Independent wrestling standout Zayda Steel has announced that she has departed from the WWE ID program after choosing not to renew her contract. In a post on social media, the 21-year-old star expressed her gratitude for the opportunities and experience she gained with WWE but stated that she ultimately has to do what is best for her and her career.
Her departure marks the exit of one of the first talents signed to the innovative developmental program, which was launched last year. “I’ve decided not to renew my WWE ID contract. I’m incredibly grateful for all the knowledge, experience, and opportunities I’ve gained along the way, but at the end of the day, I have to do what’s best for me,” she wrote on X. “I’m only 21, and have already done so much, but I’m just getting started! Thank you.”
The WWE ID (Independent Development) program was created as a new pathway for independent talent to potentially join the WWE system. It provides financial support and access to WWE’s training resources while allowing the talent to continue working on the independent circuit. This creates a potential pipeline to a full-time NXT contract if the company sees a good fit. Steel, who made her in-ring debut in 2022, was one of the first wrestlers to be signed to this new initiative and was seen as a promising prospect for the future.
During her time in the ID program, Steel was a featured competitor in the match to crown the first-ever WWE Women’s ID Champion this past summer. In a triple threat match, she was unsuccessful in capturing the title, which was won by Kylie Rae. That championship is now vacant due to Rae’s recent pregnancy announcement. Now a free agent, Zayda Steel has a major championship opportunity in her immediate future.
This Friday night, she is scheduled to challenge Indi Hartwell for the House of Glory Women’s Championship at the “With Glory Comes Pride” event in Queens, New York, a match that could be a major statement for the young star as she embarks on the next chapter of her career.
This Friday! Can the HOG Women’s Champion Indi Hartwell successfully defend against the debuting Zayda Steel?
📺: @Triller_TV
🎟️: https://t.co/qD7xoQIO2p pic.twitter.com/8GFn3w0jF6— House Of Glory Wrestling (@HOGwrestling) October 6, 2025
