Update on future of WWE tryouts in 2026
An update is available regarding the future of WWE’s tryouts.
WWE tryouts are taking place this week with several independent wrestlers attending. It’s the first time the company has held tryouts with independent wrestlers invited since 2022. However, our own Bryan Alvarez reports that the company plans to continue scouting indie wrestlers and more tryouts are expected to take place throughout the year.
Alvarez wrote to his subscribers on X:
“We are told that WWE will be holding significantly more tryouts this year, and like this most recent set they are back to looking for in-shape indie talent who can work and cut good promos.”
The list of athletes attending this week’s tryouts in Orlando is below.
Men:
- Starboy Charlie (independent wrestler who has worked for GCW)
- Leon Lokombo (independent wrestler)
- Jack Pasquale (independent wrestler)
- Manny Lo (independent wrestler)
- Jeremiah Lakhwani (social media influencer from Bali who competed on Netflix reality series Physical: Asia)
- Blade Brown (independent wrestler)
- Ben Finneseth (college football)
- Jariel Rivera (independent wrestler)
- Bhupinder Gujjar (independent wrestler that has previously worked for TNA)
- Tyler Jordan (independent wrestler)
- James Karnik (Canadian basketball player)
- Manny House (independent wrestler)
- Bruss Hamilton (independent wrestler who also won the 2025 America’s Strongest Marine competition)
Women:
- Nor ‘Phoenix’ Diana (independent talent, recently lost title to Mercedes Mone)
- Elli Finch (track and field at Michigan State)
- KJ Johnson (gymnastics regional champion)
- Regina Tarin (Mexican MMA fighter)
- Casey Schaeoff (basketball, lacrosse, cross country)
- Sallie Grace (social media sports influencer)
- Alyssa Daniele (vlogger & snowboarder)
Ian Carey is a writer from Toronto, Ontario, Canada, whose work has been featured in NOW Magazine, The Huffington Post, and more. A lifelong wrestling aficionado born in Calgary, Alberta, Canada, he has covered the industry for a decade and a half. He joined the f4wonline.com team in 2019.