WWE Independent Development (WWE ID) and WWE Next in Line (WWE NIL) are developmental systems created by American professional wrestling promotion WWE in the 2020s.[1] The programs support the training and development of athletes at certain wrestling schools, wrestling promotions, and colleges.
 | |
| Acronym | WWE ID |
|---|---|
| Founder(s) | Paul "Triple H" Levesque Gabe Sapolsky |
| Owner(s) | WWE (TKO Group Holdings) |
| Sister | WWE Next in Line |
| Website | Official website |
 | |
| Acronym | WWE NIL |
|---|---|
| Founder(s) | Vince McMahon Paul "Triple H" Levesque |
| Owner(s) | WWE (TKO Group Holdings) |
| Sister | WWE Independent Development |
| Website | Official website |
On December 2, 2021, WWE established the WWE NIL program, which exclusively supports college athletes who decide to train as wrestlers.
WWE ID was launched on October 29, 2024 to develop and support the training of independent professional wrestlers.[2] The wrestling schools and promotions initially designated under WWE ID are Reality of Wrestling, Black and Brave Academy, Nightmare Factory, Elite Pro Wrestling Training Center, and KnokX Pro Academy.[3][4]
History
editPrior to the 2020s, WWE had used several methods to train its future on-screen talent. This included partnering with other promotions to act as developmental territories, including Florida Championship Wrestling (FCW), Deep South Wrestling (DSW), and Ohio Valley Wrestling (OVW) among others. In 2010, WWE established NXT as an in-house televised developmental brand, which became the major pathway to the promotion's main roster.
In 2021, WWE established the WWE Next in Line (WWE NIL) program, which exclusively supports U.S.-based college athletes who decide to train as wrestlers. The program was launched as an extension of NCAA-approved name, image, and likeness policies.
In June 2024, WWE trademarked WWE ID and WWE Independent Development with the purpose of organizing and conducting a program to help develop wrestlers. That October, WWE ID was officially announced, which would support the development of independent wrestlers at specified schools or promotions and provide them a pathway to the promotion. The first schools and promotions designated under WWE ID were Reality of Wrestling (run by Booker T), Black and Brave Academy (run by Seth Rollins and Marek Brave), Nightmare Factory (run by Cody Rhodes), Elite Pro Wrestling Training Center, and KnokX Pro Academy (run by Rikishi). On November 9, Fightful reported that Timothy Thatcher had been signed as the WWE ID trainer.[5]
WWE ID prospects
editMen's division
edit| Ring name | Real name | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Aaron Rourke[6] | Aaron Rourke | Scouted from Wrestling Open and Create A Pro |
| Brad Baylor[7] | Brad Baylor | Scouted from Wrestling Open |
| Bryce Donovan[8] | Bryce Donovan | Scouted from Wrestling Open |
| Cappuccino Jones[9] | Unknown | Scouted from This Is Wrestling |
| "Cartwheel" Jack Summit[10] | Jack Summit | Scouted from Game Changer Wrestling |
| Jackson Drake[11] | Jackson Drake | Scouted from Fire Star Pro Wrestling |
| Ice Williams[12] | DeJon Williams | Scouted from Reality of Wrestling and Future Stars of Wrestling |
| It's Gal[13] | Gal Barkay | Scouted from Elite Pro Wrestling Training Center and Wrestling Open |
| Marcus Mathers[14] | Marc Mattiacci | Scouted from Game Changer Wrestling |
| Sam Hardway Holloway[15] | Samuel Hettich | Scouted from International Wrestling Cartel |
| Sean Legacy[16] | Sean Rossini | Scouted from Pro Wrestling Revolution and Pro Wrestling Noah |
Women's division
edit| Ring name | Real name | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Zayda Steel[17] | Zayda Steel | Scouted from Combat Zone Wrestling |
| Zara Zakher[18] | Zara Zakher | Scouted from Millenium Pro Wrestling |
WWE NIL prospects
editSource: [19]
Men's division
edit| Ring name | Real name | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Adam Berghorst | Adam Berghorst | Scouted from Indiana State University |
| Cameron Jones | Cameron Jones | Scouted from University of Cincinnati |
| Carlos Aviles | Carlos Aviles | Scouted from The Ohio State University |
| Case Hatch | Case Hatch | Scouted from Arizona State University |
| Cohlton Schultz | Cohlton Schultz | Scouted from Arizona State University |
| Dee Beckwith | Dee Beckwith | Scouted from University of Kentucky |
| Desmond Coleman | Desmond Coleman | Scouted from Liberty University |
| Greg Kerkvliet | Daniel Gregory Clifton Kerkvliet Jr. | Scouted from Penn State |
| Jeremy Cody | Jeremy Cody | Scouted from University of Miami |
| John Krahn | John Krahn | Scouted from Portland State University |
| Jon Seaton | Jon Seaton | Scouted from Elon University |
| Josh Pearcy | Josh Pearcy | Scouted from Rice University |
| KeShaun Moore | KeShaun Moore | Scouted from Hampton University |
| Landon Jackson | Landon Jackson | Scouted from University of Arkansas |
| Lucas Davison | Lucas Davison | Scouted from University of Michigan |
| Luke Ford | Luke Ford | Scouted from University of Illinois |
| Maliq Carr | Maliq Carr | Scouted from Michigan State University |
| Mason Parris | Mason Mark Parris | Scouted from University of Michigan |
| Momen Zahid | Momen Zahid | Scouted from College of William & Mary |
| Nick Dawkins | Nick Dawkins | Scouted from Penn State |
| Otoniel Badjana | Otoniel Badjana | Scouted from University of Pittsburgh |
| Ruben Banks | Ruben Banks | Scouted from University of Arkansas |
| Slane Glover | Slane Glover | Scouted from The Ohio State University |
| Stephen Buchanan | Stephen Buchanan | Scouted from University of Oklahoma |
| Turner Washington | Turner Washington | Scouted from Arizona State University |
| Zachary Knighton-Ward | Zachary Knighton-Ward | Scouted from Hofstra University |
Women's division
edit| Ring name | Real name | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Abby Jacobs | Abby Jacobs | Scouted from University of South Alabama |
| Alexandra Jaksec | Alexandra Jaksec | Scouted from University of Mary Washington |
| Ali Mattox | Ali Mattox | Scouted from Ole Miss |
| Alia Armstrong | Alia Armstrong | Scouted from Louisiana State University |
| Aleeya Hutchins | Aleeya Hutchins | Scouted from Wake Forest University |
| Bayley Humphrey | Bayley Humphrey | Scouted from Baylor University |
| Chandler Hayden | Chandler Olivia Hayden | Scouted from University of Tennessee |
| Darci Khan | Darci Khan | Scouted from Howard University |
| Ericka Link | Ericka Link | Scouted from Elon University |
| Grace Stephens | Grace Stephens | Scouted from Monmouth University |
| Haley Cavinder | Haley Cavinder | Scouted from University of Miami |
| Hanna Cavinder | Hanna Cavinder | Scouted from University of Miami |
| Jaiden Fields | Jaiden Fields | Scouted from University of Georgia |
| Kali Terza | Kali Terza | Scouted from Kennesaw State University |
| Lexi Gordon | Lexi Gordon | Scouted from Duke University |
| Mady Aulbach | Mady Aulbach | Scouted from Youngstown State University |
| Masai Russell | Masai Russell | Scouted from University of Kentucky |
| Mikala Hall | Mikala Hall | Scouted from Central Michigan University |
| Rachel Glenn | Rachel Symone Glenn | Scouted from University of South Carolina |
| Riley White | Riley White | Scouted from University of Alabama |
| Sirena Linton | Sirena Linton | Scouted from University of Arkansas |
| Skyla Schulte | Skyla Schulte | Scouted from Michigan State University |
| Tori Ortiz | Tori Ortiz | Scouted from Oklahoma State University |
| Tyanna Omazic | Tyanna Omazic | Scouted from University of Miami |
WWE NIL alumni
edit| Name | Signed with WWE? | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| A.J. Ferrari | No | Scouted from Oklahoma State University Removed from the WWE NIL program after being charged with felony sexual battery |
| Dalton Wagner | No | Scouted from University of Arkansas Currently signed to the National Football League |
| Derrian Gobourne | Yes | Scouted from Auburn University Currently performing on NXT house shows under her real name |
| Gable Steveson | Yes | Scouted from University of Minnesota Released by WWE on May 3, 2024 |
| Glen Logan | No | Scouted from Louisiana State University Currently signed to the United Football League |
| Joe Spivak | Yes | Scouted from Northwestern University Currently assigned to the NXT brand under the ring name "Tank Ledger" |
| Isaac Odugbesan | Yes | Scouted from University of Alabama Currently assigned to the NXT brand under the ring name "Oba Femi" |
| Isaiah Iton | No | Scouted from Rutgers University Currently signed to the National Football League |
| Peyton Prussin | Yes | Scouted from Life University Currently assigned to the NXT brand under the ring name "Kendal Grey" |
| Thunder Keck | Yes | Scouted from Stanford University Currently performing on NXT Level Up under the ring name "Shiloh Hill" |
References
edit- ^ "WWE Announces 'WWE ID' Developmental Designation". Wrestling On Fannation. 2024-10-29. Retrieved 2024-10-30.
- ^ Aguilar, Matthew (2024-10-30). "WWE Reveals Details and First Independent Schools for WWE ID". ComicBook.com. Retrieved 2024-10-30.
- ^ Murray, Andy H. (2024-10-29). "WWE Launches New Indie Developmental Program, 'WWE ID'". WhatCulture.com. Retrieved 2024-10-30.
- ^ "What is WWE ID aka WWE Independent Development? All you need to know about the new program in the Triple H era". October 29, 2024.
- ^ "Former WWE Star's Involvement In WWE ID Program Revealed". November 9, 2024. Retrieved November 9, 2024.
- ^ Jeremy Lambert (November 14, 2024). "Aaron Rourke Announced As WWE ID Prospect". Fightful. Retrieved November 15, 2024.
- ^ Jeremy Lambert (November 14, 2024). "Brad Baylor Announced As WWE ID Prospect". Fightful. Retrieved November 15, 2024.
- ^ WWE ID (November 7, 2024). "#WWEID welcomes @BryceDShook Scouted From: Wrestling Open Hometown: Long Beach, NY". X. Retrieved November 8, 2024.
- ^ WWE ID (November 7, 2024). "#WWEID welcomes @coldbrewjones! Scouted From: This Is Wrestling Hometown: Coffeyville, KS". X. Retrieved November 8, 2024.
- ^ WWE ID (November 8, 2024). "#WWEID welcomes @JackCartwheel Scouted From: Game Changer Wrestling (GCW) Hometown: Sacramento, CA". X. Retrieved November 8, 2024.
- ^ Jeremy Lambert (November 14, 2024). "Jackson Drake Announced As WWE ID Prospect". Fightful. Retrieved November 15, 2024.
- ^ WWE ID (November 12, 2024). "#WWEID welcomes @IceWilliams Scouted From: Future Stars Of Wrestling (FSW) Hometown: Long Beach, CA". X. Retrieved November 12, 2024.
- ^ WWE ID (November 10, 2024). "#WWEID welcomes @justgal_ Scouted From: Wrestling Open Hometown: Mt. Olympus". X. Retrieved November 10, 2024.
- ^ WWE ID (November 9, 2024). "#WWEID welcomes @MarcusMathers1 Scouted From: Game Changer Wrestling (GCW) Hometown: Philadelphia PA". X. Retrieved November 9, 2024.
- ^ WWE ID (November 9, 2024). "#WWEID welcomes @SamHHolloway Scouted From: International Wrestling Cartel (IWC) Hometown: Akron, OH". X. Retrieved November 9, 2024.
- ^ WWE ID (November 8, 2024). "#WWEID welcomes @Sean_Legacy1 Scouted From: Pro Wrestling Revolution/NOAH Tryout Hometown: Augusta, Georgia". X. Retrieved November 8, 2024.
- ^ WWE ID (November 7, 2024). "#WWEID welcomes @ZaydaSteel Scouted From: Combat Zone Wrestling (CZW) Hometown: Washington D.C." X. Retrieved November 8, 2024.
- ^ WWE ID (November 8, 2024). "#WWEID welcomes @zarazakher Scouted From: Millenium Pro Wrestling (MPW) Hometown: San Diego, CA". X. Retrieved November 8, 2024.
- ^ "WWE NIL". WWE Recruit. Retrieved November 9, 2024.