Tag: WWE ID

First participants set in upcoming match to determine new WWE ID Women’s Champion

Posted on by Bryan Rose

The first five participants in a match to crown the next WWE ID Women’s Champion have been announced.

On social media Sunday, WWE ID announced five of the six participants in an upcoming six-way match that will take place at a Wrestling Open RI event November 17 in Cranston, Rhode Island. A multi-person one fall match will open the show to determine the sixth and final spot.

The participants include Shannon Levangie from Chaotic Wrestling, Airica Demia from Palmetto Championship Wrestling, Tiara James from MCW, Notorious Mimi from the Monster Factory and Worldwide Dojo, and Brittnie Brooks from FSW Vegas and Dreamwave Wrestling, who is also the girlfriend of TNA star Chris Bey.

Back in September, WWE declared the title vacant after first-ever champion Kylie Rae announced she was pregnant. One month later, Rae announced on social media that her ID contract was not being renewed.

The first WWE ID champions were crowned back in August at a GCW event. Cappuccino Jones defeated Jack Cartwheel to become the first ever men’s champion, a title he holds to this day.

AEW reportedly interested in former WWE ID wrestler

Posted on by Josh Nason

AEW may be looking to build their women’s roster in the immediate future with a former WWE ID prospect in mind.

Fightful Select reported Saturday that AEW reached out to Zayda Steel at some point in October, the same month in which her WWE ID deal expired. Steel opted to not renew her contract and is no longer under any contractual obligations to give WWE right of refusal if another group is interested in her.

The outlet added that Steel hasn’t signed with AEW, at least as of this week.

The 22-year-old Virginia native has been a pro since 2022 with over 150 matches under her belt. In addition to working for a slew of U.S. indies, Steel has also appeared for MLW, GCW and Japan’s Marigold.

She worked in 12 WWE contracted matches including nine on the weekly WWE Evolve show. She hasn’t wrestled anywhere since losing to House of Glory Women’s Champion Indi Hartwell on October 10.

The WWE ID program has seen some changes in recent months, especially with their women’s group as the contracts of Kylie Rae and Zara Zakher were not renewed. As of this point, AEW has not been tied to any other former WWE ID talent.

WWE announces signing of new ID prospect

Posted on by Joseph Currier

A new prospect has been added to the WWE ID program.

It was announced on Friday that indie wrestler Yayne Harrison has been signed to a WWE ID deal. He attended a WWE tryout this summer and has made multiple WWE appearances as an extra, including taking an RKO from Randy Orton at Elimination Chamber earlier this year.

Harrison, who is from Canada, is billed at 6-foot-5. He got his first wrestling training in his hometown of Montreal and later took part in a training camp at the Elite Pro Wrestling Training Center in New Hampshire, which is a WWE ID-affiliated school. EPWTC trainers Scott Reed and Mike Hollow presented him with his ID deal.

“To have WWE believe in me and invest in my journey through their WWEID program is something I’m incredibly proud and grateful for,” Harrison wrote. “I want to thank everyone who’s supported me throughout this journey. Your encouragement truly means the world to me. Chase your dreams.”

WWE ID launched in October 2024 as a way of providing financial and developmental support to select indie wrestlers and schools, creating a potential pathway for prospects to join NXT down the line. Harrison, Eli Knight, Mike Cunningham, and Jha’Quan McNair have been introduced as new ID signees recently, which followed some other prospects departing the program at the one-year mark.

Three new indie prospects join WWE ID program

Posted on by Josh Nason

While the WWE ID program has seen some departures in recent weeks, three new prospects were revealed on Wednesday’s WWE Evolve show.

During the broadcast, Eli Knight, Mike Cunningham and Jha’Quan McNair all were introduced during an in-ring promo. All three men were part of a late-July tryout at the Performance Center.

Mike Cunningham

“The Main Man” made it a point to mention he was trained by Cody Rhodes at the Nightmare Factory and that he’s only had 50 matches to this point. There is no Cagematch data available on him.

Eli Knight

Knight is out of Orlando, Florida, and has been a pro since 2018. An incredibly athletic high flyer, Knight has competed frequently for Booker T’s Reality of Wrestling and also for GCW in his Culture Inc. tag team with Malik Bosede. He has also worked with Ace Steel’s growing wrestling school.

Jha’Quan McNair

McNair is a former NCAA Division I wrestler at Gardner-Webb University. He’s a product of the Team Fearless Training Academy run by former WCW wrestler Lodi. In his promo, he thanked his coach for putting his name out there.

Another departure from WWE ID program

Posted on by Joseph Currier

Another WWE ID prospect has announced their departure from the program.

Bryce Donovan revealed on social media today that he is no longer part of WWE ID or the WWE Evolve roster. He competed in a title match on Wednesday’s Evolve Succession special, losing to Evolve Champion Jackson Drake.

In his announcement today, Donovan thanked everyone in WWE ID and gave a special shoutout to Sean “X-Pac” Waltman — who has been helping coach the ID recruits.

“Finale. I will no longer be with WWE ID or Evolve,” Donovan announced. “Thanks for the good time everyone. Learned a lot especially from @TheRealXPac who’s the best coach anyone could ask for. I’ll let you know what’s happening next when I decide or maybe I won’t idk yet.”

The ID program launched one year ago as a way to provide indie talent with financial and other developmental support while giving WWE the option to sign them to NXT full-time down the line. Zayda Steel, Kylie Rae, Zara Zakher, Aaron Roberts, Ice Williams, and Jordan Oasis are among those who have departed WWE ID recently either by choice or not having their contracts renewed.

These departures do not mean that WWE ID is ending. The company is hyping that new ID prospects will be unveiled soon.

Donovan was one of the first ID signees announced last year. Trained at the Create-A-Pro Academy, he has experience on the Northeast indies and competed on AEW Dark in the past.

WWE teases announcement of new WWE ID prospects

Posted on by Josh Nason

Amid a stretch in which at least one notable wrestler departed, WWE teased an impending announcement of new talents joining the WWE ID program.

In a video shared to their social media channels (seen below), WWE hyped up how those signed to the program have made their presence felt weekly on their Wednesday Evolve show on Tubi. They closed the video by stating that more prospects will be appearing on Evolve “soon.”

Last week, inaugural women’s WWE ID Champion Kylie Rae, pregnant with her second child, revealed that her contract was not being renewed. That came on the same day Zayda Steel announced she was voluntarily leaving. In August, Aaron Roberts, Ice Williams and Jordan Oasis were also released.

While the women’s title is vacant, Cappuccino Jones is the inaugural and reigning men’s WWE ID Champion and has defended it twice since winning it in August.

Launched in 2024, the WWE ID program was created to provide indie talent with financial support and other development opportunities while creating a potential pathway to a full developmental contract.

Update on recent WWE NXT and ID departures

Posted on by Ian Carey

An update is available on the recent WWE departures.

On Friday, Wes Lee, Stevie Turner, and several others were either released from the company or informed that their contracts will not be renewed.

On Saturday, Bryan Alvarez told his subscribers on X that these were not budget-related cuts, but rather decisions made to open spots for new hires if talent isn’t progressing or viewed as having main roster potential.

Alvarez wrote:

“WWE cuts were not budget related, they have over 130 people in developmental and hire more regularly. If you’re not progressing fast enough or they feel you don’t have what it takes for main roster, you’re out to make room for someone new. Possible more cuts coming next week.”

The other wrestlers departing the company are Drako Knox, Jamar Hampton, Jin Tala, Haze Jameson, Summer Sorrell, and Brayden “BJ” Ray. They join Kylie Rae, who announced last week that her WWE ID contract would not be renewed, and Zayda Steel, who confirmed she chose not to re-sign her WWE ID deal.

Wes Lee, Stevie Turner among WWE NXT & ID departures

Posted on by Bryan Rose

UPDATE:

Bryan Alvarez has confirmed that Wes Lee, Jin Tala, Haze Jameson, Summer Sorrell, and Brayden “BJ” Ray were also released by WWE on Friday. This was first reported by Fightful and Bodyslam.net.

Lee is the most notable name among Friday’s releases. He is a former NXT North American and Tag Team Champion and had been featured as a key talent since signing with WWE in 2020. He had formed a stable with Tyriek Igwe and Tyson Dupont called High Ryze earlier in the year but hadn’t been featured recently.

Tala, Sorrell, Jameson, and Ray had all previously been featured on WWE LFG.

Original Post:

Releases are taking place in the WWE NXT & ID system.

Stevie Turner, Drako Knox, and Jamar Hampton announced their release from WWE on Friday. Zara Zakher, meanwhile, announced her contract with the WWE ID program had expired. This comes after Lance Anoa’i announced earlier in the day that he too had been released from the company. According to Bryan Alvarez, all talent will have 30-day no compete clauses.

Turner, the most notable of the names so far, had recently been seen on NXT television as an assistant to NXT GM Ava. She was also the General Manager of Evolve.

Knox had been in the system since 2023 and had been competing on Evolve and NXT house shows. Hampton had competed in WWE LFG and had also wrestled on Evolve. He made news this past summer when he posted messages on social media critical of those sharing tributes to Hulk Hogan, who was barred from WWE for a time after making racist statements in a leaked sex tape.

Zakher wrote that her ID contract had expired and would be taking a step back from wrestling.

In addition to Zakher, Zayda Steel and Kylie Rae also annouinced that they were no longer part of the ID program in recent days. Steel had asked for her release, while Rae said that her contract wasn’t renewed.

Inaugural WWE ID Women’s Champion announces contract not being renewed

Posted on by Josh Nason

In some surprise news, inaugural WWE ID Women’s Champion Kylie Rae is leaving the WWE ID program after her contract wasn’t renewed.

The longtime indie veteran took to social media Thursday to both announce the news and show gratitude for her 11 months in the program.

“Today I share that my time with WWE ID is coming to an end as I was informed my contract will not be renewed. I’m incredibly grateful for the opportunities, memories, and people I met along the way,” she wrote.

Rae, who joined the program 11 months ago, revealed three weeks ago that she is pregnant for the second time with independent wrestler Isaias Velazquez. She previously gave birth back in October 2023. The title that Rae won just two months ago was then vacated with no announcement as to crowning a new champion.

Earlier on Thursday, Zayda Steel also announced she was also leaving the program. However, she chose to withdraw herself. Steel was part of the match where Rae won the title along with Zara Zakher.

Three male wrestlers were also released in August.

The program was created to provides indie talent with financial support and other development opportunities while creating a potential pathway to NXT if WWE decides to sign them to a full developmental contract.

WWE ID prospect announces departure from program

Posted on by Joseph Currier

Zayda Steel is no longer a WWE ID-contracted talent.

On social media today, Steel informed fans that she has departed the WWE ID program. The decision was Steel’s choice as she opted not to renew her ID contract.

“I’ve decided not to renew my WWE ID contract. I’m incredibly grateful for all the knowledge, experience, and opportunities I’ve gained along the way, but at the end of the day, I have to do what’s best for me,” she tweeted. “I’m only 21, and have already done so much, but I’m just getting started! Thank you.”

When WWE ID launched last year, Steel — who made her in-ring debut on the indies in 2022 — was one of the first wrestlers signed to the program. It provides indie talent with financial support and other development opportunities while creating a potential pathway to NXT if WWE decides to sign them to a full developmental contract.

Steel was part of the match where WWE crowned its first-ever Women’s ID Champion this summer. Kylie Rae won the title by defeating Steel and Zara Zakher in a triple threat. Currently, the belt is vacant due to Rae’s pregnancy.

This Friday night, Steel will challenge Indi Hartwell for the House of Glory Women’s Championship. The show — named With Glory Comes Pride — is being held at NYC Arena in Queens, New York.

WWE ID provides update on status of Women’s Championship

Posted on by Bryan Rose

The status of the WWE Women’s ID Championship has become clear.

WWE ID announced on Monday that the title is now vacated after champion Kylie Rae announced over the weekend that she was pregnant. 

“The WWE ID Women’s Championship is now vacant,” they wrote on social media. “WWE ID is proud that Kylie Rae will go in the record books as the first ever champion and sends congratulations on the addition to her family. Thank you, Kylie!”

Rae announced her pregnancy when a fan asked why she recently had to vacate another championship on the independent scene, showing off a picture of her baby bump.

This will be Rae’s second child with independent wrestler Isais Velazquez, previously gave birth back in October of 2023. A year later, she signed with WWE’s ID program, becoming the first WWE ID Women’s Champion back on August 1 at a GCW event defeating Zara Zakher and Zayda Steel in a tournament final triple threat match.

WWE ID prospect announces pregnancy

Posted on by Bryan Rose

Kylie Rae is expecting a second child.

Someone on social media asked the Women’s WWE ID Champion why she vacated a title on the independent scene. Her answer was simple.

“Because I’m pregnant,” she wrote, which was followed by a picture of her sporting a baby bump.

This will be Rae’s and independent wrestler Isaias Velazquez’s second child. She previously gave birth back in October of 2023.

Rae won the WWE ID Women’s title back in August at a GCW show in Rutherford, NJ, defeating Zara Zakher and Zayda Steel in a triple threat match. WWE has yet to announce the status of the title given Rae’s pregnancy.

After a brief stint in AEW, Rae joined Impact Wrestling and wrestled there through 2021, where she announced that she was retiring from pro wrestling due to mental health struggles. However, she eventually returned to wrestling through the NWA. A couple of years later following tryouts, she was signed by WWE in the fall of 2024 as part of their new WWE ID program.

Three wrestlers released from WWE ID program

Posted on by Joseph Currier

Three wrestlers have departed the WWE ID program with WWE releasing them from their contracts.

Aaron Roberts announced his release this morning, saying he was fired from his dream job. He posted a video along with the announcement noting that he’s based out of Tennessee and is accepting bookings at “[email protected]”

“I’m still the baddest motherf*cker walking both sides of the Mississippi,” Roberts declared.

Roberts’ inclusion in the ID program had been announced last November at a Memphis Wrestling event.

PWInsider reports that Ice Williams and Jordan Oasis have also been released from WWE ID. Williams is from the West Coast and competes in Las Vegas for Future Stars of Wrestling, while Oasis is from the Pacific Northwest and goes by the “Global Nomad” on the indies. Oasis trained at both the Buddy Wayne Academy and KnokX Pro Wrestling Academy.

“They will each make their final appearances on upcoming episodes of WWE EVOLVE that had been previously taped,” PWInsider wrote about Williams and Oasis.

The WWE ID (Independent Development) program launched late last year, with WWE providing select training schools and indie wrestlers with support and creating a potential pathway for some of those wrestlers to join NXT full-time. Kylie Rae and Cappuccino Jones are the inaugural WWE ID Champions of their respective divisions.

WWE ID affiliation pulled from Knokx Pro after Raja Jackson incident

Posted on by Ian Carey

Knokx Pro is no longer a WWE ID school and promotion.

Our own Bryan Alvarez is reporting that he’s been told Knokx Pro has had its affiliation with the WWE ID program pulled following the incident on Saturday, where Raja Jackson entered the ring and attacked wrestler Syko Stu. He knocked Stu unconscious with a slam and then delivered multiple punches to the face while Stu was unable to defend himself.

“I am told Knokx Pro has had their WWE ID affiliation pulled” Alvarez wrote to his subscribers on X.

PWInsider was the first to report on Monday that Knokx Pro had removed WWE ID branding from its social media.

Stu was taken to the hospital with serious injuries. His brother, Andrew Smith, posted to Facebook on Sunday to say he is stable but in critical care. Smith posted again on Monday afternoon to say that Stu is conscious and has some recollection of what happened.

“Good Morning.

Thank you for the outpouring of support. Stuart is conscious and does have some recollection of events from the day of the attack.

Thank you everyone for reaching out, it’s been difficult to get back to everyone individually. We will be setting up something for anyone wishing to donate. I will update with a link when possible.

He’s currently resting and says, ‘Thank you for the love and support’.”

According to TMZ, the incident is being investigated by the LAPD.

The Los Angeles-based Knokx Pro was founded in 2009 by WWE Hall of Famer Rikishi and Reno Anoa’i (Black Pearl).

Inaugural men’s & women’s WWE ID Champions crowned

Posted on by Josh Nason

Less than a year after the WWE ID program was initially announced, it crowned their inaugural men’s and women’s champions on Friday in Rutherford, New Jersey.

On the female side, Kylie Rae defeated both Zayda Steel and Zara Zakher in a three-way to become the champion while on the men’s side, Cappuccino Jones took home the title after defeating Jack Cartwheel.

The show took place on a GCW-promoted WWE ID Showcase event as part of WWE SummerSlam weekend in the area.

The 32-year-old Rae was first announced as joining the WWE ID program in November 2024 while Jones was one of the first talents announced that same month.

Here’s the full results from Friday’s show:

  • Ice Williams defeated Bobby Orlando
  • The Vanity Project (Brad Baylor, Bryce Donovan & Ricky Smokes) defeated Marcus Mathers & YDNP (Alec Price & Jordan Oliver)
  • Jackson Drake defeated Alec Price
  • It’s Gal defeated Aaron Roberts
  • Timothy Thatcher defeated Aaron Rourke
  • Kylie Rae defeated Zayda Steel and Zara Zakher to win the inaugural WWE ID women’s title
  • Cappuccino Jones defeated Jack Cartwheel to win the inaugural WWE ID men’s title