discovery.”
Why Becky Lynch’s Casting Matters?
For Star Trek fans and WWE audiences alike, Lynch’s casting represents a cross-genre moment that could attract a new wave of viewers to Paramount+.
Industry Reaction
Key Takeaway
Collider
Praised the casting as “a bold, exciting crossover between sports entertainment and sci-fi.”
IGN
Called Lynch “an inspired choice” for a series that thrives on confident, rebellious energy.
ScreenRant
Predicted the role could lead to more high-profile acting opportunities for the wrestling star.
Entertainment analyst Marcus Grant noted that Paramount+ is strategically using Lynch’s crossover appeal:
“WWE fans are a loyal audience. Bringing one of their icons into Star Trek expands the show’s reach and energizes both fandoms.”
When and Where to Watch?
Platform
Release Date
Format
Paramount+ (U.S. & Canada)
January 15, 2026
Weekly episodes
Paramount+ International (U.K., Australia, Ireland)
January 16, 2026
Available next day
Physical & Digital Release
Mid-2026 (TBD)
Blu-ray and digital download expected
All episodes will stream exclusively on Paramount+, following a weekly release model — mirroring the format of Strange New Worlds.
A Galactic Career Move for ‘The Man’
Becky Lynch has already conquered arenas worldwide — now she’s taking that same confidence to the stars. Her casting in Starfleet Academy reflects both Star Trek’s enduring cultural reach and Lynch’s ongoing evolution from sports entertainer to crossover star.
As she trades the squared circle for the bridge of a starship, one thing is certain: Rebecca Quin is boldly going where few wrestlers have gone before.
“I’ve done it all in the ring,” she said. “Now, it’s time to explore the universe.”
Star Trek: Starfleet Academy launches on Paramount+ on January 15, 2026.
Frequently Asked Questions
When does Star Trek: Starfleet Academy premiere?
The series debuts on January 15, 2026, exclusively on Paramount+.
Who does Becky Lynch play in Starfleet Academy?
Her character’s name hasn’t been revealed, but she’s part of the bridge crew, likely in operations or security.
Is Starfleet Academy connected to Star Trek: Discovery?
Yes. It’s a direct spinoff set decades after Discovery, following a new class of cadets.
Who else stars in the series?
The ensemble includes Holly Hunter, Stephen Colbert, Brit Marling, and Star Trek veterans Tig Notaro and Robert Picardo.
Will there be crossovers with other Star Trek shows?
Producers have hinted at “legacy character appearances,” suggesting ties to both Discovery and Picard.
Where can I stream previous Star Trek shows?
All major Star Trek series are available on Paramount+ globally.
