As the second anniversary of WWE ID approaches, the developmental program has seen new name signed while others exit.

Launched on October 29, 2024, WWE ID is described as “a first-of-its-kind developmental program designed to provide up-and-coming independent wrestlers a pathway to a potential career in WWE.”

Contrasted with a developmental contract, WWE ID signed stars would be able to compete on the independent scene with the program partnering with schools to provide “new trainees and existing talent at these select institutions with enhanced developmental opportunities.”

With its own championships contested on the independent wrestling scene and signed talent featuring on WWE programming, there’s much to unpick in the program itself:

Pulling talent from independent shows

While the talent signed to WWE ID are able to compete on independent wrestling shows, there have been cases where stars have been pulled from such events.

This happened earlier this year to promotions, including PRODUCE, with Dave Meltzer and Bryan Alvarez indicating that it was “pretty clear” that “WWE does not want ID talent on a promotion airing on MyAEW.”

Orange Crush, the producer behind PRODUCE, made his thoughts on WWE ID talent being taken off his shows very clear in a post on X, stating:

“They were promised the equivalent of a grant program and were conned into doing scab work.”

With WWE ID stars involved in Evolve tapings and occasionally NXT, there’s always the possibility that a signed talent would be needed for these dates, despite being committed elsewhere.

The revolving door

WWE ID contracts are not “forever deals”, with stars coming and going throughout the year.

Recently, it was reported that Jimmy House had exited the program, being the sixteenth star to have ended their relationship with WWE ID since its launch.

Earlier this month, Cappuccino Jones departed WWE ID after two years in the program, sharing that he was “grateful for all of the knowledge, experience, & wisdom” he had gained. Jones was the first WWE ID Champion and joined the program in November 2024.

October also saw Laynie Luck exit WWE ID after her contract wasn’t renewed, having dropped the Women’s WWE ID Championship in the same month.

While names have exited, others have joined, with Monica Monroe, Joshiah Jean, Conan Lycan and Richard Adonis among the stars added recently.

The pipeline to WWE NXT

While some stars are signed to WWE contracts, reporting to the Performance Center and being brought up to standard for an NXT debut, WWE ID sees a different path for its members.

The Performance Center may play a part, but select names in WWE ID have found their way onto Evolve and NXT, with Jackson Drake, Ricky Smokes and Brad Baylor likely being the most obvious example.

Collectively known as Vanity Project, Drake, Smokes and Baylor all signed WWE ID deals in November 2024, moving to NXT in January of this year. For Drake, is was the first WWE Evolve Champion and is the current NXT North American Champion. Baylor and Smokes, previously known as Swipe Right, are the current NXT Tag Team Champions.

WWE ID: Fit for purpose?

For stars signed to WWE ID, Triple H sees a future for those who progress in the program, stating:

“From an education standpoint, as they are going through their journey, as long as they are continuing to progress, we stay with them.”

He would indicate that their future could see them “make their way to the Performance Center”, suggesting that, as is the case with Vanity Project, a more traditional WWE developmental deal may be an option.

When it comes to the purpose of WWE ID, for stars signed to the scheme, it’s no doubt a foot in the door that offers a wealth of insight through its mentorship strategy. For training schools, partnership is recognition of the quality of their coaching and output.

For independent promotions, however, it seems slightly stickier. A WWE ID Championship match on a card surely draws attention, yet there’s always the possibility that a named talent will be withdrawn from any given show. It’s not unusual that stars can’t make shows; after all “the card subject to change” disclaimer is well known. Typically, this frequently comes down to travel, personal or health issues, as opposed to being wanted elsewhere.

When it comes to WWE ID, it appears to be a balancing act and one that must be assessed on its own merits and shortcomings.