In a plot twist that sounds like NXT meets NCAA March Madness, WWE has officially unveiled the tournament formats for its new WWE ID Championships, and folks — they’re treating indie wrestling like graduate school for grapplers.
The WWE ID program, part of the “let’s scout the future before AEW signs them” initiative, is heating up with actual championship gold on the line. As seen on WWE Evolve (available now on Tubi, because nothing says future of wrestling like free streaming with car insurance ads), the men’s and women’s ID titles are being determined in two very different — but very spicy — formats.
📚 MEN’S WWE ID TITLE: DOUBLE-ELIMINATION DESTRUCTION
That’s right, double-elimination — not just a one-and-done deal. If you lose twice, you’re out. Simple math, savage results.
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Wrestlers will compete across multiple independent promotions, racking up wins or stacking L’s.
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The final four survivors of this wrestling Thunderdome will enter a single-elimination bracket during WrestleMania 41 weekend at The Collective.
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Promotions like GCW (where deathmatches are just foreplay) and FSW (where Vegas odds come with every piledriver) will host matches.
🗓️ Circle your calendars:
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April 16 – GCW-hosted matches
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April 18 – FSW-hosted matches
🌀 WOMEN’S WWE ID TITLE: ROUND-ROBIN RUMBLE
For the women, it’s round-robin style — everybody faces everybody, and no one can duck the smoke.
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Points-based system: wins, losses, and possibly wardrobe malfunctions scored accordingly.
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The top scorers will advance to determine the inaugural Women’s ID Champion.
🎯 First match signed:
Marcus Mathers vs. Sam Halloway — in a No DQ match at The Collective on April 16.
Okay yes, this is a men’s match in the women’s section. But that’s just how chaotic indie wrestling is. Expect the women’s bracket details soon — or just wait for the group chat leaks.
🏫 What Is WWE ID Anyway?
The WWE ID program is like LinkedIn for lariats. A curated list of independent wrestlers WWE wants to monitor, mold, and maybe steal from your local bingo hall.
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It includes stipends (aka “just enough money to survive the indie circuit”)
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Training at preferred schools
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Matches on WWE Evolve, with oversight from Gabe “I know a future star when I see one” Sapolsky
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And now… titles that matter.
With WWE ID slowly becoming the Ivy League of indie wrestling, all eyes are on The Collective, where chaos will reign, talent will shine, and someone is probably going through a table while screaming “I’m signed!”