Rising Indie Star Ricky Smokes Signs with WWE ID Program

WWE’s Independent Development (WWE ID) program has just welcomed its newest prospect: Ricky Smokes. The announcement was made at Chaotic Wrestling’s Breaking Point event on November 15, 2024, adding another impressive talent to WWE’s growing roster of independent wrestling prospects.

Smokes is well-known on the indie circuit, particularly as a regular at Wrestling Open. Just a day prior to his WWE ID signing, he and Brad Baylor secured the Wrestling Open Tag Team Championship on November 14, showcasing their strong partnership and in-ring prowess. Beyond Wrestling Open, Smokes has also competed for CAP (Create A Pro Wrestling), Beyond Wrestling, Limitless Wrestling, and other respected promotions in recent months.

The WWE ID program is focused on discovering and fostering new talent from the independent scene, providing them with premier training, mentorship, and development opportunities. The program collaborates with elite wrestling schools, including Reality of Wrestling, the Nightmare Factory, Black and Brave Wrestling Academy, Elite Pro Wrestling Training Center, and KnokX Pro Academy, to ensure a smooth transition for independent wrestlers into WWE’s ecosystem.

Current WWE ID Prospects:

Male Talent:

• Ricky Smokes
• Jackson Drake
• Brad Baylor
• Aaron Rourke
• Bryce Donovan
• “Cold Brew” Cappuccino Jones
• “Cartwheel” Jack Summit
• Sean Legacy
• Marcus Mathers
• Sam “Hardway” Holloway
• Justus Gale
• Ice Williams

Female Talent:

• Zayda Steel
• “The Petite Powerhouse” Zara Zakher

WWE’s commitment to nurturing top-tier independent talent continues to gain momentum, with more signings on the horizon. The next WWE ID prospect is set to be revealed at Northern Crown Wrestling on November 17, promising to add even more excitement to the program.

With Ricky Smokes joining the WWE ID program, fans are eager to see what this rising star will bring to WWE’s developmental landscape.

Stay tuned to Ringside News for more updates as WWE ID continues to spotlight the next generation of wrestling talent.