Former WWE wrestler Alba Fyre makes unannounced indie return

Kay Lee Ray WWE Alba Fyre
The former Alba Fyre competes in WWE NXT. (Image credit: WWE)

Kay Lee Ray made an unannounced return to the ring on Friday for her first match since being released by WWE.

The former Alba Fyre showed up for Pro Wrestling Eve in London, answering an open challenge that was issued by Molly Spartan. KLR’s return was a successful one, with her getting the victory after landing a Swanton.

During the open challenge, there was a fake-out at first with Abi Cartwright — as “Abi Fyre” — coming down to face Spartan. Eve then delivered on KLR’s heavily speculated return with the actual former WWE star entering. The commentary team put over KLR, a former Eve Champion, as embodying everything the indie women’s wrestling promotion stands for.

“Anyone who is anyone in women’s professional wrestling has stepped through those ropes,” commentary said. “Legends, pioneers, women in the beginning of their careers, women making a name for themselves, nobody has ever personified Pro Wrestling Eve more than Kay Lee F***ing Ray — and she is back home.”

AEW’s Will Ospreay, who is one of the driving forces of Eve behind the scenes, shared video of the crowd reacting to her entrance.

Alba Fyre’s WWE release —

During her time with WWE, KLR was featured on the main roster, NXT, and NXT UK, including a nearly two-year reign as NXT UK Women’s Champion that partially took place during the pandemic era. She is a former Women’s Tag Team Champion (with Isla Dawn) and had been recently aligned with Chelsea Green on SmackDown as one of Green’s “Secret Hervice” members.

News of her release broke on April 24 during WWE’s post-WrestleMania 42 roster cuts.

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Joseph Currier
Joseph Currier

Joseph Currier is the lead editor of F4WOnline.com, directing daily news coverage and writing articles on professional wrestling. He is a graduate of the University of Massachusetts, obtaining a journalism degree in 2016. Joseph joined F4W during his time at UMass and has now been writing about the industry for nearly a decade.

In addition to his work with F4W, Joseph has previously contributed to Sports Illustrated's wrestling coverage. He lives in Massachusetts and is a diehard fan of the Boston sports teams and Liverpool Football Club.