Several independent wrestlers are already under contracts with WWE related to the WWE ID program, multiple sources confirmed to POST Wrestling.
On Tuesday, WWE introduced the WWE Independent Development (WWE ID) program, stating that its aim is to identify and support independent wrestling schools and talent. WWE’s press release listed Reality of Wrestling, the Nightmare Factory, the Black and Brave Academy, Elite Pro Wrestling Training Center, and KnokX Pro Academy as the first independent wrestling schools to formally join WWE’s new program.
At this time, no financial support is being provided to the schools, according to one source.
Independent wrestlers under contract were not specifically named to POST Wrestling, but it was confirmed that several independent wrestlers have deals allowing them to continue appearing at independent wrestling events. A source familiar with the program clarified that there are no current restrictions on where contracted independent talent can appear or whether they can lose matches.
Mark Pollesel is an independent wrestling promoter for C*4 Wrestling based in Ottawa. He joined us as a guest on Wednesday’s episode of Pollock & Thurston and expressed skepticism about the program.
“Remember when Samoa Joe was allowed to work indies restriction-free?,” Pollesel said, referring to the non-exclusive 2015 deal Samoa Joe first worked for WWE under. “How long did that last for? WWE says a lot of things, and that’s fine, that’s their business. But for forty years, we have seen those things, and we’ve seen the ultimate direction where those things go.”
The new program raises natural questions about whether indie wrestlers under contract with WWE could appear for AEW, but we were unable to get a definitive answer on that.
In addition to talent development, the program may also help WWE reduce its antitrust risk, something the company and its parent TKO are increasingly mindful of. WWE settled an antitrust lawsuit with MLW in late 2023, with regulatory filings indicating the settlement cost WWE $20 million. TKO subsidiary UFC is also working to settle two antitrust lawsuits, one of which recently received preliminary approval to settle for $375 million.
A source familiar with the program indicated that this initiative wouldn’t have been possible under the previous leadership of Vince McMahon, but it has become feasible under the direction of WWE Chief Content Officer Paul Levesque and WWE President Nick Khan.
