WWE has quietly released three wrestlers from its Independent Development (WWE ID) program, marking an unexpected shakeup within the relatively new system designed to spotlight and nurture indie wrestling talent. The released talents include independent wrestling standout Aaron Roberts, along with Ice Williams and Jordan Oasis, as confirmed by multiple sources, including a personal announcement from Roberts and reports from PWInsider.com[1][5].
Aaron Roberts Announces Release, Calls It His “Dream Job”
Aaron Roberts, a well-regarded figure on the independent wrestling circuit, broke the news himself on social media with a striking video clip. In his announcement, Roberts emotionally revealed, “I was fired from my dream job,” referring to his departure from WWE ID. The video features a voiceover calling him a failure, juxtaposed against Roberts sitting on a pile of defeated opponents, defiantly proclaiming, *“I’m still the baddest motherf**er walking both sides of the Mississippi.” His tone illustrates the frustration yet fierce determination that defined his time in the program[3][5].
Roberts was initially signed to WWE ID in November 2024 after establishing a steady presence in Memphis Championship Wrestling and various other promotions such as GCW (Game Changer Wrestling), AAW, and WWN in 2025[3]. Despite only wrestling in three matches under the WWE ID banner, Roberts had gained considerable attention for his hard-hitting style and charisma on the independent scene.
Ice Williams and Jordan Oasis Also Released
Alongside Roberts, Ice Williams, a West Coast-based independent wrestler, and Jordan Oasis, known as the “Global Nomad” from the Pacific Northwest, were also released from the program. Both were confirmed by PWInsider but have yet to publicly comment on their releases.
Jordan Oasis trained at the KnokX Pro Wrestling Academy, a WWE ID-affiliated school before recent controversial incidents (notably, WWE severed ties with KnokX Pro following a serious backstage altercation at an affiliated event). The program still plans to feature these talents in upcoming episodes of WWE Evolve on the streaming service Tubi, providing one last platform for them to showcase their skills before parting ways with WWE ID[1][5].
WWE ID: A Brief Overview
Launched on October 29, 2024, WWE’s Independent Development (WWE ID) program was created to nurture and provide a pathway for independent wrestlers aspiring to join WWE’s main roster or NXT brand. WWE ID partners with select wrestling schools, offering prospects access to enhanced development resources such as world-class training facilities, athletic trainers, mentorship from established stars, and potential financial stipends[4].
Schools initially designated as WWE ID affiliates include Booker T’s Reality of Wrestling (Houston), Cody Rhodes’ Nightmare Factory (Atlanta), Seth Rollins’ Black and Brave Academy (Iowa), Elite Pro Wrestling Training Center (New Hampshire), and previously KnokX Pro Academy (Los Angeles). The program aims to spotlight top independent talent and raise the profile of indie wrestling collectively[4].
WWE Evolve: The Tubi Streaming Platform for WWE ID Talent
Introduced in early 2025 during the Royal Rumble weekend, WWE Evolve is a Tubi streaming program featuring WWE ID prospects alongside Performance Center trainees. It serves as a showcase platform to track the development of emerging wrestlers and promote independent wrestling stories to a wider audience. All three departing talents—Roberts, Williams, and Oasis—will make their final appearances in upcoming pre-recorded WWE Evolve episodes before their releases take full effect[1].
Backstage Insight: Why the Releases?
According to a WWE insider familiar with the ID program’s inner workings, “WWE is refining its developmental pipeline and has decided to focus resources more strategically amid an ever-competitive landscape. Some talents, despite their promise, may not align with WWE’s current needs or developmental direction.” The source added that the ID program remains an evolving initiative and that releases are part of natural roster recalibration rather than punitive measures.
An industry veteran close to WWE pointed out, “The ID program is a fantastic platform, but transitioning from indie success to WWE style isn’t always smooth. WWE demands very specific traits—both in-ring and character work—that not everyone can immediately embody. It’s harsher than fans often realize.”
Controversies and Program Challenges
The release of Jordan Oasis gains added context considering WWE’s severance with KnokX Pro Academy. In August 2025, an incident involving Raja Jackson — son of former UFC Light Heavyweight Champion Rampage Jackson — assaulted a wrestler during a live event affiliated with KnokX Pro. As a result, WWE withdrew its association with the school, impacting its trainees and talent connected via WWE ID[2][3].
This disruption within KnokX likely contributed to reassessing the status of their wrestlers within the WWE ID program, resulting in roster purges such as Oasis’s release.
What’s Next for Aaron Roberts, Ice Williams & Jordan Oasis?
With their WWE ID contracts now terminated, all three wrestlers appear ready to return full-time to the independent scene. Roberts has openly stated he is accepting independent bookings, signaling he is not stepping away from his wrestling ambitions any time soon[5].
Given their exposure through WWE Evolve and existing indie reputations, these talents may still land significant opportunities across promotions nationally and internationally. Their releases illustrate the volatile nature of professional wrestling careers, especially within developmental systems striving to balance vast talent pools with brand priorities.
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