Kay Lee Ray Reveals Rejected WWE Name 'Paisley' and Alba Fyre Origins

No longer under contract with WWE, the star is once again known as Kay Lee Ray on the independent circuit. She recently spoke with the Daily Star to explain how the Alba Fyre name came about.

Alba Fyre Name Origins and Rejected Pitches

Kay Lee Ray confirmed that the name Alba Fyre originated from WWE itself, despite her having pitched several other names. She stated that the company chose the name they wanted her to use.

It was WWE’s idea. I had pitched some names, but ultimately, it was one that they suggested that we went with. Alba Fyre, it’s Scottish fire, that is what I am.

Ray also elaborated on her perspective regarding character work within WWE compared to her approach on the independent scene, viewing her role in WWE as an actor.

They know what they’re doing, they’re WWE. I always feel, differently from the independents, in WWE, I’m an actor on their TV show. If they present a character to me, I’m going to play that character, but on the independents, I’m going to play the character that I want to play.

When asked about the names she had pitched to WWE, Ray revealed that one of her suggestions was 'Paisley'. She cited her birthplace as the inspiration for this idea, aiming for a name similar to her real name.

Well, people from there might make fun of me for this, but Paisley was actually one that I suggested. I was born in Paisley, so like Paisley Ray, something like that, so it kind of went with the Kay Lee.

However, WWE ultimately rejected 'Paisley' as a name, indicating their vision for her character. The company told Ray that they viewed her as a 'badass' who needed 'something fiery' to reflect her persona.

No, you’re a badass, we need something fiery.

Departure from WWE and Independent Return

Kay Lee Ray confirmed that her parting ways with WWE in April of this year was due to her contract expiring. Following her exit, she has made a return to the independent wrestling scene. Her first confirmed match back saw her defeat Molly Spartan at Pro-Wrestling EVE on June 5 in London, England.

Ray also stated in her Daily Star interview that she is actively pursuing new opportunities within the independent wrestling landscape, suggesting her continued presence and future endeavors in the scene.

WWE Tenure as Alba Fyre

Before adopting the Alba Fyre name, Kay Lee Ray was already an established performer within WWE, having signed her initial contract in January 2019. As Alba Fyre, she formed a significant alliance with Isla Dawn in January 2023, a partnership that developed after they had a feud on NXT.

The alliance proved successful, leading to championship gold for both competitors. Dawn and Fyre became the final NXT Women’s Tag Team Champions, and later held the WWE Women’s Tag Team Championships.

Isla Dawn was released from her WWE contract in February 2025. Following her release, Dawn stated that she was "not surprised" by WWE’s decision.

After Isla Dawn's departure, Alba Fyre joined The Green Army, a faction that included Chelsea Green and Piper Niven. In this new role, Fyre adopted a much less serious character, often referred to as a 'Slaygent'. Her involvement in The Green Army allowed her to display a different aspect of her character work, aligning with the comedic elements often present in Chelsea Green's on screen persona. As a veteran of the independent scene before joining WWE, Kay Lee Ray's return to that space now brings the benefits of all the varied experiences she gained during her tenure with WWE, demonstrating her ability to fit into any role given by creative. Kay Lee Ray has made it clear during the Daily Star interview that she is back on the independent scene with opportunities coming.