WWE contract news has been some of the most interesting news of the last few weeks. Going back to the Karrion Kross debacle from a few months ago, through Jazmyn Nyx deciding not to re-sign, to Santos Escobar becoming a free agent and re-signing with WWE a few days later, contract news has caught the attention of many watching the business. Another name made the decision to not renew their WWE contract, and that person is Zayda Steel. It’s a move that fans should continue to pay attention to as the story around WWE contracts under TKO Group Holdings continues to develop.
“I’ve decided not to renew my WWE ID contract,” Zayda Steel announced on social media Thursday afternoon. “I’m incredibly grateful for all the knowledge, experience, and opportunities I’ve gained along the way, but at the end of the day, I have to do what’s best for me. I’m only 21, and have already done some much, but I’m just getting started!”
I’ve decided not to renew my WWE ID contract. I’m incredibly grateful for all the knowledge, experience, and opportunities I’ve gained along the way, but at the end of the day, I have to do what’s best for me. I’m only 21, and have already done so much, but I’m just getting…
— Zayda Steel (@ZaydaSteel) October 9, 2025
Steel was one of the first names signed to a WWE ID deal and kicked off the move that many thought would directly threaten the independent wrestling scene. She may not be a name that WWE fans immediately recognize, but she has put together quite a strong career since debuting back in 2022. She’s performed or many of the top promotions across independent wrestling including GCW, MLW, Beyond, DEFY, and others. She’s one of the hottest prospects in women’s wrestling, and someone that fans and major organizations have had their eyes on.
But Steel electing to go another way should draw attention from those who are interested in the business side of pro wrestling and sports entertainment. It isn’t a new situation, as TKO has long been known for offering less-than-stellar deals to performers. Look no further than the fighter pay debates that continue to swirl about the UFC and its roster. It has been a debate for years, and in spite of mounds of evidence about UFC’s practices of keeping fighter pay low, a situation that doesn’t seem to have any real potential for change.
Looking at the success TKO has instituted there, no one should be surprised that performers are opening up about the contracts they are offered in the WWE. Nyx talked about the deal she was offered and decided to take opportunities elsewhere. There were reports that Escobar was unhappy with both money and creative direction. Even WWE Hall of Famer Kevin Nash is openly criticizing recent royalty payments. Those who are familiar with TKO understand that the company looks to optimize revenue and profits, which means raising prices and lowering performer payouts. The WWE wasn’t going to be different.
Zayda Steel will have several opportunities in front of her as her career continues to blossom. She could easily end up with promotions like STARDOM or All Elite Wrestling. Her fans will be watching closely to see how things play out for her, as everyone else should pay attention to the growing discourse about performer contracts in the biggest promotion in the business.