The NIL program is working for the WWE

Name, Image, and Likeness are words that have become exceptionally important to college athletes. The NIL program has opened the door for those athletes to finally get some piece of the billion-dollar pie known as college sports. WWE has used that development as a benefit of its own, creating the WWE NIL (Next in Line) program as a tool to find young stars for the future. As it approaches its third year in operation, the NIL program must be considered a success.

The WWE NIL program was announced on December 2, 2021, but the initial contract was given out to Gable Steveson on September 9. From that point, the program has welcomed four classes. Within those classes, WWE has uncovered some prospects that can become the pillar of the promotion’s business for years to come.

For example, that first class in 2021 included an individual named Isaac Odugbesan, better known as Oba Femi, the current WWE NXT North American Champion. His look, presence, character, and developing in-ring abilities have caused several to tab him as a potential WrestleMania main event performer.

Since moving to a practice of hiring former collegiate athletes and turning them into sports entertainers, WWE has a created a formula that has helped them find individuals like Tiffany Stratton, Sol Ruca, Bron Breakker, and others. These are performers who attempted to build their names in other sports but after failed bids made their way to professional wrestling. Some fans may complain about that path, rather loving that their favorites spent their time developing through the independent system, but the point remains that what WWE is doing is working for that company.

It will be interesting to see what WWE’s main event scene looks like in five years. The company is playing the free agent game to an extent, but instead of signing all the big superstars that become available, the company looks determined to build its roster through this step instead. So far, the playbook is working as WWE NXT has improved heavily in the eyes of fans, with many considering it the best weekly product in not only the WWE but North American wrestling. The foundation of that show is built around new performers found through WWE’s tryout and NIL systems. If the trend continues, then the future of the promotion looks strong.