WWE ID announcement creates concern among wrestling community

Some interesting news came out of WWE on Tuesday, October 29. The promotion launched a new indie wrestling development program titled, WWE ID. This is an interesting development in how the promotion does its business of developing stars. One that has potential, but also rightfully gives many fans, wrestlers, promoters, and media personalities much concern.

“WWE ID is the latest in our efforts to identify and support the journey of up-and-coming wrestlers, in turn raising the profile of strengthening the independent wrestling ecosystem, said WWE Chief Content Officer, Paul “Triple H” Levesque.

According to the press release, several independent promotions and training locations have already signed on. Reality of Wrestling, Nightmare Factory, Black and Brave Academy, Elite Pro Wrestling Training Center, and KnokX Pro Academy are the first to be associated with the WWE in this way.

According to the release, the goal is “providing new trainees and existing talent at these select institutions with enhanced development opportunities.” This comes with financial opportunities, training assistance, mentorship, development, and much more.

Much of the wrestling community online immediately presented questions and raised concerns. In the eyes of many, this presented a situation in which WWE could “gut” the independent wrestling scene to secure its future, while homogenizing the presentation of wrestling. A presentation that does not work in the eyes of many professional wrestling fans around the world who have turned away from the product.

The UFC, which is also owned by Endeavor, uses a similar strategy to sign prospective fighters, while having them fight in regional promotions to build their skills and develop experience.

The concern comes around such questions of whether or not this development will force talent out of appearances in other promotions and lock them into long-term deals that remove performers from showing up in other companies. There’s also the question about how this will impact organizations like All Elite Wrestling when it comes to the free agency race that is breaking out in the industry.

There are a lot of questions about WWE ID that should be discussed and openly asked. WWE is the largest company in professional wrestling and this is a move that can further separate it from the competition. However, monopolies in industry never work well for the workers and the fans. Creating an understandable concern of this new development in the company.