Rising star Zayda Steel has officially announced that she will part ways with WWE, choosing not to renew her WWE ID contract. The 21-year-old wrestler took to social media to express her gratitude for the opportunities WWE provided but emphasized that she must prioritize what’s best for her career at this stage[1][5].
A New Chapter for Zayda Steel
Zayda Steel—known for her appearances on WWE’s Evolve brand and as part of the faction Vanity Project—has been widely regarded as one of the promising talents among WWE’s independent development (ID) roster. The WWE ID program, designed to nurture up-and-coming wrestlers by allowing them to gain exposure in WWE-affiliated shows while maintaining their indie careers, has been Steel’s platform since joining in 2024[3][4].
At just 21 years old, Zayda is still in the early phase of what many believe could be a long wrestling career. Her decision not to renew her contract highlights both the competitive nature of WWE’s development process and the personal considerations wrestlers face when balancing opportunities and career freedom.
Steel’s Statement on Her Departure
In a candid social media post, Zayda shared:
“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. I’m only 21, and have already done so much, but I’m just getting started! Thank you.”[1]
Her message reflects a mature outlook on career management, emphasizing growth while signaling potential new avenues beyond WWE’s structure.
WWE ID Experience and Impact
During her time with WWE ID, Zayda Steel participated in significant milestone matches, including the first-ever WWE ID Women’s Title match against competitors Kylie Rae and Zara Zahker, though Rae ultimately claimed the victory. This showcased Zayda’s skill and potential amid a competitive roster of emerging female wrestlers[1].
She also gained valuable international experience, traveling with other WWE ID talents to Malaysia for matches in the APAC Wrestling promotion, an initiative designed to cultivate global wrestling stars as part of the ID program’s outreach[3][6].
Behind the Scenes: Industry Insight
According to a WWE insider familiar with developmental talent dynamics:
“Zayda has always shown impressive athleticism and charisma. Her decision not to renew is less about a lack of opportunity and more about her wanting to chart a course that aligns better with her long-term goals. WWE respects her choice and has left doors open should she want to return.”[5]
This sentiment underlines the increasingly common trend of young wrestlers seeking creative control and diverse experiences outside the WWE ecosystem to build their brand and ability in a rapidly evolving wrestling landscape.
What This Means for WWE’s ID Program
Zayda’s exit comes at a pivotal moment for WWE’s ID initiative, which has not added new signees since early 2024 but continues to scout talent aggressively. The ID program aims to be a launch pad to NXT and beyond, but its long-term success depends on retaining and advancing talents like Zayda Steel[3].
Her departure could prompt WWE to reassess how it supports its indie contracts and possibly adjust to better meet the aspirations of young wrestlers aiming for innovation and flexibility.
What’s Next for Zayda Steel?
Though she hasn’t announced specific plans following her WWE exit, industry watchers speculate that Zayda Steel could continue to build her presence on the independent circuit, join other rising promotions, or even explore international wrestling opportunities. Her youth and experience suggest a versatile future with multiple paths open.
Fans interested in following her journey should keep an eye on Combat Zone Wrestling, Game Changer Wrestling, and potential returning engagements with WWE’s affiliated brands, as many wrestlers often re-emerge after refining their craft outside the WWE spotlight[4].
Final Thoughts
Zayda Steel’s decision marks an important moment in her career and signals the complexities young wrestlers face balancing ambition with opportunity. Her gratitude toward WWE combined with her focus on self-direction underscore a new generation of talent mindful of crafting their own narratives.
As WWE continues to evolve its developmental system, retaining top prospects like Zayda Steel will be key to maintaining a competitive women’s division and the overall strength of the ID program.
Stay tuned for updates as more details about Zayda Steel’s future plans and WWE’s ongoing development strategy become available.