When Cassandra McIntosh stepped away from the global sports entertainment leader in April 2021, fans wondered what lay ahead for the former Peyton Royce. Known globally as one half of The IIconics alongside her lifelong best friend Jessie McKay, McIntosh built a reputation for sharp comedic timing, vibrant ring presence, and championship success. Rather than fading into obscurity after her departure, she transitioned into a multi-faceted professional, balancing new wrestling ventures under her real name Cassie Lee, podcasting, and family life.
Her post-WWE trajectory has taken her across multiple major promotions, including Impact Wrestling, Total Nonstop Action Wrestling (TNA), All Elite Wrestling (AEW), and Tokyo Joshi Pro-Wrestling (TJPW). Navigating life outside of the corporate wrestling machine required a complete career pivot, adapting to independent schedules while managing motherhood and long-term creative projects.
The WWE Legacy and The IIconics Impact
Long before her independent circuit resurgence, McIntosh cemented her legacy in WWE. Signed to the developmental brand NXT in 2015, she aligned with Jessie McKay to form a duo that would eventually dominate the tag team division on the main roster. As The IIconics, they captured the imagination of fans through hilarious backstage segments and undeniable chemistry.
The peak of their WWE run arrived at WrestleMania 35 in 2019, where they captured the WWE Women's Tag Team Championship in a fatal four-way match. However, sudden roster cuts in April 2021 abruptly ended their tenure with the company. Losing their platform didn't stop them; instead, it served as the catalyst for an independent evolution where they could reclaim creative control over their personas.
Post-WWE Transitions: The Birth of The IInspiration
Following their release, McIntosh and McKay rebranded themselves as The IInspiration. They debuted in Impact Wrestling later that year at Bound for Glory, making an immediate impact by defeating Decay to capture the Impact Knockouts World Tag Team Championship. This victory made history, establishing them as the first team to hold both the WWE and Impact/TNA women's tag team titles.
After a brief hiatus from full-time ring competition to focus on personal milestones—including welcoming children with her husband, fellow professional wrestler Shawn Spears—McIntosh returned to the squared circle with renewed energy. The duo made high-profile returns to TNA, before officially signing with All Elite Wrestling (AEW) and expanding their international footprint into Japan's Tokyo Joshi Pro-Wrestling (TJPW), where they also secured the Princess Tag Team Championship.
Life Outside the Ring: Podcasting and Family
Wrestling only tells part of the story of what McIntosh has been up to. In May 2021, she and McKay launched a comedy and variety podcast titled Off Her Chops. The weekly show offers fans an unfiltered look into their personal lives, pop culture commentary, and behind-the-scenes stories from their time in the industry. It became a crucial tool for staying connected with their fanbase during periods away from live television.
Balancing a grueling travel schedule with raising a family hasn't been easy. McIntosh has openly discussed the logistical challenges of coordinating schedules with her husband, managing household demands, and maintaining physical conditioning through training schools like Flatbacks. Her ability to prioritize motherhood without completely closing the door on her in-ring career highlights a mature approach to longevity in professional wrestling.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Peyton Royce's real name?
Her real name is Cassandra McIntosh, and she frequently performs under the name Cassie Lee.
Are Peyton Royce and Billie Kay still teaming up?
Yes. Jessie McKay (formerly Billie Kay) remains her permanent tag team partner, performing alongside her as The IInspiration across various promotions.
Did Peyton Royce retire from professional wrestling?
No, she hasn't retired. While she scaled back her schedule to focus on starting a family, she continues to make active appearances, win championships, and wrestle for major promotions like AEW and TJPW.
What championships did she win outside of WWE?
As part of The IInspiration, she has captured the Impact/TNA Knockouts World Tag Team Championship multiple times and the TJPW Princess Tag Team Championship.
