Inaugural WWE ID Women’s Champion announces contract not being renewed
In some surprise news, inaugural WWE ID Women’s Champion Kylie Rae is leaving the WWE ID program after her contract wasn’t renewed.
The longtime indie veteran took to social media Thursday to both announce the news and show gratitude for her 11 months in the program.
“Today I share that my time with WWE ID is coming to an end as I was informed my contract will not be renewed. I’m incredibly grateful for the opportunities, memories, and people I met along the way,” she wrote.
Rae, who joined the program 11 months ago, revealed three weeks ago that she is pregnant for the second time with independent wrestler Isaias Velazquez. She previously gave birth back in October 2023. The title that Rae won just two months ago was then vacated with no announcement as to crowning a new champion.
Earlier on Thursday, Zayda Steel also announced she was also leaving the program. However, she chose to withdraw herself. Steel was part of the match where Rae won the title along with Zara Zakher.
Three male wrestlers were also released in August.
The program was created to provides indie talent with financial support and other development opportunities while creating a potential pathway to NXT if WWE decides to sign them to a full developmental contract.
Since 2011, Josh has been a contributing editor to Wrestling Observer/F4WOnline.com and also hosts the Punch-Out podcast. He has also written for Fight Magazine, Bloody Elbow, Bleacher Report, and other websites. He's a 2000 graduate of the University of Maine, worked in pro sports, and once was an indie ring announcer.