Program Evolution and Recent Recruiting Push
Program Evolution and Recent Recruiting PushIn a year marked by both growth and notable exits, WWE’s Independent Development (ID) program continues to refine its approach to cultivating the next generation of wrestling talent. Launched in October 2024, the WWE ID program was designed as a bridge for independent wrestlers, offering training and exposure within the WWE system while allowing them to maintain their status on the indies[4]. So far in 2025, no new recruits have joined the program, with all current members signing shortly after its inception[1]. However, WWE ID scouts are actively seeking fresh faces, signaling ongoing investment in the initiative[1].
A WWE insider, speaking on condition of anonymity, shared: “There’s a real belief backstage that the ID program is the best pipeline for homegrown talent. The scouts are casting a wider net, looking for wrestlers who can bring something unique to NXT and beyond.”
Major Departures Rock the Program
Recent weeks have been a period of transition for the WWE ID roster, with several high-profile names confirming their exits. Kylie Rae, the inaugural and only WWE ID Women’s Champion, has announced her contract will not be renewed following her pregnancy announcement and subsequent vacating of the title[3]. Rae expressed gratitude for her WWE experience but is moving on to focus on her family and independent career.
Zayda Steel, another prominent ID recruit, also chose not to renew her contract. Steel, just 21 years old, cited a need to explore new opportunities outside the WWE system[2]. Her departure, along with Rae’s, leaves a gap in the women’s division of the ID program.
On the men’s side, Lance Anoa’i, a third-generation wrestler with deep roots in the Anoa’i dynasty, has left WWE after a brief stint under the ID banner[5]. Anoa’i, who struggled to gain traction within the system, announced his departure via social media and signaled his intent to return to the independent circuit[5]. His exit underscores the challenges some veterans face when adapting to WWE’s developmental structure.
Select Talent Receive Contract Extensions
Despite these losses, WWE has moved to extend contracts for select ID program members. While specific names have not been publicly disclosed, sources indicate that standout performers who have shown potential in both training and live events—such as Evolve showcases and international tours—are being prioritized for retention.
“The goal is to keep the talent who are closest to being ready for NXT, while continuing to scout for new blood,” said a source close to WWE’s talent relations. “This isn’t a mass renewal; it’s strategic, based on who the coaches and scouts believe can make the jump.”
This selective approach contrasts with the program’s initial “tryout” phase, where a broader group of indie wrestlers was brought in. Now, WWE appears focused on quality over quantity, targeting individuals who can transition smoothly to its main developmental brand.
The ID Program’s Role in WWE’s Developmental Ecosystem
The WWE ID program was conceived as a hybrid platform: wrestlers train at the WWE Performance Center, compete in WWE-affiliated events (including the revived Evolve brand on Tubi), and still work independent dates[1][4]. This flexibility is intended to attract top indie talent who might be hesitant to commit fully to WWE’s traditional system.
The program also introduced its own championships—the Men’s and Women’s WWE ID Titles—defended both in WWE and on the indies, adding prestige and visibility for participants[4]. Cappuccino Jones currently holds the Men’s ID Championship, while the Women’s title remains vacant after Rae’s departure[1][3].
However, the program has not been without controversy. The fallout from the Raja Jackson incident at a KnokX Pro event led to WWE severing ties with that promotion and academy, demonstrating the company’s willingness to act decisively when affiliate behavior risks the brand’s reputation[4].
What’s Next for Departing Talent and the ID Program?
For those leaving, the indie scene awaits. Kylie Rae and Zayda Steel are expected to return to the promotions where they first made their names, while Lance Anoa’i is already fielding bookings for post-Non-Compete appearances[2][3][5]. Their departures are a reminder that not every partnership with WWE is destined for long-term success, but the experience and exposure can still be valuable for future opportunities.
Meanwhile, WWE continues to promote its remaining ID prospects—such as Sean Legacy, Aaron Rourke, and Marcus Mathers—highlighting their international tours and Evolve appearances as proof of the program’s global reach[1]. The message to indie wrestlers is clear: WWE is still scouting, and a contract could be the first step toward NXT, SmackDown, Raw, or even WrestleMania[1].
Backstage Perspective: Balancing Development and Independence
According to a veteran WWE coach, the ID program is a work in progress: “We’re learning as we go. The indie scene is packed with incredible talent, but not everyone fits the WWE mold. The ID program lets us take a closer look without asking for a full commitment up front. It’s about finding the right mix of athleticism, charisma, and coachability.”
This sentiment is echoed by wrestlers who’ve come through the system. One ID prospect, who asked not to be named, said: “It’s a unique opportunity—you get WWE training and a chance to prove yourself, but you’re not stuck if it doesn’t work out. For a lot of us, that’s the best of both worlds.”
Conclusion: WWE ID at a Crossroads
The WWE ID program stands at a crossroads in late 2025. Recent departures of marquee names like Kylie Rae, Zayda Steel, and Lance Anoa’i have tested the initiative’s stability, but targeted contract extensions and an active scouting push suggest WWE remains committed to the concept[1][2][3].
For wrestling fans, the program offers a behind-the-scenes look at how WWE identifies and nurtures future stars. For indie wrestlers, it’s a potential pathway to the biggest stage in sports entertainment—albeit one that requires both talent and adaptability.
As the wrestling world watches, the next wave of WWE ID recruits could soon be announced, with the promise of new stories, rivalries, and, perhaps, the next breakout superstar.