WWE ID is designed to provide a pathway for independent wrestlers to transition into WWE. Both the men's and women's ID championships were established on February 18, 2025, and if a non-WWE ID wrestler wins either title, they will receive a WWE ID contract.
History
In October 2024, the American professional wrestling company WWE introduced the Independent Development (ID) program, similar to their Next in Line (NIL) program for college athletes, with ID to support the development of independent wrestlers by collaborating with various wrestling schools and promotions on the independent circuit. The inaugural partner promotions and schools confirmed were Reality of Wrestling, Black and Brave Academy, Nightmare Factory, Elite Pro Wrestling Training Center, and KnokX Pro Academy.[1]
During a press conference on February 18, 2025, WWE's Chief Content Officer, Paul "Triple H" Levesque, unveiled men's and women's WWE ID Championships. The titles were designed to be defended exclusively across the independent circuit, offering emerging talent increased exposure and opportunities.[2] The inaugural champions will be determined through a tournament featuring top prospects from the WWE ID program. The tournament matches were scheduled to take place at various independent wrestling shows, highlighting WWE's collaboration with the independent wrestling scene.[3] Participants of the inaugural tournament are all WWE ID prospects, and first round matches were held by Game Changer Wrestling (GCW) on April 16 and Future Stars of Wrestling on April 18 during WrestleMania 41 week.[4] It was then confirmed that after the crowning of the inaugural champions, all independent wrestlers would be eligible to challenge for the ID Championships and that if a non-WWE ID wrestler were to win either title, they would receive a WWE ID contract.[5]
The men's tournament format was a double-elimination tournament. On July 8, 2025, it was confirmed that the tournament final would be held at GCW's event, The ID Showcase, on August 1 during SummerSlam week.[6] The final was between Cappuccino Jones and Jack Cartwheel,[7] which Jones won to become the inaugural ID Champion.[8]
Inaugural tournament
The tournament format was a double-elimination tournament, where if a wrestler got two losses, it would result in an elimination from the tournament, with the final six competing in a single-elimination tournament.[9][10][11]
Other competitors during the double elimination stage included Aaron Roberts, Aaron Rouke, It's Gal, Jordan Oasis, Marcus Mathers, Ricky Smokes, Sam Holloway, Jackson Drake (who was removed due to becoming WWE Evolve Champion)[14] and Freedom Ramsey[15] (who was quietly removed due to legitimately being released from the WWE ID program).[16]
Design
The WWE ID Championship belt features a modern design on a black strap, incorporating elements that represent both WWE and the independent wrestling scene. The center plate prominently displays the WWE ID logo, flanked by customizable side plates that can be personalized by the reigning champion.[17]
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