The Contract Status of Zayda Steel
Zayda Steel, once regarded as one of the hottest young prospects in American independent wrestling, officially became a free agent in October 2025 after opting not to renew her WWE ID contract. Steel only 21 years old at the time publicly announced her decision on social media, expressing gratitude for the opportunities WWE had provided but clearly stating, “I’ve decided not to renew my WWE ID contract… 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!”. This move ended her attachment to WWE’s talent development system, which she joined in November 2024, making her one of the first names signed under the company’s ID program.
Zayda Steel’s WWE Run and Independent Credentials
During her WWE run, Steel primarily competed under the EVOLVE banner, where she wrestled in nine matches—winning one singles and one tag team bout—and also appeared for WWE-affiliated promotions GCW and APAC[1]. Her televised WWE debut came in April 2025 against Brinley Reece, and her final match for the company aired on October 22, 2025, in a losing effort to Thea Hail on EVOLVE[2].
Before her WWE signing, Steel built a solid reputation across the American indie scene, performing for top promotions like MLW, GCW, Beyond, and DEFY[3]. She also had a notable stint with Marigold in Japan during its launch in May 2024, further establishing her international appeal[1]. Her resume, especially for her age, made her a standout in WWE’s developmental pipeline, and her departure raises questions about the company’s retention strategy for up-and-coming talent.
AEW’s Interest Heats Up
With Steel now on the open market, All Elite Wrestling (AEW) has reportedly expressed strong interest in acquiring her services. According to Fightful Select, contact was initiated in October, shortly after her WWE deal expired, though no contract had been signed as of the latest reports[1][2][4]. Industry insiders note that while WWE’s ID contracts typically include matching rights—giving WWE the chance to match any outside offer once a talent is under contract—Steel is currently unencumbered by such restrictions, clearing the way for AEW or any other promotion to negotiate freely[2][6].
“She was always viewed as someone with a high ceiling, but the sense was that the ID program wasn’t moving as quickly as she wanted,” a WWE source told us. “She wants to be on TV, and if AEW can offer that faster, it’s a real possibility she’ll sign.”
Backstage Buzz and Possible AEW Debut
Sources close to Tony Khan have indicated that AEW’s interest isn’t just exploratory—they see Steel as a potential fit for their women’s division, especially given her diverse experience and youth. In fact, according to SelfMade PW, Steel was recently spotted backstage at an AEW or Ring of Honor (ROH) taping and has already filmed a pre-tape promo segment for ROH, with plans for her to wrestle there soon[5][8]. This suggests that AEW is serious about integrating her into the roster, possibly starting with ROH to help her acclimate to the larger spotlight.
The Broader Talent War
Steel’s situation highlights the ongoing competition between WWE and AEW for both established stars and promising prospects. The WWE ID program was designed in part to secure rising talent before rival promotions could swoop in, but Steel’s decision to walk away—and AEW’s quick pursuit—illustrates that no company can take future stars for granted[3]. This comes amid a wave of contract-related WWE departures, including Jazmyn Nyx and Santos Escobar, underscoring the fluidity of the current wrestling landscape under TKO Group Holdings’ ownership[3].
What’s Next for Zayda Steel?
For now, Zayda Steel remains a free agent, but her wrestling future looks bright regardless of which company ultimately signs her. On social media, she has already teased a potential AEW move, further fueling speculation among fans[2]. Given her talent, experience, and the attention she has drawn from major promotions, it seems only a matter of time before she resurfaces on national television—whether in AEW, ROH, or elsewhere.
Conclusion
Zayda Steel’s move from WWE to free agency—and AEW’s subsequent outreach—is a telling sign of how the wrestling talent market continues to evolve. With both WWE and AEW jockeying for position, young stars like Steel are increasingly able to call the shots on their careers. As the business watches closely, Steel’s next steps could set a precedent for how top prospects navigate their options in an era of unprecedented competition between wrestling’s biggest companies.