Top 5 Independent Stars WWE Must Bring Into WWE ID
The landscape of professional wrestling has changed forever with the launch of WWE ID. This new program is designed not just to sign talent, but to "identify and support" the next generation of superstars while they continue to hone their craft on the independent circuit.
For years, the independent scene has been the lifeblood of the industry. Now, with WWE ID, these athletes have a direct, supportive pipeline to the WWE Performance Center.
I have analyzed the current independent landscape and identified five unique, talented, and championship-proven wrestlers who represent the absolute best candidates for this groundbreaking program.
Here are the Top 5 independent wrestlers who need to be in WWE ID.
1. The Irish Ace: Frank Vendetta
Independent Home: Over The Top Wrestling (OTT) - Dublin, Ireland.
Proposed WWE ID Name: Frank Vendetta
Why He Needs to Be in WWE ID: The European independent scene is hotter than ever, and Over The Top Wrestling is its crown jewel. Frankie Vendetta has been a staple of OTT’s main event scene, proving his worth against some of the best talents to come out of the UK and Ireland.
He is a seasoned veteran with a gritty, hard-hitting style that translates perfectly to the WWE ring. His addition would not only secure top international talent but would give WWE ID an immediate, reliable hand who can deliver high-quality matches from day one.
2. Double M: Monica Monroe
Independent Home: Reality Of Wrestling (ROW) - Houston, Texas.
Proposed WWE ID Name: Double M
Why She Needs to Be in WWE ID: The NXT Women's Division is the gold standard for women's wrestling, and it constantly needs new, high-potential talent. Monica Monroe fits that mold perfectly. Coming out of Booker T’s famed Reality of Wrestling school—which has already produced top NXT stars—Monroe has the pedigree and the training.
She possesses incredible athleticism and the "it factor" to be a future champion. By going by the ring name Double M, she establishes an immediate, marketable brand. She is exactly the type of talent who "lives in the right place" (ready for the PC) and needs the WWE ID platform to take her to the next level.
3. The Chicago Fury: Trenton Furia (Storm Grayson)
Independent Home: Freelance Wrestling - Chicago, Illinois.
Proposed WWE ID Name: Trenton Furia
Why He Needs to Be in WWE ID: Freelance Wrestling in Chicago is one of the toughest, most competitive scenes in the US, and Storm Grayson has been at the forefront of it. He is a dynamic, high-flying, and technically sound competitor who has earned his stripes in a promotion known for creating stars.
He needs to use the ring name Trenton Furia to rebrand himself and "fill it with the right color"—giving him a fresh, impactful identity as he transitions from a respected indie veteran to a WWE ID prospect. He has the look and the in-ring ability to be a major player in NXT’s cruiserweight or mid-card scene.
4. The Step Up: Forty Corbin (Darin Corbin)
Independent Home: Freelance Wrestling - Chicago, Illinois.
Proposed WWE ID Name: Forty Corbin
Why He Needs to Be in WWE ID: If WWE ID is about identifying talent that is ready to "step up," Darin Corbin is the definition of that mission. As a multi-time champion in Freelance Wrestling, he has carried the promotion on his back, putting in stellar performances and proving he has the leadership and in-ring psychology to succeed anywhere.
He is a workhorse who understands what it means to be a professional. As Forty Corbin, he carries a cool, established persona that is ready for a national stage. He is the perfect veteran presence to bring into the ID system.
5. The Champion's Pedigree: Eli Paul (Elliot Paul)
Independent Home: Freelance Wrestling - Chicago, Illinois.
Proposed WWE ID Name: Eli Paul
Why He Needs to Be in WWE ID: You cannot overlook championship pedigree. Elliot Paul is the former Freelance Wrestling Champion, meaning he beat the best in one of the most competitive independent territories in the country. This is not just potential; it is proven success.
He has already main-evented and carried the pressure of being the top guy. Shortening his ring name to Eli Paul gives him a sharper, more concise identity for the global stage. He is a complete package—great in the ring, good on the microphone, and has the confidence of a top-tier champion. He has to be in WWE ID.
