WWE Reportedly Still Recruiting & Planning for ID Program Following Recent Cuts

As previously reported, this month has seen a number of talent cuts for WWE LFG, NXT, Evolve, and WWE ID. With all the recent ID cuts and talents ending their time in the program, does WWE still plan on continuing the program? According to the Fightful Select Answers Q&A, WWE still plans on continuing forward with its Independent Development, or WWE ID, program.

When asked if WWE plans on reducing the size of its WWE ID program, Sean Ross Sapp noted during the Fightful Weekly Q&A Podcast that while WWE might slightly reduce the size of the program, they’re still, at the moment, recruiting for the program and still have plans for it as well. Additionally, WWE reportedly has active plans for the ID titles and programs.

Sapp notes that there will be situations where developmental talents are cut, which will occur naturally, explaining that it’s the “unfortunate reality” of a talent pipeline for WWE, along with a “pipeline of a pipeline.”

The WWE ID Program Began Over a Year Ago

WWE announced its Independent Development program in June 2024 as a sort of partner program to the Next In Line (NIL) one. The program was announced with the specific purpose of organizing and helping to develop independent-based professional wrestlers, along with giving them a pathway to eventually sign with the promotion.

Schools associated with the ID program include Booker T’s Reality of Wrestling, Seth Rollins and Marek Brave’s Black and Brave Academy, Cody Rhodes’ Nightmare Factory, and the Elite Pro Wrestling Training Center.