On October 29, WWE announced the launch of WWE Independent Development, WWE ID for short. The program is described as “a first-of-its-kind developmental program designed to provide up-and-coming independent wrestlers a pathway to a potential career in WWE” in the official announcement.
Several wrestling schools will be part of the program. Reality of Wrestling, Nightmare Factory, Black and Brave Academy, Elite Pro Wrestling Training Center, and KnokX Pro Academy were officially announced. Plus, WWE ID “will identify top independent wrestling prospects with an official designation.
Mike Johnson of PWInsider reported an update on the program. He writes that the company has been developing the project for years off and on. Per Johnson, former ROH and EVOLVE booker Gabe Sapolsky will be part of the team overseeing the program. Sapolsky has already been working for WWE. He has scouted at schools and independent events.
WWE’s Relationships With Schools
Johnson wrote that the idea is that by having an official relationship with the wrestling schools, WWE can send potential recruits there to learn “the right way”. This would prepare them for potential tryouts. Johnson wrote that WWE reps could visit the schools to help give them advice and ensure that the facilities are “in alignment” with what WWE is seeking.
The report described the WWE ID schools as places where “beginners” could go. Plus, independent talents can train there for more improvement. It was also noted that the schools would give WWE places to send developmental talent to learn. In doing so, they can get a different perspective outside of the Performance Center.
Johnson cited sources who noted that the intention was for WWE to prepare for the future with a different stream than they already established. He also wrote that there are no current plans for WWE ID to lead to combined shows with the schools. However, it was said that there is “a lot more to come.”
WrestleZone will provide more information as it becomes available
