I had a feeling that was the case. With a Han Solo movie in the works they were going to need a new Chewie eventually. That it was seamless, means the new guy learned from the master Wook.
IIRC, Wookiee life debts can be transferred, or a new one can be forged. Rey because Han thought she was important, (and she knows her way around the Falcon) and Finn because he treated Chewie’s injuries.
Wookiees are also supposed to be Force sensitive. So Rey must light up like a Christmas tree.