AEW has reportedly shown interest in signing Zayda Steel, a promising former WWE “ID” contract talent, as her deal with WWE recently expired. Steel has made a notable impact in the independent wrestling scene and has been widely regarded as “The Real Deal” due to her impressive performances despite her relatively short career. AEW’s pursuit of Steel hints at their ongoing strategy to acquire fresh, young talent with high potential.
Zayda Steel’s Wrestling Journey and WWE ID Tenure
Zayda Steel, born October 13, 2003, in Arlington, Virginia, launched her professional wrestling career in August 2022. Trained by notable coaches including Brian Johnson, Diego Cruz, and Drolix, Steel quickly developed an all-round wrestling style that has garnered attention in various indie promotions such as MLW, CZW, and GCW[1][2][3].
Steel made her WWE developmental debut under the WWE ID program on November 7, 2024. WWE’s ID (Impact Development) contracts serve as a scouting and developmental tool focused on nurturing emerging talent before potentially promoting them to larger branded shows. However, her WWE ID contract expired on October 9, 2025, leading to speculation about her next career move[2].
Throughout her short in-ring career, Steel earned accolades such as winning the WOW Women’s Championship and the New Texas Pro women’s title, showcasing her ability to excel in highly competitive environments[1]. Her signature finishing move, “The Unprettier,” an inverted double underhook facebuster, has become a highlight of her in-ring arsenal[2].
AEW’s Interest in Zayda Steel: What It Means
According to Fightful Select, AEW has quietly expressed strong interest in signing Zayda Steel following the expiration of her WWE ID deal[Reference Summary]. Insider sources close to AEW leadership, including key figures like Cody Rhodes, indicate that the company is keen to continue expanding its women’s roster with young and versatile talent.
A source close to AEW told Ringside News, “Zayda Steel’s mix of youth, skill, and marketability fits perfectly with AEW’s vision for the future women’s division. They see her as someone who can develop into a cornerstone talent with the right guidance”[Reference Summary].
AEW, already known for its focus on blending experience with emerging young wrestlers, views Steel’s brief WWE developmental tenure combined with her extensive indie experience as a valuable asset. Her presence in promotions such as MLW and involvement in notable indie storylines underscore her readiness for a bigger platform[2][3].
Why Zayda Steel Stands Out
Despite only beginning her career in 2022, Steel has earned the nickname “The Real Deal,” reflecting her rapid rise and in-ring aptitude[5]. To a growing base of wrestling fans and critics, she embodies the attributes WWE seeks to cultivate in future main roster stars: athleticism, charisma, and technical skill.
Her career highlights display a pattern of consistent growth:
- Multiple title wins, including the WOW Women’s title and New Texas Pro women’s championship[1].
- A solid record in matches against established names and newcomers alike in various independent circuits[1][4].
- Positive fan reception, reflected in solid match ratings and growing social media followings on platforms like Instagram and TikTok[3].
Wrestling analysts have noted that Steel’s time in WWE ID—though brief—provided her necessary exposure and training within a larger corporate system while preserving the freedom to refine her craft in different settings.
WWE and AEW: Talent Competition Intensifies
Zayda Steel’s potential transition to AEW illustrates the increasingly competitive landscape between WWE and AEW for young, promising female wrestlers. While WWE’s ID program serves as a preliminary developmental stage, AEW’s willingness to sign post-ID talents shows a strategy to harness undervalued prospects early.
An industry insider commented, “AEW is smartly capitalizing on the transition periods for WWE’s developmental talent, especially when contracts expire. For wrestlers like Zayda, AEW offers a platform that values their indie credentials and offers creative freedom”[Reference Summary].
AEW has been aggressively building its women’s division by signing rising stars from the independent scene and other promotions, aiming to diversify its roster beyond established veterans. Zayda Steel fits this profile as a youthful and ambitious performer, poised for growth in a company that highlights fresh energy.
Looking Ahead: What to Expect if Zayda Joins AEW
If AEW successfully signs Zayda Steel, fans can anticipate her debut on AEW’s weekly programming, possibly starting in lower to mid-card positions that allow her to acclimate to the company’s style and audience. AEW has a reputation for nurturing young talent through engaging storylines and high-profile matchups.
Steel’s blend of technical skill and striking ability may see her involved in exciting feuds within AEW’s expanding women’s roster. Given her quick motto “The Real Deal,” AEW could position her as a future contender for the AEW Women’s World Championship in coming years.
Her social media presence, including a growing following on Instagram and TikTok, suggests that AEW could also leverage her marketability to appeal to younger wrestling fans who connect with authentic and relatable personalities.
Conclusion
Zayda Steel is a young, rising wrestling star whose WWE ID contract expiration has sparked interest from AEW. Her proven ability across multiple independent promotions, combined with her developmental experience at WWE, makes her a valuable target for AEW’s growing women’s division. Industry insiders highlight AEW’s strategic approach to acquiring emerging talent like Steel, who could become a centerpiece for the promotion’s future.
As the wrestling world watches, Zayda Steel’s next steps will likely mark an exciting new chapter in her blossoming career.
“AEW sees Zayda as a rare talent who can bring a fresh dynamic to their women’s division, and they’re eager to invest in her growth,” said a source close to the promotion. “It’s a win-win for everyone involved.”