WWE announces new ‘WWE ID’ program for indie wrestlers

WWE is launching a new program to help assist with the development of independent wrestlers.

A counterpart to the company’s Next in Line system for college athletes, WWE announced the creation of a new Independent Development program today. It will see WWE partner with select training schools and indie wrestlers to establish a potential pathway to wrestlers joining WWE.

Organizations run by Booker T, Cody Rhodes, and Seth Rollins are among those WWE has partnered with for the WWE ID program.

“Under the program, WWE will provide prominent independent wrestling schools with the WWE ID official designation, with the goal of providing new trainees and existing talent at these select institutions with enhanced developmental opportunities. Booker T’s Reality of Wrestling (Houston), Cody Rhodes’ Nightmare Factory (Atlanta), Seth Rollins’ Black and Brave Academy (Davenport, Iowa), Elite Pro Wrestling Training Center (Concord, N.H.) and KnokX Pro Academy (Los Angeles) are the first WWE ID independent wrestling schools to earn the official designation,” the company announced in a press release.

“Additionally, WWE ID will identify top independent wrestling prospects with an official WWE ID ‘prospect’ designation and support their developmental journey 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 ID will give fans the opportunity to follow the paths of these standout prospects on the independent wrestling scene through curated, behind-the-scenes content, as well as highlights and matches showcased across WWE’s social platforms.”

Paul “Triple H” Levesque praised the level of talent on the indies and said he wants to help support them on the journey to making their dream a reality.

“The level of talent on the independent scene is incredible,” Levesque tweeted. “They’re grinding away to make their dream a reality, and I’m excited for WWE to be on the forefront of supporting their journeys. @WWEID is here to help identify, support and build the next generation of WWE Superstars.”

The Next in Line system was started in 2021. Ahead of a potential career in WWE, college athletes chosen for the program sign NIL deals and are given access to the WWE Performance Center along with resources in brand building, media training, communications, live event promotion, creative writing, and community relations.