You saw Kay Lee Ray become the longest-reigning NXT UK Women's Champion in history. You saw her set NXT ablaze as Alba Fyre. You saw her give in to her dark side while teaming with Isla Dawn in NXT as they became the final WWE NXT Women's Tag Team Champions and later on became WWE Women's Tag Team Champions. And you saw her pull duty as a member of the Secret Hervice. When all of that is combined with what Ray has accomplished outside of WWE, what the wrestling world has in store becomes clearer, wherever she lands next.
The UK Independent Scene
Years before being a member of WWE's developmental system, Kay Lee Ray began her career on the UK independent scene, where she captured many championships. Ray is a 3-time former Insane Championship Wrestling (ICW) Women's World Champion (with her first reign being the sixth-longest in the championship's history), a former EVE Champion, and she became the first WOS Women's Champion.
Japan
Early in her career, Kay Lee Ray wrestled in Japan for JWP and Gatoh Move Pro Wrestling from 2012 to 2013, and Stardom from 2016 to 2018. These experiences enhanced her aggressiveness and technical skills.
The US
Kay Lee Ray first began wrestling in the US in 2014, and worked for SHIMMER, SHINE, and ZERO1 USA. She also appeared in TNA three times for TNA British Boot Camp, a reality program which featured UK-based talents competing for a TNA contract.
In 2015, Kay Lee Ray made her first appearance in NXT and later participated in WWE Mae Young Classic 2017, signing her first contract with WWE two years later.
All of Kay Lee Ray's accomplishments brought her to that point, acknowledging her status as an international star.
With Kay Lee Ray now on the next chapter of her career, there are many places where she fits into the current wrestling ecosystem globally:
Because Kay Lee Ray is familiar with being in the ring with a wide range of pro-wrestling styles from all over the world, there are many wrestlers in Tony Khan’s women’s divisions in AEW who she could adapt to and have matches with that would entertain fans, such as technically-gifted wrestlers like Serena Deeb and Deonna Purrazzo, and Mina Shirakawa with her hybrid Japanese/American style.
When Kay Lee Ray was in TNA in 2014, she was as a pro-wrestler earlier in her career, trying to get an opportunity. If she returned to TNA now, it would be as one of the biggest names on the Knockouts roster, who could have matches with fellow veterans like Ash By Elegance or newer generation wrestlers like Elayna Black
Kay Lee Ray has evolved since her time in Stardom. Most of the time that she was there was a developmental learning experience for her, as she was expanding her craft and coming into her own. If Ray were to return to Stardom at this point in her career, it would be as a seasoned veteran who could have matches with current top Stardom wrestlers, including Saya Kamitani, Starlight Kid, and AZM.
A 3-time holder of the ICW Women's World Championship, Kay Lee Ray's roots run deep in the promotion. If she decides to return to the UK wrestling scene, ICW would be a natural landing spot for a homecoming and would take its women's division to another level.
Another UK-based promotion that Kay Lee Ray has a history with, Pro-Wrestling: EVE, began teasing a mystery appearance not long after she was released from WWE, which has caused many fans to believe that the former EVE Champion will be returning to the promotion. EVE was one of the promotions that Ray wrestled in the most while she was on the UK independent wrestling scene, so it's a strong possibility.
Alba Fyre provided television exposure, and now the world-class level Kay Lee Ray is back on the market. It will be very interesting to see what happens next.
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