WWE recently announced a new initiative from their end, which has caused quite a buzz in the pro wrestling business. Hall of Famer Teddy Long also shared his thoughts on the topic, showering praise on the idea.
The new initiative is known as WWE ID, which is aimed at helping up-and-coming young talent in achieving their goals of working as an in-ring performer. The initiative will also be endorsing some wrestling schools, providing them with enhanced mentorship programs and training. Many expect this to boost the quality of the independent scene and foster talent smoother than before.
On Sportskeeda's The Wrestling Time Machine hosted by Mac Davis, Teddy Long was asked to share his opinion on the initiative. He had positive things to say about it, claiming it was a step in the right direction.
"Yeah, exactly, I think it is. Like you already named those four schools, you know. Those schools are already been up and running. And I think that they produce a lot of great talent... The Monster factory, Cody Rhodes and those guys produce a lot of guys that they want at AEW. Seth Rollins has had some nice, great guys coming out of there so. These are the four schools that they will model from." [3:10 onwards]
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Bill Apter had a less positive reaction to WWE ID
While Teddy Long seems very taken with the idea, Bill Apter was a little apprehensive about the new initiative.
Speaking on the same episode of Sportskeeda's The Wrestling Time Machine, the veteran journalist stated that it could spell trouble for schools that did not get endorsed by WWE.
"It depends on who you are. If you are an indie wrestling school, like the Monster Factory, and you are not approved by them, it's like going to a school and getting this degree, you know you went to this important school, or you're gonna go to a school that's not really recognized as the most important. It's not just about going to the schools, but it's also going to be where they are going to be following certain talents around as they develop in the indie wrestling scene. So I think it's good in one way." [1:00 onwards]
It remains to be seen how the initiative works out in the next few years.
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