AEW Appearances Are Not Off the Table Under WWE’s Indie Development Program

WWE is shaking up the wrestling world with the launch of its brand-new indie wrestling development program, officially announced last week. On Thursday, multiple prospects were revealed as part of this exciting initiative, marking a significant shift in WWE’s approach to talent cultivation.

According to PostWrestling.com, this groundbreaking project has been in the works for a while. Insiders indicate that this move likely wouldn’t have been possible under Vince McMahon’s leadership. Paul “Triple H” Levesque, a well-known supporter of independent wrestling, is said to be the driving force behind the program. Gabe Sapolsky, renowned for his deep roots in the indie wrestling scene, is reportedly “heavily involved” in managing the program.

One of the most notable aspects of the new program is its openness. PostWrestling shared that, at this stage, there are no restrictions preventing talents under WWE ID deals from appearing at non-WWE shows or taking outside bookings. Even AEW appearances are not off the table. The new approach reflects a significant change from the rigid regulations of the past regime, where maintaining WWE’s stronghold over its talent was a top priority.

“At this juncture there are no restrictions when it comes to talent under WWE ID deals doing jobs on shows or taking bookings. When asked about AEW extra work, we were informed that WWE would not prevent its talent from taking those bookings.”

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The report added, “When it comes to talent losing on outside shows, that was greatly relaxed over this new regime including recent losses by Brinley Reece and Wendy Choo on TNA shows.” This newfound flexibility points to WWE’s willingness to collaborate more openly with the wider wrestling community, creating exciting opportunities for talent exposure.

However, questions remain. It’s still unclear whether WWE will cover medical expenses for talent injured under these ID deals, and the specifics of the contracts, including their value, have not been disclosed.

WWE’s move to create an indie development program marks a notable change in strategy that could signal a new era for the company, embracing the rich tapestry of independent wrestling talent and fostering collaboration in unprecedented ways.

What do you think about WWE’s new approach to developing indie talent? Will this be a game-changer for the industry, or will it come with its own set of challenges? Share your thoughts and let us know what you think!