WWE ID
 | |
| Industry | Professional wrestling |
|---|---|
| Founded | October 29, 2024 |
| Founder | WWE |
Key people | Triple H Gabe Sapolsky |
| Owners | WWE (TKO Group Holdings) |
| Website | Official website |
WWE Independent Development (WWE ID) is a development system created by American professional wrestling promotion WWE.[1] The program supports the training and development of wrestlers at certain wrestling schools and promotions and offers a pathway to WWE.
WWE ID was launched in October 2024 to develop and support the training of independent professional wrestlers, similar to the promotion's "Next in Line" (NIL) program for college athletes to become 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
[edit]Background
[edit]Prior to 2024, WWE have been using 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). In 2010, WWE established the NXT as a televised developmental brand, which has become a pathway to the promotion's main roster. In 2021, WWE established the "Next in Line" (NIL) program, which exclusively supports U.S. college athletes who decide to train as wrestlers.
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), Seth Rollins's Black and Brave Academy, Cody Rhodes's Nightmare Factory, Elite Pro Wrestling Training Center, and KnokX Pro Academy.
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.