WWE ID talent are now facing a major name change rule, and it directly affects several indie wrestlers recently brought into the system.
According to BodySlam.net, independent wrestlers who have signed WWE ID contracts will no longer be able to use their indie names. Going forward, those talents will have to use their WWE ID names for all upcoming appearances.
That means several wrestlers already connected to the program will now be working under WWE-assigned names full-time. Aricia Demia is now going by Anya Rune, while Notorious Mimi is using her former WWE name Sloane Jacobs.
Starboy Charlie is now listed as Chazz Starboy Hall, Jariel Rivera is going by Santi Rivera, Jimmy House is now CJ Valor, and Mike Cunningham is working as Max Abrams.
This comes after a recent round of EVOLVE tapings revealed multiple indie talents working under WWE ID deals. Fightful Select previously noted that several names were confirmed at the tapings, including former NXT name Sloane Jacobs and other independent standouts now using WWE-assigned identities.
Valentina Rossi has also been connected to the WWE ID program under the name Gianna Capri, while Fallyn Gray is expected to perform as Veronica Haven. Airica Demia was also confirmed under the Anya Rune name and has already competed within the WWE ID system, including two challenges for the WWE ID Women’s Championship.
The new rule makes WWE’s direction with the ID program much clearer. Instead of letting signed talent continue building under their independent names, WWE appears to be locking them into company-controlled identities even before they reach NXT or main roster television.
That could help WWE establish cleaner branding across EVOLVE, WWE ID events, and developmental programming, but it also means fans may need to get used to familiar indie wrestlers being introduced under completely different names.
Do you think WWE ID talent should be allowed to keep their indie names, or is WWE right to give them new identities early? Share your thoughts and feedback in the comments.