Kay Lee Ray Confirms WWE Contract Expired, Not Released; Returns to Independent Scene

Alba Fyre has confirmed that her departure from WWE was the result of her contract expiring, not a release from the company. While a number of WWE stars were reported as being released from their contracts on April 24, with Alba Fyre among the names mentioned, her situation differed due to the nature of her contract conclusion.

In a Daily Star interview coinciding with her return to EVE: Women of Wrestling in London, England, the star, now known once more as Kay Lee Ray, revealed that her WWE contract had simply run its course. This circumstance allowed her to bypass the standard 90-day non-compete clause often associated with talent releases, enabling her immediate return to independent wrestling.

“It happens. There seems to be a pattern with this. My contract was up, and I knew it was coming up, and I had the decision of whether I wanted to stay or not.”

Kay Lee Ray further clarified the distinction between a contract ending and a release during the interview.

“I know some people got fired and they have the 90-day clause, but because mine was just a contract ending, it means I didn’t have the 90 days, and I was able to come and do this and do it as a kind of surprise, even though I know it wasn’t really a surprise. But yeah, really glad it worked out this way.”

Independent Return and Future Plans

Kay Lee Ray made her in-ring return at EVE 150: History Makers/Rule Breakers on June 5 in London, England. She secured a victory over Molly Spartan during this event.

Following the match, Kay Lee Ray shared her thoughts on making an independent wrestling return at EVE, expressing her satisfaction with the bout.

“You know what? Amazing. It’s good to get back in, back in with somebody that I’ve known for a long time but never got to wrestle. Wrestling Molly is one I’ve been wanting to do for a while and I’m really glad to get that done.”

The thirty-three year old star also stated her full return to the independent circuit, signaling that she is “back to it” when it comes to wrestling on the independent scene. She hinted at forthcoming appearances, mentioning that she has been in discussions with several people.

“We are back to it. I’m sure now you’re gonna start seeing things appearing, I’ve been speaking to a few people, so some things are going to be going out, but I’m kind of keeping that to myself, (you’ll) see more in the future.”

WWE Career Overview

Kay Lee Ray signed a WWE contract in January 2019. Prior to this, she was already familiar with the company, having competed at an NXT taping in 2015 and then in the Mae Young Classic two years later, in 2017.

Her initial WWE tenure saw her appearing on NXT UK programming before she transitioned stateside in August 2021. The following year, she was repackaged and began competing as Alba Fyre.

As Alba Fyre, she formed one half of The Unholy Union alongside Isla Dawn. The duo was called up to the main roster in May 2023. Dawn would be the first to part ways with WWE, with her release in February of last year. This led to Fyre becoming a member of The Green Regime the following month, allying her with Chelsea Green and Piper Niven.

When Piper Niven was sidelined through injury, Alba Fyre continued to compete, often teaming with Chelsea Green.

Her final match in WWE as Alba Fyre saw her face NXT Women’s North American Champion Tatum Paxley at WWE World At WrestleMania 42. This event was an untelevised show held ahead of the two night Premium Live Event.

During her time in WWE, Alba Fyre held championship gold, having been a former WWE Women’s Tag Team Champion and a former NXT Women’s Tag Team Champion.

Pre-WWE History

Kay Lee Ray brought a wealth of experience to WWE as a seasoned professional. She had competed in TNA Wrestling and established herself as a prominent star in independent promotions such as ICW and Pro-Wrestling EVE, where she held championship reigns. Her international experience included competing in Stardom and Shimmer, further solidifying her reputation on the global independent scene before joining WWE.