Some independent wrestlers are reportedly already under WWE ID contracts.
Two days ago, WWE announced the launch of its Independent Development program which will see the company partner with a group of wrestling schools, including those already owned by names within WWE, with the idea being that the program will provide enhanced development for new trainees and a pathway into the future. Now, more has emerged on whether anything is set to change regarding the current independent scene and how it’s booked.
Per Brandon Thurston of POST Wrestling, it’s believed that several independent wrestlers are already under contract as part of WWE ID, with the deals allowing them to continue taking independent bookings without restrictions on where they appear or their match result.
“Several independent wrestlers are already under contracts with WWE related to the WWE ID program, multiple sources confirmed to POST Wrestling. 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.”
-POST Wrestling
As of now, it’s unclear which independent wrestlers are currently part of the program, but, as the initial report notes, questions still remain over whether those under WWE ID deals could appear in AEW or other major companies.
As always, we’ll aim to provide any further updates on WWE’s Independent Development program as soon as we hear more.
