Backstage News On New WWE ID Programme

WWE increased their presence in independent wrestling this week as the company officially launched WWE ID, a new programme designed to provide a pathway for independent wrestlers to join the company. Some talents will be able to become a WWE ID 'prospect', while several wrestling schools have been given WWE ID designation, including Booker T's Reality of Wrestling, Cody Rhodes' Nightmare Factory, and Seth Rollins' Black and Brave Wrestling Academy.

Mike Johnson of PWInsider has reported that WWE have been working on the launch of WWE ID off and on for several years. Gabe Sapolsky will be one figure overseeing WWE ID.

The system is designed to provide a way for potential wrestlers to begin their training and the plan is for WWE representatives to visit the wrestling schools to keep them aligned with what the company is looking for in potential talents.

WWE ID will also allow the company to send existing developmental talents to other training schools to gain different perspectives.

A major reason behind the launch of WWE ID is to provide a different method for recruiting wrestlers outside of scouting indy talents and the company's NIL programme for college athletes.

The launch of WWE ID received a positive response from many indy wrestlers on social media but there are fears amongst some promoters that the programme could end up being like NXT UK.