Tony Khan doesn’t know how the WWE ID program will affect their hiring strategy and if they will have to face any conflict while trying to bring in any talent.
The AEW President took part in the post-Full Gear 2024 media scrum. He discussed topics such as the Costco Guys’ recent involvement with the company and more.
When asked about the newly launched WWE ID program, the wrestling executive noted that he is not completely aware of how the thing works but claimed that it’s definitely going to affect the independent scene:
“It’s interesting. I don’t really know how it’s going to work. I understand there is some kind of first right or refusal aspect of it. We haven’t come up where it’s been a conflict yet. I do think it’s going to affect the independent scene in some ways.”
Khan discussed how they have brought in many great indie talents over the years and mentioned that AEW provided work to many indie stars during the COVID-19 pandemic.
We’ll Keep Signing Great Talents: Tony Khan
TK cited the new TNT Champion Daniel Garcia as an example of talent who started off in AEW Dark and has now become a champion in the company. Tony Khan then reiterated that they’ll be keeping a close eye on the WWE ID program:
“I expect we’ll keep signing great talent off the independents. I do think it’s a different mechanism. It’s something to keep an eye on. It hasn’t created major conflicts or anything yet, but I imagine it will definitely influence the independent wrestling scene. It’s definitely something to keep an eye on.”
WWE has partnered up with many indie promotions for their new program. The prospects signed to it will have access to the company’s training facilities and the promotion will produce content around their wrestling journey for their social platforms.
The talents will continue operating as they do in the independents and there won’t be any restrictions on who they can work for. The belief is that WWE will have the right to first refusal on talent. If any other company reaches out to them with an offer, the Endeavor-owned promotion will get an opportunity to sign them first.
