The wrestling world has been buzzing with speculation about PROGRESS World Champion Luke Jacobs potentially making the jump to WWE. Those rumors can now be put to rest—at least temporarily. Despite turning heads at WWE’s UK tryout camp, Jacobs won’t be donning the company’s colors just yet.
Tryout Success Doesn’t Guarantee Contract
According to Fightful Select’s Corey Brennan, Jacobs received the news during PROGRESS’s Super Strong Style 16 weekend that WWE has not offered him a contract at this time. This revelation ends weeks of back-and-forth reports about whether the British wrestler had secured his ticket to sports entertainment’s biggest stage.
The confirmation comes as somewhat of a surprise given Jacobs’ impressive showing at the pre-WrestleMania UK tryout. Multiple sources indicated that WWE officials were genuinely impressed with what they saw from the PROGRESS champion.
Industry Insiders Split on Jacobs’ WWE Future
The wrestling community had been divided on Jacobs’ immediate prospects with WWE. Some sources expressed confidence that a deal would materialize, with one insider suggesting they believed “Jacobs would sign with WWE this year.” However, others maintained that any potential signing remained far from certain.
Interestingly, WWE talent evaluators have reportedly drawn comparisons between Jacobs and Goldenboy Santos, another European prospect who remains firmly planted on the company’s watchlist. This comparison suggests that while Jacobs didn’t land a contract immediately, he’s certainly made a lasting impression.
WWE’s European Expansion Continues Without Jacobs
While Jacobs remains unsigned, WWE hasn’t slowed down their European talent acquisition strategy. The company has already secured commitments from three promising international wrestlers who are expected to begin their developmental journey this September.
Spain’s Zozaya leads this new class of recruits, bringing experience from promotions across Europe and Japan. Belgium’s Mike D Vecchio adds another layer of continental representation, while France’s high-flying Aigle Blanc rounds out the trio. All three wrestlers have competed for major promotions including wXw, RevPro, and All Japan Pro Wrestling.
The James Amner Connection
WWE recruiter James Amner has reportedly been instrumental in securing these European signings. His continued presence in the region suggests that WWE remains committed to expanding their international talent pool, even as some prospects like Jacobs remain in limbo.
What’s Next for the PROGRESS Champion?
Despite the current setback, industry sources believe Jacobs’ relationship with WWE is far from over. The company’s aggressive pursuit of international talent, combined with persistent rumors about NXT Europe’s potential return, keeps multiple pathways open for future opportunities.
Jacobs’ situation perfectly illustrates the unpredictable nature of WWE’s talent acquisition process—impressive tryouts don’t always translate to immediate contracts, but they often keep doors open for future conversations. With WWE’s European expansion showing no signs of slowing down, could Jacobs eventually find himself back in consideration when the timing is right?
