Former WWE Star Joins WWE ID Program: Bringing Expertise to New Talent

Former WWE and NXT star Timothy Thatcher has joined WWE’s newly launched Independent Development (ID) program. Known for his gritty in-ring style and dedication to technical wrestling, Thatcher is expected to contribute as a coach and mentor, helping to shape the future of WWE’s next generation.

WWE’s New Independent Development Program

The WWE ID program, designed to discover and train independent wrestling talent, has already signed promising names like Cappuccino Jones, Zayda Steel, and Sean Legacy. WWE Hall of Famer William Regal has been instrumental in recruiting talent for the program, and Thatcher’s addition brings further expertise. The ID program aims to provide opportunities to wrestlers from diverse backgrounds, some of whom have already competed in AEW and Ring of Honor.

The WWE ID initiative intends to offer a pathway to WWE while also enhancing the skillsets of established talents. Timothy Thatcher’s involvement reinforces WWE’s commitment to training wrestlers with a focus on traditional, technical wrestling skills.

Timothy Thatcher’s Journey from NXT to WWE ID Program Coach

Thatcher, who joined WWE in 2020 and quickly became a fan favorite in NXT, made a name for himself with his no-nonsense approach and a style rooted in grappling and submissions. His standout matches in the “Fight Pit” and as a coach on NXT made him one of the brand’s most respected talents. However, after WWE revamped NXT into NXT 2.0, Thatcher was released in 2021. His return as a coach in the WWE ID program has been warmly received by fans who appreciate his wrestling knowledge and experience.

What Thatcher Brings to the WWE ID Program

Thatcher’s addition as a coach means that up-and-coming talent in WWE’s ID program will benefit from his unique, ground-based style. He provides a hands-on approach to technical wrestling that will likely influence WWE’s training methods for the program. His experience offers WWE’s new talent a strong foundation in traditional wrestling, setting them up for future success in WWE’s main roster.

With Thatcher’s involvement, WWE’s ID program gains a respected coach and wrestler, reinforcing WWE’s aim to create a more diverse, technically skilled roster while honoring the roots of professional wrestling.