WWE launched the ID initiative last October, signing standout independent wrestlers or “prospects” to deals that allowed them to keep working the indies while giving them a “pathway to WWE”.
However, in August and November multiple performers were released — including Kylie Rae, the first female ID Champion, who had only announced her pregnancy weeks before her departure.
This week’s edition of WWE Evolve appeared to confirm the programme will continue, announcing three new signings — Eli Knight, Mike Cunningham, and Jha’Quan McNair — so who could be next to join?
5. Man Like DeReiss
Man Like DeReiss is one of independent wrestling’s standout performers.
The British-born 28-year-old is the current PROGRESS World Champion and also a regular in GCW — arguably the world’s most high-profile independent promotion — in addition to working extensively across Europe.
As well as his frantic schedule, his in-ring work has notably improved over the past year, and he’s one of the most charismatic performers on the indies — rapping his way to the ring.
The question with De’Reiss is whether WWE offers him an ID contract or signs him directly to a developmental deal and debuting him on the much-mooted NXT Europe.
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4. Luke Jacobs
Another British performer who could soon join the programme is Luke Jacobs.
The 25-year-old has already held the two most prestigious titles in British wrestling — the PROGRESS World Championship and the RevPro Undisputed British Heavyweight Title — and is currently one half of the RevPro Tag Team Champions alongside partner Ethan Allen.
Jacobs’ style is reminiscent of another European powerhouse, former WWE Champion Gunther — stiff strikes, heavy chops and no-nonsense intensity.
Reportedly on WWE’s radar, the question — much like with Man Like De’Reiss — is whether Jacobs is signed to an ID contract or brought in as part of the long-rumoured NXT Europe launch… if it ever happens.
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3. Aliss Ink
Mercedes Moné recently travelled to Denmark to wrestle for independent promotion BodySlam, where she picked up title number ten.
The performer she defeated for the BodySlam Women’s Championship was Swedish performer Aliss Ink.
Despite having fewer than 150 matches to her name, Ink — a former wXw Women’s Champion who has also toured Japan with Stardom — delivered an outstanding performance, holding her own against the vastly more experienced Moné.
With her distinctive look and aggressive, hybrid grappling-and-striking style, Ink may have caught WWE’s attention — and could be a candidate for the ID Programme following that breakout showing.
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2. Emersyn Jayne
Scottish independent performer Emersyn Jayne is having a breakout year.
The 32-year-old, another of Mercedes Moné’s recent opponents, faced her in an excellent match at RevPro’s 13th Anniversary Show in August and has been brought to the US to wrestle multiple times for GCW.
While the ID Programme was designed primarily for younger indie prospects, Kylie Rae was 32 herself when she joined last year — and went on to become the first Women’s ID Champion.
Given Jayne’s talent and growing international profile, she is a likely potential signing for WWE’s ID Programme.
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1. Mad Dog Connelly
There is arguably no wrestler more unique on the indies right now than Mad Dog Connelly.
Known for his wild brawling style and chaotic dog collar matches — his 2024 bout with Demus being a must-see for its violent intensity — Connelly brings a rare air of danger and believability to his bouts.
With his unhinged, wild-eyed persona and relentless physicality, his matches feel genuinely unpredictable.
Given that his work has been openly praised by one of independent wrestling’s greatest exports, former WWE and AEW champion Bryan Danielson, it wouldn’t be a surprise if WWE already have their eye on Connelly.
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