WWE Recruit is a developmental system created by American

professional wrestling promotion A professional wrestling promotion is a company or business that regularly performs shows involving professional wrestling. "Promotion" also describes a role which entails management, advertising and logistics of running a wrestling event. Within ...

WWE World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) is an American professional wrestling promotion. It is owned and operated by TKO Group Holdings, a majority-owned subsidiary of Endeavor Group Holdings. A global integrated media and entertainment company, ...

. It includes the WWE Independent Development (WWE ID) and WWE Next in Line (WWE NIL) programs. The system supports the training and development of athletes at certain wrestling schools, wrestling promotions, and colleges. On December 2, 2021, WWE established the WWE NIL program, which exclusively supports college athletes who decide to train as wrestlers. After the launch of WWE NIL, the WWE ID program was launched on October 29, 2024 to develop and support the training of independent professional wrestlers. The wrestling schools and promotions initially designated with WWE ID are

Reality of Wrestling Reality of Wrestling Platinum (ROW Platinum) is an independent professional wrestling promotion based in Houston, Texas. It was established as Pro Wrestling Alliance (PWA) in 2005 by WWE Hall of Famer Booker T. and later changed its name to Reali ...

, Black and Brave Academy, Nightmare Factory, Elite Pro Wrestling Training Center, and KnokX Pro Academy.

History

Prior to the 2020s, WWE had used several methods to train its future on-screen talent. This included partnering with other promotions to act as developmental territories, including

Florida Championship Wrestling Florida Championship Wrestling (FCW) was a professional wrestling professional wrestling promotion, promotion based on the former National Wrestling Alliance member promotion, Championship Wrestling from Florida, which operated from 1961 until ...

(FCW),

Deep South Wrestling Deep South Wrestling (DSW) is a professional wrestling promotion in the state of Georgia. Deep South worked in tandem with World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) as a developmental territory from September 1, 2005, until April 18, 2007. Deep South w ...

(DSW), and

Ohio Valley Wrestling Ohio Valley Wrestling (OVW) is an American professional wrestling promotion, professional wrestling promotion and former developmental territory based in Louisville, Kentucky. The company is currently run by Al Snow, Matt Jones (radio host), Ma ...

(OVW) among others. In 2010, WWE established NXT as an in-house televised developmental brand, which became the major pathway to the promotion's main roster. In 2021, WWE established the WWE Next in Line (WWE NIL) program, which exclusively supports U.S.-based college athletes who decide to train as wrestlers. The program was launched as an extension of

NCAA The National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) is a nonprofit organization that regulates College athletics in the United States, student athletics among about 1,100 schools in the United States, and Simon Fraser University, 1 in Canada. ...

-approved name, image, and likeness policies. In June 2024, WWE trademarked WWE ID and WWE Independent Development with the purpose of organizing and conducting a program to help develop wrestlers. That October, WWE ID was officially announced, which would support the development of

independent Independent or Independents may refer to: Arts, entertainment, and media Artist groups * Independents (artist group), a group of modernist painters based in Pennsylvania, United States * Independentes (English: Independents), a Portuguese artist ...

wrestlers at specified schools or promotions and provide them a pathway to the promotion. The first schools and promotions designated under WWE ID were

(run by

Booker T Booker T or Booker T. may refer to * Booker T. Washington (1856–1915), African American political leader at the turn of the 20th century ** List of things named after Booker T. Washington, some nicknamed "Booker T." * Booker T. Jones (born 194 ...

), Black and Brave Academy (run by

Seth Rollins Colby Daniel Lopez (born May 28, 1986), better known by the ring name Seth Rollins, is an American Professional wrestling, professional wrestler. He is signed to WWE, where he performs on the Raw (WWE brand), Raw WWE brand extension, brand and ...

and Marek Brave), Nightmare Factory (run by

Cody Rhodes Cody Garrett Runnels Rhodes (born June 30, 1985) is an American Professional wrestling, professional wrestler. As of April 2022, he is signed to WWE, where he performs on the SmackDown (WWE brand), SmackDown brand. He is also known for co-fou ...

), Elite Pro Wrestling Training Center, and KnokX Pro Academy (run by

Rikishi A , or, more colloquially, , is a sumo wrestler. Although used to define all wrestlers participating in sumo wrestling matches, the term is more commonly used to refer to professional wrestlers, employed by the Japan Sumo Association, who par ...

). On November 9, ''Fightful'' reported that

Timothy Thatcher Timothy Andrew Moura (born March 17, 1983), better known by the ring name Timothy Thatcher, is an American professional wrestler. He is signed to WWE as a trainer for the WWE ID program and as in-ring performer on the Evolve brand; he is best ...

had been signed as the WWE ID trainer. On February 1, 2025, during the 2025 Royal Rumble, WWE announced the launch of ''

WWE Evolve ''WWE Evolve'', also known simply as ''Evolve'' (stylized as ''EVOLVE''), is an American professional wrestling streaming television program produced by the American company WWE. It features wrestlers from the promotion's Evolve brand divisi ...

'', a

Tubi Tubi (stylized as tubi) is an American over-the-top ad-supported streaming television service owned by Fox Corporation since 2020. The service was launched on April 1, 2014, and is based in Los Angeles, California. In 2023, Tubi, Credible L ...

program based on the defunct independent Evolve promotion ran by WWE ID co-founder

Gabe Sapolsky Gabe Sapolsky (born September 26, 1972) is an American professional wrestling promoter and booker. He is signed to WWE, where he oversees WWE ID and WWE NIL, WWE ID (Independent Development), a talent identification and development initiative. S ...

. The program, which premiered on March 5, 2025, features both WWE ID prospects and Performance Center trainees. On February 18, WWE chief content officer

Paul "Triple H" Levesque Paul Michael Levesque (; born July 27, 1969), also known by the ring name Triple H, is an American business executive and former professional wrestler. He is signed to WWE, where he serves as its chief content officer. Levesque began his wre ...

announced the creation of the Men's WWE ID Championship and Women's ID Championship, the championships will be defended in WWE and on the independent circuit.

WWE ID prospects

Men's division

Women's division

{, class="wikitable sortable" style="width:65%;" !width=19%, Ring name !width=20%, Real name !width=27%, Notes , - , Kylie Rae , , Scouted from Freelance Wrestling , - , , , Scouted from Millenium Pro Wrestling , - , , {{sort, Fatima Zahra , Scouted from

Combat Zone Wrestling Combat Zone Wrestling (CZW) is an American independent professional wrestling promotion founded in 1999 by John Zandig. Commonly associated with the 2000s hardcore wrestling genre, early CZW shows showcased a brand of wrestling dubbed by the p ...

, - , {{sortname, Zoe, Sager, nolink=1 , {{sort, Sager, Zoe, Zoe Sager , Scouted from Northern Crown Wrestling

WWE NIL prospects

Source:

Men's division

{, class="wikitable sortable" style="width:65%;" !width=19%, Ring name !width=19%, Real name !width=27%, Notes , - , Adam Berghorst , Adam Berghorst , Scouted from

Indiana State University Indiana State University (ISU) is a public university in Terre Haute, Indiana, United States. It was founded in 1865 and offers over 100 undergraduate majors and more than 75 graduate and professional programs. Indiana State is classified ...

, - , Brock Rechsteiner , Brock Rechsteiner , Scouted from

Jacksonville State University Jacksonville State University (JSU or Jax State) is a public university in Jacksonville, Alabama, United States. Founded in 1883, Jacksonville State offers programs of study in six academic schools leading to bachelor's degree, bachelor's, mas ...

, - , Cameron Jones , Cameron Jones , Scouted from

University of Cincinnati The University of Cincinnati (UC or Cincinnati, informally Cincy) is a public university, public research university in Cincinnati, Ohio, United States. It was founded in 1819 and had an enrollment of over 53,000 students in 2024, making it the ...

, - , Carlos Aviles , Carlos Aviles , Scouted from

The Ohio State University The Ohio State University (Ohio State or OSU) is a public university, public Land-grant university, land-grant research university in Columbus, Ohio, United States. A member of the University System of Ohio, it was founded in 1870. It is one ...

, - , Cohlton Schultz , Cohlton Schultz , Scouted from

Arizona State University Arizona State University (Arizona State or ASU) is a public university, public research university in Tempe, Arizona, United States. Founded in 1885 as Territorial Normal School by the 13th Arizona Territorial Legislature, the university is o ...

, - , Dee Beckwith , Dee Beckwith , Scouted from

University of Kentucky The University of Kentucky (UK, UKY, or U of K) is a Public University, public Land-grant University, land-grant research university in Lexington, Kentucky, United States. Founded in 1865 by John Bryan Bowman as the Agricultural and Mechanical ...

, - , Desmond Coleman , Desmond Coleman , Scouted from

Liberty University Liberty University (LU), known simply as Liberty, is a Private university, private Evangelicalism in the United States, evangelical Christian university in Lynchburg, Virginia, United States. It is affiliated with the Southern Baptist Conservativ ...

, - , Greg Kerkvliet , Daniel Gregory Clifton Kerkvliet Jr. , Scouted from

Penn State #Redirect Pennsylvania State University The Pennsylvania State University (Penn State or PSU) is a Public university, public Commonwealth System of Higher Education, state-related Land-grant university, land-grant research university with ca ...

, - , Hidetora Hanada{{cite web, url=https://www.si.com/fannation/name-image-likeness/nil-news/wwe-extends-nil-opportunity-colorado-state-lineman-former-sumo-champion, title=WWE Extends NIL Opportunity to Colorado State Lineman, Former Sumo Champion, work= SI.com, accessdate=February 21, 2025, date=February 3, 2025, author=Boyer, Claire , Hidetora Hanada , Scouted from

Colorado State University Colorado State University (Colorado State or CSU) is a Public university, public Land-grant university, land-grant research university in Fort Collins, Colorado, United States. It is the flagship university of the Colorado State University Syst ...

, - , Jeremy Cody , Jeremy Cody , Scouted from

University of Miami The University of Miami (UM, UMiami, Miami, U of M, and The U) is a private university, private research university in Coral Gables, Florida, United States. , the university enrolled 19,852 students in two colleges and ten schools across over ...

, - , John Krahn , John Krahn , Scouted from

Portland State University Portland State University (PSU) is a public research university in Portland, Oregon, United States. It was founded in 1946 as a post-secondary educational institution for World War II veterans. It evolved into a four-year college over the next ...

, - , Jon Seaton , Jon Seaton , Scouted from

Elon University Elon University is a private university in Elon, North Carolina, United States. Founded in 1889 as Elon College, the university is organized into six schools, most of which offer bachelor's degrees and several of which offer master's degrees or ...

, - , Josh Pearcy , Josh Pearcy , Scouted from

Rice University William Marsh Rice University, commonly referred to as Rice University, is a Private university, private research university in Houston, Houston, Texas, United States. Established in 1912, the university spans 300 acres. Rice University comp ...

, - , KeShaun Moore , KeShaun Moore , Scouted from

Hampton University Hampton University is a private, historically black, research university in Hampton, Virginia, United States. Founded in 1868 as Hampton Agricultural and Industrial School, it was established by Black and White leaders of the American Missiona ...

, - , Landon Jackson , Landon Jackson , Scouted from

University of Arkansas The University of Arkansas (U of A, UArk, or UA) is a Public university, public Land-grant university, land-grant research university in Fayetteville, Arkansas, United States. It is the Flagship campus, flagship campus of the University of Arkan ...

, - , Lucas Davison , Lucas Davison , Scouted from

University of Michigan The University of Michigan (U-M, U of M, or Michigan) is a public university, public research university in Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States. Founded in 1817, it is the oldest institution of higher education in the state. The University of Mi ...

, - , Luke Ford , Luke Ford , Scouted from

University of Illinois The University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign (UIUC, U of I, Illinois, or University of Illinois) is a public university, public land-grant university, land-grant research university in the Champaign–Urbana metropolitan area, Illinois, United ...

, - , Maliq Carr , Maliq Carr , Scouted from

Michigan State University Michigan State University (Michigan State or MSU) is a public university, public Land-grant university, land-grant research university in East Lansing, Michigan, United States. It was founded in 1855 as the Agricultural College of the State o ...

, - , Mason Parris , Mason Mark Parris , Scouted from

, - , Momen Zahid , Momen Zahid , Scouted from

College of William & Mary The College of William & Mary (abbreviated as W&M) is a public university, public research university in Williamsburg, Virginia, United States. Founded in 1693 under a royal charter issued by King William III of England, William III and Queen ...

, - , Nick Dawkins , Nicholas Paul Dawkins , Scouted from

, - , Otoniel Badjana , Otoniel Badjana , Scouted from

University of Pittsburgh The University of Pittsburgh (Pitt) is a Commonwealth System of Higher Education, state-related research university in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States. The university is composed of seventeen undergraduate and graduate schools and colle ...

, - , Ruben Banks , Ruben Banks , Scouted from

, - , Slane Glover , Slane Glover , Scouted from

, - , Stephen Buchanan , Stephen Buchanan , Scouted from

University of Oklahoma The University of Oklahoma (OU) is a Public university, public research university in Norman, Oklahoma, United States. Founded in 1890, it had existed in Oklahoma Territory near Indian Territory for 17 years before the two territories became the ...

, - ,

Turner Washington Turner Washington (born February 10, 1999) is an American shot put and discus thrower. He is the son of Olympian Anthony Washington. Career Washington attended Canyon del Oro High School. Washington competes for Arizona State University in both ...

, Turner Washington , Scouted from

, - , Zachary Knighton-Ward , Zachary Knighton-Ward , Scouted from

Hofstra University Hofstra University is a Private university, private research university in Hempstead, New York, United States. It originated in 1935 as an extension of New York University and became an independent college in 1939. Comprising ten schools, includ ...

, -

Women's division

{, class="wikitable sortable" style="width:65%;" !width=19%, Ring name !width=20%, Real name !width=27%, Notes , - , Alexandra Jaksec , Alexandra Jaksec , Scouted from

University of Mary Washington University of Mary Washington (UMW) is a public liberal arts university in Fredericksburg, Virginia. Established in 1908 as the State Normal and Industrial School for Women at Fredericksburg, the institution later became known as Fredericksbu ...

, - , Ali Mattox , Ali Mattox , Scouted from

Ole Miss OLE, Ole or Olé may refer to: * Olé, a cheering expression used in Spain * Ole (name), a male given name, includes a list of people named Ole * Overhead lines equipment, used to transmit electrical energy to trams, trolleybuses or trains Co ...

, - , Alia Armstrong , Alia Armstrong , Scouted from

Louisiana State University Louisiana State University and Agricultural and Mechanical College, commonly referred to as Louisiana State University (LSU), is an American Public university, public Land-grant university, land-grant research university in Baton Rouge, Louis ...

, - , Aleeya Hutchins , Aleeya Hutchins , Scouted from

Wake Forest University Wake Forest University (WFU) is a private research university in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, United States. Founded in 1834, the university received its name from its original location in Wake Forest, north of Raleigh, North Carolina. The R ...

, - , Chandler Hayden , Chandler Olivia Hayden , Scouted from

University of Tennessee The University of Tennessee, Knoxville (or The University of Tennessee; UT; UT Knoxville; or colloquially UTK or Tennessee) is a Public university, public Land-grant university, land-grant research university in Knoxville, Tennessee, United St ...

, - , Ericka Link , Ericka Link , Scouted from

, - , Grace Stephens , Grace Stephens , Scouted from

Monmouth University Monmouth University is a private university in West Long Branch, New Jersey, United States. Founded in 1933 as Monmouth Junior College, it became Monmouth College in 1956 and Monmouth University in 1995 after receiving its university charter, c ...

, - , Haley Cavinder , Haley Cavinder , Scouted from

, - , Hanna Cavinder , Hanna Cavinder , Scouted from

, - , Jaiden Fields , Jaiden Fields , Scouted from

University of Georgia The University of Georgia (UGA or Georgia) is a Public university, public Land-grant university, land-grant research university with its main campus in Athens, Georgia, United States. Chartered in 1785, it is the oldest public university in th ...

, - , Kali Terza , Kali Terza , Scouted from

Kennesaw State University Kennesaw State University (KSU) is a public research university in the U.S. state of Georgia with two campuses in the Atlanta metropolitan area, one in the Kennesaw area and the other in Marietta on a combined of land. The school was founded ...

, - , Lexi Gordon , Lexi Gordon , Scouted from

Duke University Duke University is a Private university, private research university in Durham, North Carolina, United States. Founded by Methodists and Quakers in the present-day city of Trinity, North Carolina, Trinity in 1838, the school moved to Durham in 1 ...

, - , Mady Aulbach , Mady Aulbach , Scouted from

Youngstown State University Youngstown State University (YSU or Youngstown State) is a public university in Youngstown, Ohio, United States. It was founded in 1908 and is the easternmost member of the University System of Ohio. The university is composed of six undergrad ...

, - , Mikala Hall , Mikala Hall , Scouted from

Central Michigan University Central Michigan University (CMU) is a Public university, public research university in Mount Pleasant, Michigan, United States. It was established in 1892 as a private normal school and became a state institution in 1895. CMU is one of the eigh ...

, - , Rachel Glenn , Rachel Symone Glenn , Scouted from

University of South Carolina The University of South Carolina (USC, SC, or Carolina) is a Public university, public research university in Columbia, South Carolina, United States. Founded in 1801 as South Carolina College, It is the flagship of the University of South Car ...

, - , Riley White , Riley White , Scouted from

University of Alabama The University of Alabama (informally known as Alabama, UA, the Capstone, or Bama) is a Public university, public research university in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, United States. Established in 1820 and opened to students in 1831, the University of ...

, - , Skyla Schulte , Skyla Schulte , Scouted from

, - , Tori Ortiz , Tori Ortiz , Scouted from

Oklahoma State University Oklahoma State University (informally Oklahoma State or OSU) is a public land-grant research university in Stillwater, Oklahoma, United States. The university was established in 1890 under the legislation of the Morrill Act. Originally known ...

, - , Tyanna Omazic , Tyanna Omazic , Scouted from

, -

WWE NIL alumni

{, class="wikitable sortable" style="width:65%;" !width=20%, Name !width=20%, Signed with WWE? !width=27%, Notes , - , Abby Jacobs , {{no , Scouted from

University of South Alabama The University of South Alabama (USA) is a public research university in Mobile, Alabama, United States. It was created by the Alabama Legislature in May 1963 and replaced existing extension programs operated in Mobile by the University of Alaba ...

Currently signed to the Campeonato Nacional Feminino , - , A.J. Ferrari , {{no , Scouted from

Removed from the WWE NIL program after being charged with felony sexual battery , - , Bayley Humphrey , {{yes , Scouted from

Baylor University Baylor University is a Private university, private Baptist research university in Waco, Texas, United States. It was chartered in 1845 by the last Congress of the Republic of Texas. Baylor is the oldest continuously operating university in Te ...

Currently performing on ''

WWE LFG ''WWE LFG'' (meaning "Legends & Future Greats") is an American professional wrestling reality competition series produced by WWE Studios and broadcast by A&E. The series follows up and coming wrestlers from WWE's developmental system, competing ...

'' under her real name , - , Case Hatch , {{yes , Scouted from

Currently assigned to the Evolve brand under the ring name "Tate Wilder" , - , Dalton Wagner , {{no , Scouted from

Currently signed to the

National Football League The National Football League (NFL) is a Professional gridiron football, professional American football league in the United States. Composed of 32 teams, it is divided equally between the American Football Conference (AFC) and the National ...

, - , Darci Khan , {{yes , Scouted from

Howard University Howard University is a private, historically black, federally chartered research university in Washington, D.C., United States. It is classified among "R1: Doctoral Universities – Very high research activity" and accredited by the Mid ...

Currently assigned to the Evolve brand under the ring name "Masyn Holiday" , - , Derrian Gobourne , {{yes , Scouted from

Auburn University Auburn University (AU or Auburn) is a Public university, public Land-grant university, land-grant research university in Auburn, Alabama, United States. With more than 26,800 undergraduate students, over 6,100 post-graduate students, and a tota ...

Currently assigned to the Evolve brand under the ring name "Chantel Monroe" , - , Gable Steveson , {{no , Scouted from

University of Minnesota The University of Minnesota Twin Cities (historically known as University of Minnesota) is a public university, public Land-grant university, land-grant research university in the Minneapolis–Saint Paul, Twin Cities of Minneapolis and Saint ...

Signed with WWE in 2021 but released in 2024 , - , Glen Logan , {{no , Scouted from

Currently signed to the United Football League , - , Joe Spivak , {{yes , Scouted from

Northwestern University Northwestern University (NU) is a Private university, private research university in Evanston, Illinois, United States. Established in 1851 to serve the historic Northwest Territory, it is the oldest University charter, chartered university in ...

Currently assigned to the NXT brand under the ring name "Tank Ledger"
Reigning

NXT Tag Team Champion The NXT Tag Team Championship is a men's Professional wrestling championship, professional wrestling tag team championship created and promoted by the United States, American professional wrestling promotion, promotion WWE. It is defended on NXT ...

, - , Masai Russell , {{no , Scouted from

Currently signed to Grand Slam Track , - , - , Isaac Odugbesan , {{yes , Scouted from

Currently assigned to the NXT brand under the ring name "Oba Femi"
Reigning NXT Champion , - , Isaiah Iton , {{no , Scouted from

Rutgers University Rutgers University ( ), officially Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, is a Public university, public land-grant research university consisting of three campuses in New Jersey. Chartered in 1766, Rutgers was originally called Queen's C ...

Currently signed to the

, - , Peyton Prussin , {{yes , Scouted from

Life University Life University is a private university focused on training chiropractors and located in Marietta, Georgia, United States. It was established in 1974 by a chiropractor, Sid E. Williams. A 2024 report found that students in Life's doctor of chi ...

Currently assigned to the NXT brand under the ring name "Kendal Grey" , - , Sirena Linton , {{yes , Scouted from

Currently performing on ''

'' under her real name , - , Thunder Keck , {{yes , Scouted from

Stanford University Leland Stanford Junior University, commonly referred to as Stanford University, is a Private university, private research university in Stanford, California, United States. It was founded in 1885 by railroad magnate Leland Stanford (the eighth ...

Currently performing on ''

'' under the ring name "Shiloh Hill" , -

References

{{reflist

External links

WWE ID websiteWWE NIL website
{{WWE WWE 2021 establishments in Connecticut 2024 establishments in Connecticut 2021 in professional wrestling 2024 in professional wrestling