Special WWE matches announced for indie event

WWE opened up its own forbidden door in a major way last year, and the door remains open as 2025 kicks off. Under Triple H's lead, the company has launched several new endeavors, and expanded working relationships with TNA and Pro Wrestling NOAH, among others. Now the company has booked special matches for upcoming shows.

World Wrestling Entertainment's Independent Development is underway. WWE ID launched last October to work alongside the WWE NIL (Next In Line) program launched in 2021. The first-of-its-kind program offers rising indie talents, and certain indie promotions, access to training, development, world-class mentorship, among other support, including access to a potential career. The program was designed to strengthen and raise the profile of the indie wrestling ecosystem.

The company's first-ever Independent Development Showcase matches were held on December 15 at the WWN Supershow in Clearwater, FL. Ice Williams defeated Marcus Mathers, and Aaron Roberts defeated Jordan Oasis, while former NXT star Timothy Thatcher attacked after each match. Williams then defeated Jack Cartwheel at FSW's Seasons Beatings on December 21 in Las Vegas, making him the first ID talent with two wins.

The next two ID Showcase matches have been announced for FIP's Everything Burns event, which will air live via WWN on Sunday, January 12 at OCC Road House in Clearwater, FL. Sean Legacy will take on Gal Barkay, while Freedom Ramsey will wrestle Bryce Donovan.

The fourth WWE ID Showcase match was held on New Year's Eve at Beyond Wrestling's Heavy Lies The Crown event in Worcester, MA. Thatcher defeated ID talent Aaron Rourke, with the official WWE ID X account playing up speculation on why Thatcher was in an official ID match.

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Updated rosters for WWE ID

World Wrestling Entertainment has signed over a dozen wrestlers to its new ID (Independent Development) program. There are also five schools signed to contracts.

Zayda Steel, Zara Zakher, and Zoe Sager are the only three female ID Prospects signed as of this writing. The male roster includes Sean Legacy, Bryce Donovan, Cappucino Jones, Marcus Mathers, Sam Holloway, Jack Summit, GAL, Ice Williams, Aaron Rourke, Brad Baylor, Jackson Drake, and Ricky Smokes.

Officials work closely with WWN Live, FSW, and other promotions to host ID Showcase bouts. However, the following schools have received official designation, which offers enhanced developmental opportunities for new and existing wrestlers: Booker T's Reality of Wrestling in Houston, Cody Rhodes' Nightmare Factory in Atlanta, Seth Rollins' Black & Brave Academy in Davenport, Rikishi's KnokX Pro Academy in Los Angeles, and the Elite Pro Wrestling Training Center in Concord.