One of the most exciting things happening in professional wrestling this year is the introduction of WWE Independent Development.
Known as WWE ID, this program is meant to serve as a direct line from independent wrestling promotions to WWE.
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Four professional wrestlers have already been introduced on the WWE ID X account: Zayda Steel, Bryce Donovan, Cappuccino Jones, and Jack Summit.
Now, WWE has introduced even more wrestlers on Friday Night SmackDown.
MONTREAL, CANADA – APRIL 15: Triple H makes an appearance during Monday Night RAW at the Bell Centre on April 15, 2024 in Montreal, Canada. MONTREAL, CANADA – APRIL 15: Triple H makes an appearance during Monday Night RAW at the Bell Centre on April 15, 2024 in Montreal, Canada. WWE/Getty Images
On last night’s episode of SmackDown, William Regal went behind the scenes to inform two wrestlers, Marcus Mathers and Sam Hardway Holloway, that they were now a part of WWE ID.
“Gentlemen, we’ve been watching your hard work on the independents, and we’d like you to be a part of the WWE ID program,” Regal said. Both wrestlers appeared very gracious.
The first wrestler introduced was Marcus Mathers, who is listed as being from Game Changer Wrestling (GCW). He has been seen on AEW Rampage, PROGRESS Wrestling, Beyond Wrestling, and more.
Sam Hardway Holloway was scouted from International Wrestling Cartel (IWC) and has also appeared with Beyond Wrestling, Freelance Wrestling, and more.
While Mathers and Holloway were the only wrestlers named on SmackDown, two others were announced earlier in the day on WWE ID’s X account.
Despite having only wrestled since 2023, Zara Zakher, also known as “The Petite Powerhouse” was scouted from Millenium Pro Wrestling (MPW). She has also worked with West Coast Pro Wrestling, Tokyo Joshi Pro-Wrestling, New Japan Pro-Wrestling Academy Showcase, and Prestige Wrestling.
The final addition from today is Sean Legacy, who was scouted from Pro Wrestling Revolution/NOAH. Legacy has also competed with Viral Pro Wrestling, Southern Honor Wrestling, Intense Wrestling Entertainment, and a single match in AEW Dark.
According to the WWE Recruit website, WWE ID is “designed to provide independent wrestlers a clear pathway to a potential career in WWE.”
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“Following the success of WWE’s NIL program, WWE ID has been constructed to support independent wrestling prospects and schools with world-class training, development, and mentorship, in turn raising the profile of and strengthening the independent wrestling ecosystem.”
“WWE will provide the most prominent independent wrestling schools in the U.S. with the ‘WWE ID’ official designation, with the goal of guiding new trainees and existing talent at these select institutions with enhanced developmental opportunities.”
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“WWE ID will identify the top independent wrestling prospects with an official ‘WWE ID Prospect’ designation and support their developmental journey. 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.”
For more WWE and professional wrestling news, head on over to Newsweek Sports.
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