WWE has reportedly told its independent development talent that they will no longer be allowed to use their indie names on the independent circuit, with all upcoming bookings required to use the WWE ID-mandated names instead.
The new policy applies immediately to all upcoming bookings. Indie promoters and bookers will be required to use the WWE ID-mandated names on their advertisements and event materials. Wrestlers who continue to use their original indie names risk losing their WWE ID designation.
The report comes from Bodyslam, which noted the new policy as a unified branding move across the WWE ID program. Per the Bodyslam reporting:
“Sources have revealed to Bodyslam.net that Independent Wrestlers who have been signed by WWE for a WWE ID contract will no longer be able to use their indie names. Going forward they will have to use their WWE ID names for all upcoming appearances.”
The current WWE ID talent name conversions, per the report:
- Aricia Demia going by Anya Rune
- Notorious Mimi going by Sloane Jacobs
- Starboy Charlie going by Chazz Starboy Hall
- Jariel Rivera going by Santi Rivera
- Jimmy House going by CJ Valor
- Mike Cunningham going by Max Abrams
WWE ID stands for WWE Independent Development. The program launched in October 2024 as WWE’s pipeline to identify and develop prospective independent wrestlers ahead of a potential WWE contract. The program operates in two parallel structures.
The Prospect designation comes with financial opportunity, mentorship from established WWE wrestlers, access to WWE Performance Center facilities, ring training, and other WWE-side developmental support.
