WWE “Giving A Script” To Indie Promoters To Control Matches

WWE is looking to take control.

In October 2024, WWE announced the creation of its ID Program to run alongside its existing NIL project. As part of the program, several wrestling schools and talents began working with the company while remaining somewhat independent.

The aim of the program was to create a clearer pathway between the independent scene and WWE while giving talent the chance to use the Performance Center and other resources.

At the time, some fans wondered how this would impact the independent ecosystem, and now they have an answer.

WWE Controlling Creative On Independent Shows

In a new report in the Wrestling Observer Newsletter, Dave Meltzer gave more of an insight into how WWE ID talent comes to be booked with independent promoters.

According to Meltzer, independent promoters are given a “script” by Gabe Sapolsky, who puts the matches together. The sports entertainment giant covers all, or at least most, of the travel costs.

When it comes to the WWEID talent, the deal according to a contract is that Gabe Sapolsky puts the matches together and gives the script to the promoter. The promoter pays the talent and can push that the talent comes from WWE. WWE covers the travel costs with a stipend an the promoter pays the difference if the travel costs are larger than the stipend.

The report comes just days after WWE issued an online plea to independent promotions, asking them to book ID-contracted talent.