WWE ID Imposing New Restrictions On Indie Talents (WWE News)
Those signed to deals on WWE's ID program will have to follow this edict from now on.
BodySlam.net is reporting that independent wrestlers signed to the WWE ID program will now have to work under their WWE-given names regardless of where they're booked on the industry map. This effectively means that those who inked deals must use company-approved monikers even when they're booked on the circuit worldwide.
No exceptions.
This will change how some are referenced/announced on upcoming independent shows, and it's believed to be an edict that kicks in immediately. Wrestlers impacted include Aricia Demia (Anya Rune in WWE), Notorious Mimi (Sloane Jacobs), Starboy Charlie (Chazz 'Starboy' Hall), Jariel Rivera (Santi Rivera), Jimmy House (CJ Valor) and Mike Cunningham (Max Abrams).
As referenced in the Rune entry listed above, all of the names in brackets are what these workers will have to go by from now on. That includes any independent bookings they received before the edict kicked in - indie ring announcers will have to update their cue cards!
WWE introduced their brand new ID concept in October 2024. It aims to bring those already on the WWE NIL (Next In Line) project under the same banner as independent talent already working in the pro wrestling business. In short, athletes recruited out of college who don't have a background in wrestling and full-time independent workers are under the same umbrella of WWE Recruit.
This naming deal is a fresh wrinkle in the process though. Previously, those on WWE ID deals could continue to refer to themselves under different names so long as WWE wasn't promoting the event. That's changed.