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 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 were 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 were 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 women's tournament format was a round-robin tournament.[6] 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.[7] The tournament final was a triple threat match between Kylie Rae, Zara Zakher, and Zayda Steel, which Rae won to become the inaugural Women's ID Champion.[8] Her reign would be cut short as just over a month later, the title was vacated after Rae's public announcement of her second pregnancy.[9]
Design
The WWE Women's ID Championship belt is identical to the men's version, albeit smaller and on a white strap. It features a modern design, 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.[10][9]
Reigns
As of November23, 2025, there have been two reigns and one vacancy. Kylie Rae was the inaugural champion. The current champion is Laynie Luck, who won the vacant title by defeating Airica Demia, Brittnie Brooks, Notorious Mimi, Tiara James, and Shannon LeVangie in a six-woman elimination match at Wrestling Open Rhode Island's event, Wrestling Open RI 33, in Cranston, Rhode Island on November 17, 2025; previous and inaugural champion Kylie Rae relinquished the title due to maternity leave.[11]
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