WWE recently launched their “Next In Line” initiative. The program is a recruiting push to bring young, athletic people into the fold. They recently announced their first class of signees.

Under new NCAA rules, businesses can now pay college athletes for the use of their name, image, and likeness. WWE was quick to jump on the bandwagon. The promotion is looking to get younger and start producing major stars internally.

Olympic gold medalist Gable Steveson was the first student-athlete to sign such deal. WWE has taken advantage of the new rules since then. Triple H recently touted the program on the NBC Nightly News.

“To allow college students to sort of monetize and utilize their name, image, and likeness… It’s opened up an avenue for us…

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This allows them to have that open door to earn money while in college.”

The segment also featured NIL signee Joe Spivak. Spivak is a defensive lineman for Northwestern University. He has a huge personality to go with his massive frame.

Time will tell how the NIL program works out for WWE. Collegiate athletes are exactly the type of people they’re looking to bring in and develop. Triple H thinks it’s an enticing offer for a college student who not too long ago was prohibited from making money while playing. NIL has marked a seismic shift in the number of options available to these student athletes. WWE wants in on the ground floor.

Do you think WWE’s NIL program will produce top wrestling stars? Let us know what you think in the comments!

Michael Perry

Michael Perry is a news contributor for Ringside News and Thirsty for News. Michael has an M.A. in Communication Technology from Point Park University in his hometown of Pittsburgh, PA.

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