WWE’s Independent Development (ID) brand is moving swiftly to fill the gap left by Kylie Rae’s unexpected exit by planning to crown a new WWE ID Women’s Champion. Following Rae’s announcement that her contract would not be renewed and her subsequent vacating of the title due to pregnancy, WWE has confirmed plans to officially award the championship at an upcoming event in November 2025.
WWE ID’s Championship Vacancy: What Happened to Kylie Rae?
Kylie Rae, who made history as the inaugural WWE ID Women’s Champion during SummerSlam weekend in 2025, was forced to relinquish the title shortly after winning it due to her pregnancy announcement in September. Her departure has created a significant void within the women’s division of WWE ID, a developmental platform designed to showcase independent wrestling talent and offer them a pathway into WWE’s main roster.
According to sources familiar with WWE’s developmental strategy, Rae’s exit was handled with sensitivity, but the brand is determined to keep momentum going despite the departure of another prominent female talent, Zayda Steel, who has also left WWE ID recently. This leaves Zoe Sager as one of the few remaining women currently signed to the program[1][3][6].
New WWE ID Women’s Championship to be Decided at Rhode Island Event
WWE ID has announced that the new Women’s Champion will be crowned on November 17, 2025, at Wrestling Open Rhode Island, held at Rhodes On Pawtuxet in Cranston, RI. This comes as a surprise to some fans, who expected the title decision to take place on WWE programming, but WWE’s social media teased that “whoever wins the championship will be ID’d!!!”, a phrase emphasizing the brand’s identity and focus on independent wrestling styles[1].
While the competitors involved in the match have not yet been publicly revealed, insiders indicate that the contest is expected to include a mix of current WWE ID talent and possibly independent wrestlers who have caught WWE’s attention. WWE’s unique developmental structure allows for the championship to be defended outside traditional WWE shows, often in live independent events, adding an unpredictable element to who could emerge victorious[2][7].
Potential Contenders: Zoe Sager, Zara Zakher, and Others
With Kylie Rae and Zayda Steel both out of the picture, the spotlight is on the remaining women in WWE ID and promising indie standouts. Zoe Sager remains on the active roster and is frequently discussed as a natural candidate to step up for the title. Meanwhile, Zara Zakher, who previously challenged for the title during the inaugural tournament at SummerSlam weekend, is also a rumored favorite to capture the gold this time around.
Industry analysts believe either Zakher or Sager could claim the championship, though the possibility of a surprise entrant winning cannot be ruled out given WWE’s penchant for unpredictability in its developmental programming. Some believe that this could be a significant breakout moment for one of these competitors, transforming their career trajectory substantially[3][4].
Backstage Insight: WWE’s Commitment to the Women’s Division
A WWE insider shared with Ringside News that the company is “fully committed to ensuring the women’s division within WWE ID remains vibrant and competitive” despite recent departures. The insider added, “Kylie leaving was a curveball, but this championship represents a real opportunity for fresh talent to rise quickly. WWE sees the ID Women’s Title as a launchpad, and whoever wins in Rhode Island will be someone to watch closely”[1].
This aligns with WWE’s broader developmental philosophy of leveraging independent circuits and events to cultivate new stars who can transition smoothly into WWE’s higher-profile shows such as NXT and Raw or SmackDown. The ID Women’s Championship is unique because it bridges WWE with the independent scene, drawing diverse wrestlers for fresh storylines and wrestling styles[2].
What This Means for WWE ID and the Independent Scene
The quick scheduling of this championship match signals WWE’s intention to keep the ID brand dynamic and unpredictable, which is crucial given that it operates differently from WWE’s televised brands. Fans can expect more surprises, fresh faces, and wrestling styles defined by the indies in the months to come.
The event on November 17 offers not only a critical title contest but also a showcase for independent talent aspiring to break into the mainstream. The match is anticipated to garner significant interest from both local fans and WWE followers eager to discover tomorrow’s stars.
Fans’ Predictions and Excitement
Speculation among fans is already heating up on social media about who will walk away with the vacant WWE ID Women’s Championship. Several voices are backing Zoe Sager to seize this moment due to her solid standing within the program. Others are polling for Zara Zakher, given her strong showing in past ID matches.
“With Kylie Rae and Zayda Steel out, this title is wide open, and WWE is clearly ready to put the spotlight on someone new,” commented a commentator on wrestling forums. “It could be a defining moment in the careers of any of these women, and the Rhode Island event is now must-watch for ID fans.”[1][3]