A trainer at an official WWE ID designated school has recalled Triple H’s plans to help independent wrestling eight years ago.
On October 29, WWE announced the launch of the WWE ID program, a major shake-up to the company’s hiring and development system for independent talent.
The program sees select indie talent be signed to become WWE ID Prospects, with the company aiding their journey to eventually signing with the company.
Several wrestling schools across the United States would also receive official WWE ID designation, with notable examples such as Cody Rhodes’ Nightmare Factory, Booker T’s Reality of Wrestling and Seth Rollins Black and Brave Academy.
Rollins partner at Black and Brave – Marek Brave recently discussed WWE ID with Derrick Lewis on The D-Lew Podcast, in which he gave more insight into Triple H’s long-term vision for the program.
Brave recalled:
“This really is a thing that was a long time in the making. About eight years ago, I had the privilege of guest coaching at NXT for a week. Towards the end of my guest coaching stint, I got pulled aside by Triple H and he was telling me about some plans he had to help out independent wrestling and shine a light on independent wrestling.
“He was not in charge like he is now. His status within the company has grown over the last eight years. It was an idea he was hoping to flesh out in the future. It wasn’t exactly what it is now, but similar enough. Throughout the years, we’ve seen little things being implemented here and there. As far as this being announced, it was a relatively quick process.
Brave then recalled showing a WWE talent scout around Black and Brave a year prior to the WWE ID program being announced:
“About a year ago, we had a talent scout for WWE come to our school and watch 20 of our guys and girls get in the ring and have practice matches. We gave them a tour and showed them around the facility.
“They were highly impressed with not only our facility and what we do, but the things we emphasize in our training really aligned with the things WWE emphasizes in their training at NXT, which makes sense with Rollins being a major WWE superstar and going to NXT for a week, I got to see how they do things. Why not bring that back to Black & Brave and we can implement some of that into our training. They were impressed with what we did.
“Fast forward, a year later, they approach us about this WWE ID program and basically the program is all about shining a light on independent wrestling. Whether that be schools, and now you see individual talent being recognized. I do believe the plan in the future is for independent wrestling organizations to be spotlighted and highlighted as well.
“The idea is giving back to the independent community. Triple H came from the independents. I don’t think a lot of people realize that, but he started out as an independent wrestler before signing with WCW and then WWF. He has a soft spot in his heart for independent wrestling and an affinity for independent wrestling.
“Don’t get me wrong, I’ve seen the naysayers and skepticism online, people are concerned this will be a negative thing in the long run for the independents, but from what I was told and what I’ve seen in contracts and things like that, this will turn out to be a positive development for independent wrestling.
“Six months from now, people are going to look back and feel silly about being skeptical about it and they’re going to see the benefits this program does provide for independent wrestling.”
The latest WWE ID talent signings were confirmed on November 14 – follow this link here for full details.
Transcript via Fightful
To make sure you stay up to date with all the biggest wrestling and WrestleTalk news, join our exclusive WhatsApp channel by clicking this link!
Trending
- Big E WWE Contract Update
- Adam Pearce Announces Change To WWE Raw
- Former WWE Star Now Open To Return
- New Championship Matches Added To WWE Saturday Night’s Main Event 2024
- WWE Major Event At Netflix HQ Update
- Big E Returns On WWE Raw, Major Update On New Day’s Future
- Former WWE Star Claims Nia Jax ‘Hates’ Him & ‘Led The Charge’ To Have Him Removed
- Big E WWE Raw Status Major Update Ahead Of New Day 10-Year Celebration
- SmackDown Champions Spotted Backstage At WWE Raw
- Brand New Feature Announced For WWE Raw