World Wrestling Entertainment has revealed the first three participants in the new WWE ID program.
WWE ID is built to work with, nurture, and develop talent directly from the independent wrestling scene. The recently announced initiative was created to work with top wrestling schools around the country identifying and supporting potential up-and-coming wrestlers.
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The program works with well-known schools including Booker T’s Reality of Wrestling, Seth Rollins‘ Black and Brave Academy, and Cody Rhodes’ Nightmare Factory. These partnerships mean WWE has an opportunity to scout talent early and give prospects a chance to develop under WWE’s guidance, including access to training facilities, mentorship, and financial support.
This program seeks to develop individual wrestlers but also raise the profile of the entire homegrown independent wrestling ecosystem. The company is going to use WWE ID to share updates and training progress of these wrestlers with its fan base through its content all around these wrestlers’ journeys.
WWE ID could offer the prospects visibility and a structured pathway to WWE contracts, for those who excel, and as such become a welcome addition to WWE’s talent pipeline, alongside the Performance Center and NIL programs.
Meet the First Six WWE ID Prospects
On November 8, the WWE took an important step and announced the names of its first three athletes as part of its WWE ID program. Those are Zayda Steel, Bryce Donovan, and Cappuccino Jones. They are all part of the inaugural group and each has its own unique style and extensive experience.
Below you can get a look at the trio’s backgrounds in the industry before joining WWE ID.
Zayda Steel
Zayda Steel, a wrestler who hails from the Combat Zone Wrestling (CZW) is a rather typical wrestler who brings out a lot of energy in the ring. Born in Washington, DC Steel has two years’ experience with some of the famous promotions such as MLW, WOW, and Japan’s Marigold. Nicknamed ‘The Real Deal’, Steel’s comeback has excited fans and WWE trainers as well.
Bryce Donovan
The second WWE ID signee, Bryce Donovan, comes from Wrestling Open. And has eight years of promotional experience, including in Create-A-Pro and Beyond Wrestling. He has even wrestled on AEW’s Dynamite facing former AEW World Champion, MJF. This experience in a rival promotion is interesting as Donovan now moves to WWE’s developmental territory — which brings talent as well as fan curiosity along with it.
Cappuccino Jones
Completing the lineup is Cappuccino Jones, a wrestler from This is Wrestling, owner of one of the most easily recognizable gimmicks ever. Otherwise known as “The Froggy Brew,” Jones is also quite famous for his energy levels during matches and is a former ROH and independent circuit competitor. His personality, in addition to his talent in entertainment, makes him a favorite amongst the WWE ID’s roster already.
Zara Zakher
Newcomer Zara Zakher started her profesionnal ring journey in 2023 and has already gained some traction in the independent wrestling circuit. Based in California, Zakher gained experience within the international market with working experience in Japan with Tokyo Joshi Pro Wrestling. At the moment she is the West Coast Pro Women’s Champion. She has a background in gymnastics and cheerleading which complements her wrestling moves. Zakher made her debut in Game Changer Wrestling earlier this year, increasing her profile.
Sean Legacy
Another WWE ID signee is Sean Legacy from Georgia, who also has internaitional experience, having worked for Japan’s Pro Wrestling NOAH. Legacy currently is on a European tour in Germany training at wXw’s academy for further exposure on the European wrestling scene. Legacy, who is known for his athleticism, has wrestled for promotions like Pro Wrestling Revolution.
Jack Cartwheel
Jack Cartwheel is from Sacramento, California and has a vast experience in various other indie wrestling rings including a performance as the high-flyer in Game Changer Wrestling (GCW). Since his career started in 2019 he gained international experience with wrestling for All Elite Wrestling (AEW) Ring of Honor (ROH) Lucha Libre AAA Worldwide.
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