Tony Khan Addresses WWE ID Program: AEW’s Strategy for Talent Acquisition

One Big Thing

AEW CEO Tony Khan directly responded to WWE’s Independent Development (ID) program during the AEW Full Gear media call, outlining AEW’s approach to competing for emerging wrestling talent.

Why It Matters

The competition between AEW and WWE for signing new talent shapes the future of professional wrestling. WWE’s ID program represents a significant shift in how major promotions recruit independent wrestlers.

Key Details

• Khan acknowledged WWE ID as a competitive force in talent recruitment
• AEW maintains its commitment to developing young talent
• WWE has recently signed multiple prospects through the ID program

Direct Quote

“It will be interesting to see what happens when we bring in talent who is under a WWE ID deal,” Khan stated during the media call.

By The Numbers

• WWE ID program has signed over 12 independent wrestlers in Q4 2023
• AEW currently features 50+ homegrown talents on its roster

AEW’s Strategy

• Focus on international talent scouting
• Continued investment in domestic talent development
• Balanced approach to veteran and rookie recruitment

Looking Ahead

The talent acquisition landscape in professional wrestling continues to evolve as both companies invest in future stars. AEW’s response suggests a calculated approach to maintain competitiveness in signing emerging talent.

Join the Conversation

How do you think AEW should approach talent recruitment to stay competitive with WWE’s ID program? Share your thoughts in the comments below.