According to the likes of Christopher Daniels. Zayda Steele might just be one of the most promising young wrestlers in AEW. Although he seems to be making his mark on AEW right now, Zayda was the first wrestler signed up for the WWE ID program back in 2024before later leaving to sign with AEW instead.
during a virtual signing with Captain’s cornerSteel looked back on how it felt to be the first signed WWE ID prospect. “Yes, we were like the guinea pigs of the program, the guinea pigs, if you will,” he said. He recalled how he thought WWE ID was just a NIL program, but with a weekly salary, before addressing how being an indie wrestler doesn’t pay. “It’s hard here to drive a car, earn 20 dollars, that’s how it was. “Here’s a little money to help you guys get through the week of wrestling next week.”
Zayda noted that the program helped wrestlers get TV time and get in front of the right eyes, so while there may have been criticism of the program from some, he sees it as an extra help for indie wrestlers and something he would never tear down. “I was in the Indies and I know how unpleasant it is sometimes, like working two jobs and then wrestling. Zaida remembered. “So any help from the bigger companies, the better.” He then credited the WWE ID program for helping him quit both of his jobs and opening the door for him to rely solely on his wrestling income, allowing him to better focus on his career.
If you use any quotes from this article, please credit Captains Corner and credit ah/t Wrestling Inc. for the transcription.
