Payton Royce has risen to considerable fame throughout her wrestling career. Since 2022, she has faced only occasional setbacks but made a comeback in 2025, having competed twice so far, as she works to regain her place in the wrestling world. Her return is a great chance to explore both her professional journey and her personal life beyond the ring.
Many fans of Payton Royce want to know more about her, especially as a former WWE and TNA star. She gained widespread recognition as part of the beloved tag team, The IIconics, alongside her close friend Billie Kay. The duo began teaming up in 2015 on WWE’s NXT brand, quickly gaining popularity due to their lively personalities and becoming a key part of WWE’s women’s tag team division. Fans appreciate their on-screen chemistry and genuine friendship.
Payton Royce began her wrestling career at 17, debuting in 2009 in Australian independent promotions like PWA before signing with WWE in 2015. Throughout her career, she has wrestled under various names, including KC Cassidy (2009-2015), Cathy (2015), Payton Royce (2015-2021), and currently Kathy Lee. WWE gave her the name Payton Royce when she entered NXT, but since leaving WWE, she uses Kathy Lee, which is closer to her real name, Cassandra.
In her personal life, Payton is married to fellow wrestler Sean Spears (also known as Tyler Breeze/Ty Dillinger). They tied the knot in 2019, having both wrestled together on NXT. Despite the challenges of maintaining their relationship with busy wrestling schedules, they make it work.
Standing at 5’7″ and weighing 132 lbs, Payton has a strong physical presence comparable to other top female wrestlers like Rhea Ripley. Her height and stature have contributed to her style and effectiveness in the ring.
During a break starting in 2022, Payton focused on family, welcoming two sons with Sean Spears—one in 2023 and another in 2024. Her brief wrestling return in 2023 was quickly followed by news of her second pregnancy.
Royce holds a unique achievement in wrestling history, having won tag team titles in both WWE and TNA with Billie Kay. The team captured the WWE Women’s Tag Team Championship at WrestleMania 35 and later won the TNA Knockouts Tag Team Championship. This makes them the only team to hold both titles together, marking an impressive legacy.
At 32 years old, Payton Royce still has plenty of time to leave a lasting mark in professional wrestling. Many wrestlers peak in their mid-30s, so if she chooses to pursue further success in WWE, AEW, or TNA, her future could be bright.
Fan Take: Payton Royce’s return is exciting for WWE fans as it signals the potential revival of a beloved star with a strong legacy in tag team wrestling. Her unique achievements and fresh energy could bring renewed excitement and competitiveness to the women’s division, influencing the sport’s future direction.
