Serious Worries Over New WWE Development Program

WWE’s latest plans haven’t gone down well with everyone.

On October 29th, WWE announced the creation of its new WWE ID program. The initiative will build on the company’s existing NIL program which was launched back in 2021 to identify the next generation of Superstars.

WWE ID aims to create a pathway from the independent scene to the sports entertainment giant, with accredited athletes being given access to the company’s facilities and coaches.

The new program will see the company partner with several wrestling schools such as Booker T’s Reality of Wrestling, and Cody Rhodes’ Nightmare Factory.

The news was followed by a report from Mike Johnson of PWInsider that offered more details on WWE’s plans.

While discussing how the program will work, Johnson noted that the company is looking to have access to potential recruits they can train “the right way.” In addition, up-and-coming NXT talents could also move in the other direction in order to get in more reps outside of the Performance Center.

We are told a big part of this is making sure that they are continuously enriching and preparing for the future, as a different stream beyond just scouting indy talents and the WWE NIL program. It’s about focusing and directing potential talents from day one into environments where they can potentially do their best.

Former ROH and EVOLVE booker Gabe Sapolsky is said to be one of those overseeing the program.

However, Johnson noted that not everyone is overjoyed with the plans. He added that a “few” independent promoters were worried this could spark a repeat of what happened in the UK with the launch of NXT UK. On that occasion, signed up several promising British stars and they were pulled from other dates.

Several Indie Stars Already Under WWE Contract

It’s also been reported by Brandon Thurston on Pollock & Thurston, that several indie stars have already signed WWE ID deals. The report stopped short of revealing any names, but it’s expected an announcement will be made in due course.

Thurston added that wrestlers under those contracts can work wherever they want, with no restrictions on match finishes.

Meanwhile, Zilla Fatu has claimed he’s “destined” to sign with WWE. Fatu — the son of Umaga, has close ties to Reality of Wrestling having been trained by Booker T.