While WWE is currently enjoying its most success since the “Attitude Era,” the pro wrestling promotion his it eye on the future.
That was evidenced by Tuesday’s announcement that it has launched a new independent wrestling developmental program called WWE ID, which is “designed to provide up-and-coming independent wrestlers a pathway to a potential career in WWE.”
“WWE ID is the latest in our efforts to identify and support the journey of up-and-coming wrestlers, in turn raising the profile of and strengthening the independent wrestling ecosystem,” WWE Chief Content Officer Paul “Triple H” Levesque said in a release.
As a part of the program, WWE will provide “prominent independent wrestling schools” with a WWE ID designation in an effort to provide the schools’ talent with “enhanced developmental opportunities.” Five schools have already been selected to participate in the program, including schools owned by current WWE stars Cody Rhodes (Nightmare Factory) and Seth Rollins (Black and Brave Academy), WWE legend Booker T. (Reality of Wrestling), as well as Elite Pro Wrestling Training Center in Concord, New Hampshire and KnokX Pro Academy in Los Angeles.
Additionally, the company says that it will identify top independent wrestling prospects with a designation and and support their development by “by providing financial opportunity and assisting with training, mentorship and development, including access to world-class facilities, best-in-class ring training, athletic trainers and more.” WWE will also use the program to curate content featuring such prospects, which will be shared on the company’s social media feeds.
While it was only announced on Tuesday, it will certainly be interesting to see how WWE ID takes shape. On the surface, the idea of WWE endorsing specific independent wrestlers almost seems oxymoronic, as being an independent wrestler, by definition, means that you’re not a member of a major company.
Although it doesn’t appear that participating prospects will have contracts with the company, one would imagine that it will put them on an inside track to receive one. It’s currently unclear whether such prospects will be permitted to work with other major wrestling promotions — specifically AEW.
It’s also worth noting that WWE already has its own preexisting developmental programs via its NIL program and the Performance Center/NXT brand in Orlando. That’s not to say that getting involved in the independent wrestling scene can’t or won’t have benefits for the company. It will be just be worth monitoring how the program fits into its current developmental strategy, as well as the professional wrestling industry at large.
[WWE]
About Ben Axelrod
Ben Axelrod is a veteran of the sports media landscape, having most recently worked for NBC's Cleveland affiliate, WKYC. Prior to his time in Cleveland, he covered Ohio State football and the Big Ten for outlets including Cox Media Group, Bleacher Report, Scout and Rivals.