WWE has released the following press release to announce the WWE ID Program. WWE has officially recognized and given official WWE ID designation with prominent independent wrestling schools like: Reality of Wrestling by Booker T from Houston, The Nightmare Family by Cody Rhodes from Atlanta, Black and Brave by Seth Rollin from Davenport, Iowa, Elite Pro Wrestling Training Academy from Concord, N.H, and finally KnokX Pro Academy from Los Angeles.
Future Stars & Failing Strategies: WWE’s ID Program vs. AEW’s Ticket Troubles - Join host Marie Shadows as she dives into WWE's new WWE ID program, which scouts top-tier indie wrestlers and offers mentorship, creating pathways to potential WWE careers. Marie also critiques AEW and NJPW’s approach to ticket sales, storytelling, and fan engagement, explaining why AEW’s and NJPW’s partnership may be hindering growth. If you’re interested in wrestling’s biggest debates on industry strategy and indie development, this episode’s for you!
Show Notes
Title: Future Stars & Failing Strategies: WWE’s ID Program vs. AEW’s Ticket Troubles
Host: Marie Shadows
Podcast: Squared Circle Podcast
Episode Overview:
In this episode, Marie Shadows discusses WWE’s latest initiative, the WWE ID program, which scouts and mentors indie wrestlers with the potential to join WWE. Discover how WWE is paving a sustainable path for the next generation of talent.
Meanwhile, Marie shares her critical insights on AEW and NJPW’s current challenges, from ticket sales to storytelling mishaps, and how their strategic missteps could be alienating casual fans and dragging NJPW down. Marie also explores why NJPW's previous independence (with NJPW Strong) had more success in building buzz than its current AEW partnership.
Key Topics Covered:
WWE ID Program: How WWE’s mentorship for indie wrestlers is shaping the future of pro wrestling talent.
AEW Ticket Troubles: Analysis of AEW’s discounted ticket prices and struggles with attendance.
NJPW’s Position: Why NJPW’s shift away from NJPW Strong might be detrimental and how the AEW partnership could be impacting its growth.
Fan Connection Issues: Why AEW and NJPW are struggling to connect with casual fans and how it’s affecting their shows.
AEW Fan Behavior: A callout to AEW’s low-IQ fanbase, addressing the need for mature discussion on wrestling’s bigger picture.
Takeaways:
WWE is investing in the indie scene and building a pathway to long-term success.
AEW and NJPW are facing challenges that require a stronger focus on fan engagement and storyline quality.
Wrestling fans need honest conversations about industry trends and the future of promotions like WWE, AEW, and NJPW.
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