The Big Announcement
A fresh face is poised to shake up WWE’s women’s division. The winner of the second season of WWE’s highly acclaimed Legends & Future Greats (LFG) competition, formerly known as Dani Sekelsky, is officially entering the WWE Women’s Speed Championship tournament—and she’s doing so with a new ring name. Sources close to the company confirm that the performer will henceforth be known as Skylar Raye, a nod to her sharp in-ring style and rising star trajectory.
“This is a huge moment for her and for our development system,” said a WWE NXT insider. “She’s earned every bit of this opportunity, and the new name reflects the next phase of her journey on the main WWE stage.”
From LFG to the WWE Spotlight
Sekelsky, now Raye, made waves as part of Team Undertaker during WWE LFG Season 2, ultimately defeating Penina Tuilaepa (PJ Vasa) in the women’s finals with a brutal Hell’s Gate submission—a move gifted by her legendary mentor[1][3][5]. Her victory, alongside men’s winner Shiloh Hill, earned both trainees coveted WWE NXT contracts, marking a significant step in their professional wrestling careers[1][2][5].
Despite her televised WWE NXT debut in April 2025, Raye has yet to wrestle on the main NXT broadcast, making her entry into the Women’s Speed Championship tournament a true breakout moment[1][5]. This tournament, often used to spotlight high-octane, technically gifted performers, is the perfect platform for a talent like Raye—known for her agility, striking, and innovative submission repertoire.
The Women’s Speed Championship: A Platform for Breakouts
The WWE Women’s Speed Championship is a relaunched title division, designed to highlight the fastest and most athletic women across Raw, SmackDown, and NXT. The tournament format allows competitors to showcase their skills in rapid, action-packed matches, with the winner earning not just gold, but instant credibility as one of WWE’s top rising stars.
“WWE is looking to elevate the next generation,” said a source within the creative team. “Skylar’s background in LFG, her technical prowess, and her connection to The Undertaker make her a standout. She’s exactly the kind of athlete this tournament was created for.”
Skylar Raye: The New Identity
The decision to rebrand Sekelsky as Skylar Raye was reportedly driven by WWE’s desire to create a distinct on-screen persona that captures both her in-ring intensity and fan-friendly charisma. The name “Skylar Raye” is meant to evoke an image of speed, brightness, and undeniable presence—qualities that align with the Women’s Speed Championship’s ethos.
According to a WWE performance center coach, “Names matter in this business. Skylar Raye isn’t just a new moniker—it’s a statement. She’s ready to shine, and this is her moment to prove she belongs among WWE’s best.”
Backstage Buzz and Expectations
Backstage at the WWE Performance Center, anticipation for Raye’s tournament debut is running high. She is said to have impressed coaches not only with her in-ring ability but also with her passion and willingness to push herself beyond her comfort zone.
“She’s worked incredibly hard, and you can see the confidence growing every day,” shared a fellow trainee. “When she got the call about the tournament, she was thrilled, but she’s not satisfied just being in it. She wants to win.”
Raye herself is reportedly focused and determined. In a recent social media post, she wrote, “Dreams are just the start. The work is what gets you there. Ready to show the world what I’m made of.” Fans who followed her LFG journey—where she and Hill overcame early losses to claim the ultimate prize—know that resilience is one of her greatest strengths.
The Road Ahead
Skylar Raye’s first-round opponent in the Women’s Speed Championship tournament has yet to be announced, but speculation is rampant. WWE’s internal projections suggest she could quickly become a fan favorite, given her combination of technical skill, athleticism, and a compelling backstory of perseverance.
The tournament will be closely watched by both fans and industry insiders, as WWE continues to invest in homegrown talent. “This is about building the future,” said a WWE executive. “Having someone like Skylar in the mix—someone the fans have seen grow on LFG—makes the tournament even more special.”
What’s Next for WWE’s Rising Star?
With LFG alums Tyra Mae Steele and Jasper Troy already making an impact on NXT television, the path for Raye is clear: make the most of the Women’s Speed Championship spotlight and use it as a springboard to the main roster[1][4]. According to one veteran WWE producer, “If she delivers like she did in LFG, the sky’s the limit. The brass loves stories like hers—real, raw, and ready to fight.”
Skylar Raye’s journey from LFG standout to WWE television, with a new ring name and a high-stakes tournament debut, is one of the most compelling narratives in wrestling right now. Fans eager for fresh faces and new rivalries have every reason to tune in—and the wrestling world will be watching to see if she can turn this opportunity into championship gold.