WWE announced today the launch of a new developmental program aimed at supporting independent wrestling schools and up-and-coming talent.
This initiative, named WWE ID (WWE Independent Development), will provide independent wrestlers identified as prospects with financial support, developmental aid, and a pathway to WWE.
“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.
Under the program, WWE will grant select wrestling schools with “WWE ID” certification in an effort to provide “enhanced developmental opportunities” for its students. Initially, WWE has granted the WWE ID designation to the following five schools:
- 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.)
- KnokX Pro Academy (Los Angeles)
WWE talent have been reacting to the news online:
“An unprecedented and incredible opportunity for those attempting to forge a path in this industry. I’m excited for the future of professional wrestling,” wrote Shawn Spears.
“Excited to see this program blossom and change the landscape of professional wrestling. As Coach QT and I say at The Nightmare Factory… ‘Do the Work'” Cody Rhodes wrote.
“So proud to be apart of the @WWEID program! We have put so much work into @TheOfficialROW and now it’s time to take it up a notch!” Booker T wrote.
WWE’s full press release reads:
“FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
WWE® LAUNCHES NEW INDIE WRESTLING DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM
“WWE ID” (WWE Independent Development™) to Identify, Support and Develop Independent Wrestling Schools and Wrestling Talent
Booker T’s Reality of Wrestling, Cody Rhodes’ Nightmare Factory and Seth Rollins’ Black and Brave Academy Among First Schools to Receive Official “WWE ID” Designation
October 29, 2024 – WWE®, part of TKO Group Holdings (NYSE: TKO), 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 who will earn official WWE ID “prospect” designation and support their developmental journey by providing financial opportunity and assisting with training, mentorship and access to world-class facilities, best-in-class ring training, athletic trainers and more. WWE ID will give fans the opportunity to follow 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 wcruit.wwe.com.”