WWE ID and WWE NIL

WWE's development systems

WWE Independent Development

Acronym| WWE ID
Founder(s)| Paul "Triple H" Levesque
Gabe Sapolsky
Owner(s)| TKO Group Holdings
Parent| WWE
Sister| WWE Next in Line
Website| Official website
WWE Next in Line

Acronym| WWE NIL
Founder(s)| Vince McMahon
Paul "Triple H" Levesque
Owner(s)| TKO Group Holdings
Parent| WWE
Sister| WWE Independent Development
Website| Official website

WWE Recruit is a developmental system created by American professional wrestling promotion WWE. It includes the WWE Next in Line (WWE NIL) and WWE Independent Development (WWE ID) programs.[1] The system supports the training and development of athletes at certain wrestling schools, wrestling promotions & colleges.

On December 2, 2021, WWE established the WWE NIL program, which exclusively supports college athletes who decide to train as wrestlers. After the launch of WWE NIL, the WWE ID program was launched on October 29, 2024 to develop and support the training of independent professional wrestlers.[2] The wrestling schools and promotions initially designated with WWE ID are Reality of Wrestling, Black and Brave Academy, Nightmare Factory, Elite Pro Wrestling Training Center, and KnokX Pro Academy.[3][4]

## History

[edit]

Prior to the 2020s, WWE had used several methods to train its future on-screen talent. This included partnering with other promotions to act as developmental territories, including Florida Championship Wrestling (FCW), Deep South Wrestling (DSW), and Ohio Valley Wrestling (OVW) among others. In 2010, WWE established NXT as an in-house televised developmental brand, which became the major pathway to the promotion's main roster.

In 2021, WWE established the WWE Next in Line (WWE NIL) program, which exclusively supports U.S.-based college athletes who decide to train as wrestlers. The program was launched as an extension of NCAA-approved name, image, and likeness policies.

In June 2024, WWE trademarked WWE ID and WWE Independent Development with the purpose of organizing and conducting a program to help develop wrestlers. That October, WWE ID was officially announced, which would support the development of independent wrestlers at specified schools or promotions and provide them a pathway to the promotion. The first schools and promotions designated under WWE ID were Reality of Wrestling (run by Booker T), Black and Brave Academy (run by Seth Rollins and Marek Brave), Nightmare Factory (run by Cody Rhodes), Elite Pro Wrestling Training Center, and KnokX Pro Academy (run by Rikishi). On November 9, Fightful reported that Timothy Thatcher had been signed as the WWE ID trainer.[5]

On February 1, 2025, during the 2025 Royal Rumble, WWE announced the launch of WWE Evolve, a Tubi program based on the defunct independent Evolve promotion ran by WWE ID co-founder Gabe Sapolsky.[6] The program, which premiered on March 5, 2025, features both WWE ID prospects and Performance Center trainees. On February 18, WWE chief content officer Paul "Triple H" Levesque announced the creation of the Men's WWE ID Championship and Women's ID Championship, the championships will be defended in WWE and on the independent circuit.[7]

## WWE ID prospects

[edit]

### Men's division

[edit]

Ring name  | Real name  | Notes

|
|

Aaron Roberts[8] | Unknown | Scouted from Memphis Wrestling
Aaron Rourke[9] | Aaron Rourke | Scouted from Create A Pro Wrestling Academy and Beyond Wrestling
Brad Baylor[10] | Brad Baylor | Scouted from Wrestling Open
Bryce Donovan[11] | Bryce Donovan | Scouted from Wrestling Open
Cappuccino Jones[12] | Unknown | Scouted from This Is Wrestling
Freedom Ramsey[13] | Unknown | Scouted from City Championship Wrestling
Ice Williams[14] | DeJon Williams | Scouted from Reality of Wrestling and Future Stars of Wrestling
It's Gal[15] | Gal Barkay | Scouted from Elite Pro Wrestling Training Center and Wrestling Open
Jack Cartwheel[16] | Jack Summit | Scouted from Game Changer Wrestling
Jackson Drake[17] | Jackson Drake | Scouted from Fire Star Pro Wrestling
Jordan Oasis[18] | Unknown | Scouted from Future Stars of Wrestling
Marcus Mathers[19] | Marc Mattiacci | Scouted from Game Changer Wrestling
Ricky Smokes[20] | Unknown | Scouted from Chaotic Wrestling
Sam Hardway Holloway[21] | Samuel Hettich | Scouted from International Wrestling Cartel
Sean Legacy[22] | Sean Rossini | Scouted from Pro Wrestling Revolution and Pro Wrestling Noah

### Women's division

[edit]

Ring name  | Real name  | Notes

|
|

Kylie Rae[23] | Briana Rae Sparrey | Scouted from Freelance Wrestling
Zara Zakher[24] | Gabriella Crump | Scouted from Millenium Pro Wrestling
Zayda Steel[25] | Unknown | Scouted from Combat Zone Wrestling
Zoe Sager[26] | Zoe Sager | Scouted from Northern Crown Wrestling

## WWE NIL prospects

[edit]

Source: [27]

### Men's division

[edit]

Ring name  | Real name  | Notes

|
|

Adam Berghorst  | Adam Berghorst  | Scouted from Indiana State University
Brock Rechsteiner[28] | Brock Rechsteiner  | Scouted from Jacksonville State University
Cameron Jones  | Cameron Jones  | Scouted from University of Cincinnati
Carlos Aviles  | Carlos Aviles  | Scouted from The Ohio State University
Cohlton Schultz | Cohlton Schultz  | Scouted from Arizona State University
Dee Beckwith  | Dee Beckwith  | Scouted from University of Kentucky
Desmond Coleman  | Desmond Coleman  | Scouted from Liberty University
Greg Kerkvliet | Daniel Gregory Clifton Kerkvliet Jr.  | Scouted from Penn State
Hidetora Hanada[29] | Hidetora Hanada  | Scouted from Colorado State University
Jeremy Cody  | Jeremy Cody  | Scouted from University of Miami
John Krahn  | John Krahn  | Scouted from Portland State University
Jon Seaton  | Jon Seaton  | Scouted from Elon University
Josh Pearcy  | Josh Pearcy  | Scouted from Rice University
KeShaun Moore  | KeShaun Moore  | Scouted from Hampton University
Landon Jackson | Landon Jackson  | Scouted from University of Arkansas
Lucas Davison  | Lucas Davison  | Scouted from University of Michigan
Luke Ford  | Luke Ford  | Scouted from University of Illinois
Maliq Carr  | Maliq Carr  | Scouted from Michigan State University
Mason Parris | Mason Mark Parris  | Scouted from University of Michigan
Momen Zahid  | Momen Zahid  | Scouted from College of William & Mary
Nick Dawkins | Nicholas Paul Dawkins  | Scouted from Penn State
Otoniel Badjana  | Otoniel Badjana  | Scouted from University of Pittsburgh
Ruben Banks  | Ruben Banks  | Scouted from University of Arkansas
Slane Glover  | Slane Glover  | Scouted from The Ohio State University
Stephen Buchanan  | Stephen Buchanan  | Scouted from University of Oklahoma
Turner Washington | Turner Washington  | Scouted from Arizona State University
Zachary Knighton-Ward  | Zachary Knighton-Ward  | Scouted from Hofstra University

### Women's division

[edit]

Ring name  | Real name  | Notes

|
|

Alexandra Jaksec  | Alexandra Jaksec  | Scouted from University of Mary Washington
Ali Mattox  | Ali Mattox  | Scouted from Ole Miss
Alia Armstrong | Alia Armstrong  | Scouted from Louisiana State University
Aleeya Hutchins  | Aleeya Hutchins  | Scouted from Wake Forest University
Chandler Hayden  | Chandler Olivia Hayden  | Scouted from University of Tennessee
Ericka Link  | Ericka Link  | Scouted from Elon University
Grace Stephens  | Grace Stephens  | Scouted from Monmouth University
Haley Cavinder | Haley Cavinder  | Scouted from University of Miami
Hanna Cavinder | Hanna Cavinder  | Scouted from University of Miami
Jaiden Fields  | Jaiden Fields  | Scouted from University of Georgia
Kali Terza  | Kali Terza  | Scouted from Kennesaw State University
Lexi Gordon  | Lexi Gordon  | Scouted from Duke University
Mady Aulbach  | Mady Aulbach  | Scouted from Youngstown State University
Mikala Hall  | Mikala Hall  | Scouted from Central Michigan University
Rachel Glenn | Rachel Symone Glenn  | Scouted from University of South Carolina
Riley White  | Riley White  | Scouted from University of Alabama
Skyla Schulte  | Skyla Schulte  | Scouted from Michigan State University
Tori Ortiz  | Tori Ortiz  | Scouted from Oklahoma State University
Tyanna Omazic  | Tyanna Omazic  | Scouted from University of Miami

## WWE NIL alumni

[edit]

Name  | Signed with WWE?  | Notes

|
|

Abby Jacobs  | No  | Scouted from University of South Alabama
Currently signed to the Campeonato Nacional Feminino
A.J. Ferrari | No  | Scouted from Oklahoma State University
Removed from the WWE NIL program after being charged with felony sexual battery
Bayley Humphrey  | Yes  | Scouted from Baylor University
Currently performing on WWE LFG under her real name
Case Hatch  | Yes  | Scouted from Arizona State University
Currently assigned to the Evolve brand under the ring name "Tate Wilder"
Dalton Wagner | No  | Scouted from University of Arkansas
Currently signed to the National Football League
Darci Khan  | Yes  | Scouted from Howard University
Currently assigned to the Evolve brand under the ring name "Masyn Holiday"
Derrian Gobourne  | Yes  | Scouted from Auburn University
Currently performing on NXT  house shows under the ring name "Chantel Monroe"
Gable Steveson | Yes  | Scouted from University of Minnesota
Signed with WWE in 2021 but released in 2024
Glen Logan | No  | Scouted from Louisiana State University
Currently signed to the United Football League
Joe Spivak | Yes  | Scouted from Northwestern University
Currently assigned to the NXT brand under the ring name "Tank Ledger"
Reigning NXT Tag Team Champion
Masai Russell | No  | Scouted from University of Kentucky
Currently signed to Grand Slam Track
Isaac Odugbesan | Yes  | Scouted from University of Alabama
Currently assigned to the NXT brand under the ring name "Oba Femi"
Reigning NXT Champion
Isaiah Iton | No  | Scouted from Rutgers University
Currently signed to the National Football League
Peyton Prussin | Yes  | Scouted from Life University
Currently assigned to the NXT brand under the ring name "Kendal Grey"
Sirena Linton  | Yes  | Scouted from University of Arkansas
Currently performing on WWE LFG under her real name
Thunder Keck | Yes  | Scouted from Stanford University
Currently performing on WWE LFG under the ring name "Shiloh Hill"

## References

[edit]

1. ^ "WWE Announces 'WWE ID' Developmental Designation". Wrestling On Fannation. 2024-10-29. Retrieved 2024-10-30.
2. ^ Aguilar, Matthew (2024-10-30). "WWE Reveals Details and First Independent Schools for WWE ID". ComicBook.com. Retrieved 2024-10-30.
3. ^ Murray, Andy H. (2024-10-29). "WWE Launches New Indie Developmental Program, 'WWE ID'". WhatCulture.com. Retrieved 2024-10-30.
4. ^ "What is WWE ID aka WWE Independent Development? All you need to know about the new program in the Triple H era". October 29, 2024.
5. ^ "Former WWE Star's Involvement In WWE ID Program Revealed". November 9, 2024. Retrieved November 9, 2024.
6. ^ Thompson, Andrew (February 1, 2025). "WWE Evolve announced, premiering March 5th on Tubi". POST Wrestling. Retrieved February 1, 2025.
7. ^ Ucchino, Rick (February 18, 2025). "Triple H Unveils New WWE ID Championships To Spotlight Up-And-Coming Talent". SI.com. Retrieved February 18, 2025.
8. ^ Jeremy Lambert (November 18, 2024). "Aaron Roberts Announced As WWE ID Prospect". Fightful. Retrieved November 18, 2024.
9. ^ Jeremy Lambert (November 14, 2024). "Aaron Rourke Announced As WWE ID Prospect". Fightful. Retrieved November 15, 2024.
10. ^ Jeremy Lambert (November 14, 2024). "Brad Baylor Announced As WWE ID Prospect". Fightful. Retrieved November 15, 2024.
11. ^ WWE ID (November 7, 2024). "#WWEID welcomes @BryceDShook Scouted From: Wrestling Open Hometown: Long Beach, NY". X. Retrieved November 8, 2024.
12. ^ WWE ID (November 7, 2024). "#WWEID welcomes @coldbrewjones! Scouted From: This Is Wrestling Hometown: Coffeyville, KS". X. Retrieved November 8, 2024.
13. ^ Jeremy Lambert (November 22, 2024). "WWE ID Prospect Revealed At City Championship Wrestling". Fightful. Retrieved November 22, 2024.
14. ^ WWE ID (November 12, 2024). "#WWEID welcomes @IceWilliams Scouted From: Future Stars Of Wrestling (FSW) Hometown: Long Beach, CA". X. Retrieved November 12, 2024.
15. ^ WWE ID (November 10, 2024). "#WWEID welcomes @justgal_ Scouted From: Wrestling Open Hometown: Mt. Olympus". X. Retrieved November 10, 2024.
16. ^ WWE ID (November 8, 2024). "#WWEID welcomes @JackCartwheel Scouted From: Game Changer Wrestling (GCW) Hometown: Sacramento, CA". X. Retrieved November 8, 2024.
17. ^ Jeremy Lambert (November 14, 2024). "Jackson Drake Announced As WWE ID Prospect". Fightful. Retrieved November 15, 2024.
18. ^ Jeremy Lambert (November 24, 2024). "WWE ID Prospect Scouted Out Of Future Stars Of Wrestling Announced". Fightful. Retrieved November 24, 2024.
19. ^ WWE ID (November 9, 2024). "#WWEID welcomes @MarcusMathers1 Scouted From: Game Changer Wrestling (GCW) Hometown: Philadelphia PA". X. Retrieved November 9, 2024.
20. ^ "Ricky Smokes Announced As WWE ID Prospect". Fightful. November 15, 2024. Retrieved November 16, 2024.
21. ^ WWE ID (November 9, 2024). "#WWEID welcomes @SamHHolloway Scouted From: International Wrestling Cartel (IWC) Hometown: Akron, OH". X. Retrieved November 9, 2024.
22. ^ WWE ID (November 8, 2024). "#WWEID welcomes @Sean_Legacy1 Scouted From: Pro Wrestling Revolution/NOAH Tryout Hometown: Augusta, Georgia". X. Retrieved November 8, 2024.
23. ^ "WWE ID Prospect Revealed At Freelance Wrestling". Fightful. November 21, 2024. Retrieved November 22, 2024.
24. ^ WWE ID (November 8, 2024). "#WWEID welcomes @zarazakher Scouted From: Millenium Pro Wrestling (MPW) Hometown: San Diego, CA". X. Retrieved November 8, 2024.
25. ^ WWE ID (November 7, 2024). "#WWEID welcomes @ZaydaSteel Scouted From: Combat Zone Wrestling (CZW) Hometown: Washington D.C." X. Retrieved November 8, 2024.
26. ^ Jeremy Lambert (November 17, 2024). "Zoe Sager Announced As WWE ID Prospect". Fightful. Retrieved November 18, 2024.
27. ^ "WWE NIL". WWE Recruit. Retrieved November 9, 2024.
28. ^ Russell, Skylar (February 21, 2025). "Brandon Rechsteiner Says Brock Rechsteiner Will Be In WWE, Teases Possible Bloodline-Like Story For Steiner Family". Fightful. Retrieved February 21, 2025.
29. ^ Boyer, Claire (February 3, 2025). "WWE Extends NIL Opportunity to Colorado State Lineman, Former Sumo Champion". SI.com. Retrieved February 21, 2025.

## External links

[edit]

* WWE ID website
* WWE NIL website

* v
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WWE

History|

* McMahon family
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Programming|

| Weekly in-ring shows|

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|

Recap shows|

* Afterburn
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Seasonal shows
and specials|

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Other|

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Former|

* Amway Center
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Personnel|

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Notable rivalries
and matches|

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Affiliated properties|

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Investments|

* Avid Technology
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* Tout

Related companies|

| Owners|

* TKO Group Holdings
* Endeavor

|

Sister companies|

* IMG
* Professional Bull Riders
* Lucha Libre AAA Worldwide
* Ultimate Fighting Championship

Partnerships|

| Current|

* Game Changer Wrestling
* National Wrestling Alliance
* Pro Wrestling Noah
* Dream Star Fighting Marigold
* Reality of Wrestling
* Total Nonstop Action Wrestling

|

Former|

* All Japan Pro Wrestling
* Deep South Wrestling
* Insane Championship Wrestling
* International Wrestling Association
* Memphis Championship Wrestling
* Michinoku Pro Wrestling
* New Japan Pro-Wrestling
* Ohio Valley Wrestling
* Power Pro Wrestling
* Progress Wrestling
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* Super World of Sports
* Ultimate Pro Wrestling
* United States Wrestling Association
* Universal Lucha Libre
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* Universal Wrestling Federation
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* Westside Xtreme Wrestling
* World Wrestling Alliance

Championships|

* Current champions
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* Types of championships
* Secondary
* Tag team
* Women's
* World

Accomplishments|

* Diva Search
* Money in the Bank
* Tough Enough
* Awards
* Slammys
* NXT Year-End
* WWE Year-End
* Grand Slam
* Triple Crown
* Battle royals
* André the Giant Memorial Battle Royal
* Royal Rumble
* WrestleMania Women's Battle Royal

Tournaments|

* Brawl for All
* Cruiserweight Classic
* Dusty Rhodes Tag Team Classic
* King of the Ring
* Mae Young Classic
* Mixed Match Challenge
* NXT Breakout Tournament
* Queen of the Ring
* Sam Muchnick Memorial Tournament

Brand extension|

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International|

* Australia
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Miscellaneous|

* Attendance records
* Titan Towers
* Women in WWE
* WrestleMania Axxess
* WWE action figures
* LJN Wrestling Superstars
* WWE ID and WWE NIL

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