WrestleMania 41 weekend is shaping up to be one for the booksand WWEs new ID program is only just getting started.
With the first-ever WWE ID Championship tournament kicking off April 16 at GCWs event in Las Vegas, fans already know Zayda Steel and Kylie Rae will throw down in the opening match. But now, Fightful Select is reporting theres more to come.
Those that weve spoken to within WWE believe that more ID names are likely to be revealed around or after WrestleMania, Fightful confirmed.
The WWE ID initiativeshort for Independent Developmentwas launched in February by Triple H as a new platform to spotlight indie talent signed under WWEs banner but still working select outside events. With custom titles for both men and women, WWE is banking on this to be the new gateway for grassroots stars to break through the system.
Zayda Steel, the first-ever WWE ID signing, already made waves by landing a spot in the opening match of the tournament. Now paired against the ever-versatile Kylie Rae, their matchup promises to blend fresh energy with veteran craft.
Still, the behind-the-scenes details of WWE ID are being ironed out in real-time. Conflicting reports have surfaced about how talent contracts workespecially regarding who pays what and how talent are promoted at indie events. Dave Meltzer claimed WWE offers travel stipends and scripts through Gabe Sapolsky, but Fightful pushed back, saying theres no evidence supporting those claims and confirming multiple indie promotions were never given scripts or reimbursement beyond standard agreements.
As WWE continues to fine-tune the model, the promise of new names entering the ID ecosystem has fans and promoters alike paying close attention. WrestleMania weekend could be the launchpad for even more breakout stars.
What do you thinkwill the WWE ID system change the game for indie wrestling, or is it just a branding move? Please share your thoughts and feedback in the comment section below.
