A former champion has addressed the biggest misconceptions surrounding the WWE ID program, reflecting on the Team PC feud in Evolve.
Since October 2024, WWE ID has provided a development program for independent wrestlers, allowing them to continue to work outside the TKO-owned company while receiving mentorship, there are more pathways than ever to success.
Speaking on the Opinion City Podcast, the now former WWE ID Champion shared his thoughts on being the ‘cream of the crop’.
When asked what he feels the biggest misconception is about WWE ID, Jones said:
“With the (Team PC on Evolve) athletes, for example, they thought of us as just, we’re from the indies, we don’t deserve to be here in these spots. But right now, this (WWE ID Championship) means we’re at the top of the indies.
“I mean, being in the ID program is one thing. So many people on the indies, and you make that cut, it’s not an easy cut to make. When you have (the WWE ID Championship), it means you’re the cream, and you rose to the top. That’s simply it, I think the biggest misconception is that this is not the top of the indies, but I’d say otherwise, the work proves it.”
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In November 2025, the feud between Team WWE Performance Center and Team WWE ID came to a head in a five on four match, with the PC grouping of Braxton Cole, Brooks Jensen, Kam Hendrix & Keanu Carter seeing victory over Cappuccino Jones, Aaron Rourke, Marcus Mathers, Mike Cunningham & Sam Holloway.
The inaugural WWE ID Champion, Cappuccino Jones lost the title to Starboy Charlie on March 23, with the championship coming with a contract for independent wrestling star.
Jones would also set out his new goal, having lost the championship, targeting the recently crowned Evolve Champion, Aaron Rourke.
The Cream Rises To The Top
Unlike indie wrestlers signed through Tryouts, members of WWE ID continue to get their reps in across the independent wrestling scene, while also benefiting from potential showings on NXT, including the house show circuit, and through Evolve.
This isn’t to say that there aren’t opportunities outside of the WWE for signed stars, with Pete Dunne and Charlie Dempsey as an example of two set to compete at GCW Josh Barnett’s Bloodsport XV next month.
WWE ID has already seen televised success for its signings, with Swipe Right’s Brad Baylor and Ricky Smokes currently holding the NXT Tag Team Championship.
Jones is correct in noting that there are “so many people on the indies”, yet few of them hold a WWE ID contract, with partner schools also playing their part in feeding the development system.
The success of WWE ID was recently showcased in the wake of its first anniversary, showing the accomplishments of the initiative across its many outlets.
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