WWE’s developmental system continues to see significant changes as Zara Zakher, one of the promising talents from the WWE Independent Development (ID) program, has officially announced her departure from the company. Zakher’s contract with WWE ID has expired, and she plans to take a step back from her professional wrestling career—adding to the recent string of departures from WWE’s developmental ranks.
Zara Zakher Confirms Departure from WWE ID Program
On October 10, 2025, Zara Zakher took to social media to confirm that her WWE ID contract had come to an end. In a heartfelt message, she expressed gratitude for the opportunities and the people she met throughout her time in the program, while revealing uncertainty about her immediate return to wrestling.
“As of today, my contract with WWE ID has expired, and I’ll be taking a step back from wrestling,” Zakher wrote. “I’m so grateful for all the people I’ve met and everyone who’s supported me. I don’t know if or when I’ll be back, but I’m hopeful for the future.”[1][2][7]
Zakher’s announcement adds to recent departures from the same developmental program, including names like Zayda Steel, Kylie Rae, and Stevie Turner, signaling a notable turnover in WWE’s future roster pipeline.
Background on Zara Zakher and Her Career Path
Zakher’s wrestling journey began approximately two years ago, rapidly gaining momentum on the independent scene and international promotions before being scouted for WWE’s ID program in late 2024. During her career, she competed in a variety of respected wrestling organizations such as Tokyo Joshi Pro Wrestling (TJPW), Game Changer Wrestling (GCW), New Japan Pro-Wrestling (NJPW), DEFY Wrestling, and Future Stars of Wrestling.
Her versatility and in-ring skills earned praise across these diverse settings, building a promising profile that WWE hoped to develop further through its ID system.
The WWE Independent Development (ID) Program’s Changing Landscape
The WWE ID program, designed as a platform to cultivate emerging wrestling talents from the independent circuit and beyond, has witnessed multiple contracts expiring or wrestling stars stepping away in recent months. Zakher’s exit is the latest in what insiders describe as a reshaping phase for WWE’s developmental pipeline.
According to a WWE insider speaking on condition of anonymity, “The company is constantly evaluating talent based on performance, potential, and roster needs. Several promising wrestlers are moving on or reconsidering their futures, which is natural in developmental systems. Zara’s talent was never in question, but sometimes personal decisions and career directions influence these partings.”
With the departures of other WWE ID wrestlers like Kylie Rae—who recently vacated her title and ended her contract to prioritize family plans—and Zayda Steel, it’s clear the developmental environment is undergoing significant flux[1][2][3].
Zakher’s Step Back: What It Means for Her and WWE
While Zakher’s decision to “take a step back” is somewhat ambiguous, it often points to a period of reflection away from the wrestling world—whether for personal health, other career pursuits, or reconsidering long-term goals. Zakher’s statement suggested she remains hopeful about a future return but made no definitive promises.
For WWE, losing Zara is a setback, as she was viewed as a talent with strong in-ring ability and a growing fan following. However, the company’s developmental pool remains diverse and constantly refreshed, a necessity in such a competitive industry.
Fan and Industry Reaction
Fans and industry commentators widely praised Zakher for her dedication and progress during her short tenure. Many expressed support for her decision to prioritize her personal well-being and future, reflecting a growing understanding of the physical and mental demands of professional wrestling.
Social media buzzed with well-wishes and hope that Zakher’s “step back” might eventually translate into a triumphant return. Wrestling journalist Soumik Datta noted, “Zara Zakher’s departure highlights the ongoing realities in wrestling today—talent must balance passion with sustainability. We hope to see her back on the big stage when the time is right.”
Looking Ahead: The Future of WWE ID Talent and Development
The recent wave of departures from WWE ID, including Zakher’s, has sparked discussion about the program’s current strategy and talent retention. Observers suggest WWE may be recalibrating its approach, focusing on long-term developmental projects rather than short-term contracts.
Sources close to WWE indicate that the company remains committed to scouting and nurturing independent talent but may increasingly emphasize personalized development paths tailored to individual wrestlers’ needs.
For talents like Zakher, the door remains open should they decide to return. Her departure, though quiet and unceremonious, serves as a reminder of the career uncertainties wrestlers face even as they pursue their dreams on the independent circuits and into WWE’s spotlight.
In summary, Zara Zakher’s exit from WWE’s Independent Development program represents the latest shift within the company’s developmental system. Her decision to take a step back from wrestling highlights the personal and professional crossroads many wrestlers encounter. WWE continues to evolve its talent strategy, ensuring the next generation of superstars will rise—whether from those who persist or new recruits ready to make their mark.
“She’s a remarkable talent, and while we respect her choice to step away, we’re hopeful for a future reunion,” a WWE source concluded.