Report: WWE Exerting Control Over Booking Of ID Talent's Indy Matches

WWE are in control of the booking of WWE ID talents when they wrestle on the independent wrestling scene, it has been revealed.

Dave Meltzer reported in the Wrestling Observer Newsletter that Gabe Sapolsky, a key figure in the WWE ID programme and the booker of WWE EVOLVE, puts matches involving WWE ID talents at independent shows together and gives the script to the indy promoter, ultimately interfering in the indy promotion's independence to book match results on their own event.

When it comes to booking WWE ID talents on a show, their fee is paid by the indy promoter and the promotion can push that the wrestler is from WWE. The corporation will cover the travel costs of the talent with a stipend and the indy promoter will pay the difference if the travel costs exceed the stipend.

WWE launched the WWE ID programme in late 2024 and it is designed to provide a pathway for independent wrestlers to join WWE as talents are designated as WWE ID 'prospects'. Several wrestling schools owned by WWE personalities have also been given WWE ID designation.

WWE ID championships were recently created, although the inaugural champions have yet to be determined. The following wrestlers are part of the WWE ID programme:

• Sean Legacy
• Cappuccino Jones
• Zayda Steel
• Bryce Donovan
• Marcus Mathers
• Sam Holloway
• Jack Summit
• Zara Zakher
• It's Gal
• Ice Williams
• Aaron Rourke
• Ricky Smokes
• Brad Baylor
• Jackson Drake
• Freedom Ramsay
• Jordan Oasis
• Zoë Sager
• Kylie Rae

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