WWE added two brand-new championship titles to its growing lineup—and they’re tapping into the indie scene to find the first-ever champions.

Back on February 18, Triple H broke the news that WWE would crown inaugural men’s and women’s WWE ID Champions during WrestleMania 41 week. The new titles are part of the WWE ID program and will be decided through matches held across various independent promotions.

The WWE ID Twitter account confirmed that both tournaments will unfold across various independent promotions, leading up to their conclusion during WrestleMania 41 week in Las Vegas. Here’s what you need to know:

  • The Men’s Championship will feature a double elimination opening round.
    Wrestlers won’t be out after just one loss—they’ll need to drop two before getting eliminated.
  • Opening round matches will take place at different indie shows,
    whittling down the field until only four competitors remain.
  • The final four men will move into a single elimination bracket,
    with the winner being crowned during WrestleMania week.
  • The Women’s Championship will be decided through a round robin format,
    with talent competing at multiple indie events to rack up wins.

The action kicks off with two big matches already confirmed:

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  • Zayda Steel vs. Kylie Rae – set to go down April 16 at GCW in Las Vegas.
  • Brad Baylor vs. Ice Williams – scheduled for April 18 at Future Stars of Wrestling, also in Vegas.

WWE is clearly leaning into its partnership with the independent scene for these titles, giving unsigned talent the spotlight while creating a new path to glory that fans haven’t seen before under the WWE umbrella.

Will these titles eventually lead to full-time WWE deals? Or is this the start of something completely separate and new? Let us know what you think in the comments—who do you want to see crowned the first WWE ID Champions?

Steve Carrier is the founder of Ringside News and has been reporting on pro wrestling since 1997. His stories have been featured on TMZ, Forbes, Bleacher Report, and more.

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