WWE Targets Indie Wrestlers With Brand New Program
After changing the game in their approach to recruiting college athletes, WWE has unveiled a new program targeting independent wrestlers.
Following the introduction of the NIL initiative in college sports allowing athletes to monetize their name, image, and likeness, WWE announced its own program in December 2021 to help revolutionise how the company recruits athletes to the company.
WWE Next In Line has seen multiple athletes from varying disciplines sign up with the company to train as pro wrestlers. But now the sports entertainment giant is launching a new plan to help snap up those already working in the squared circle.
WWE Going After Indy Talent
WWE Independent Development is a new program the company is touting as a pathway for independent wrestlers to one day find themselves a WWE Superstar. The company will work with accredited training facilities and give their desired “prospects” a shot at the big time.
In a press release touting the new program, WWE revealed that several wrestling schools – some run by current stars in the company – have been assigned as WWE ID schools:
October 29, 2024 – WWE today announced the launch of a first-of-its-kind developmental program designed to provide up-and-coming independent wrestlers a pathway to a potential career in WWE. The program will be called WWE ID, short for WWE Independent Development™.
“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,” said WWE Chief Content Officer Paul “Triple H” Levesque.
Following the 2021 launch of WWE’s NIL program, WWE ID has been constructed to support independent wrestling prospects and wrestling schools with world-class training, development and mentorship.
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.
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.
To learn more about WWE ID and WWE’s recruiting process, please visit recruit.wwe.com.