Jim Ross makes Vince McMahon claim amid new WWE venture

Legendary wrestling commentator Jim Ross recently shared insights on Grilling JR, where he discussed Vince McMahon’s long-standing reluctance to support the independent wrestling scene. Ross contrasted McMahon’s past approach with WWE’s new “WWE ID” initiative, which aims to connect with independent talent and provide a pathway to WWE without the typical exclusivity requirements. Ross expressed support for this change, noting that it aligns better with nurturing diverse talent.

WWE’s “WWE ID” Program: A New Way to Support Independent Talent

The WWE ID program marks a significant shift in WWE’s recruiting strategy, directly working with indie talent rather than solely relying on college athletes and wrestlers from the company’s own development system. According to Ross, McMahon historically avoided engaging with independent promotions, a choice that limited WWE’s diversity in talent acquisition. Ross highlighted that WWE’s lack of investment in the indies was limiting, as the independents were often where unique personalities and varied wrestling styles emerged.

With WWE ID, independent wrestlers can potentially secure future opportunities with WWE while still gaining experience with other promotions, without being bound by restrictive contracts.

Jim Ross Urges Indie Talent to Proceed Cautiously

While Ross supports WWE’s willingness to embrace indie talent, he advises wrestlers to be cautious about signing binding contracts too soon. He encouraged talent to build confidence and skill without limiting their options, adding that signing a restrictive contract could hinder their ability to gain exposure in other promotions. Ross believes that WWE ID, when structured carefully, can serve as a valuable recruiting tool while allowing wrestlers to grow organically within the industry.

WWE’s Embrace of Indie Wrestling Marks a New Era

This fresh approach indicates a new direction for WWE, where talent from various backgrounds and styles is increasingly valued. By partnering with indie promotions and avoiding overly restrictive contracts, WWE appears poised to enhance its roster with wrestlers who bring different skills and perspectives. Fans and industry experts see WWE ID as a step forward in connecting WWE with the larger wrestling ecosystem.

Jim Ross’s endorsement of WWE’s updated approach underscores the potential for WWE and indie wrestling to coexist in ways that benefit both sides, fostering talent diversity and enhancing the industry overall.