WWE launched their ID program last fall. A new layer of their developmental system — ID stands for Independent Development — the program signs talent from the indie scene, providing them with training at the WWE Performance Center in Orlando, Florida and at affiliated wrestling schools/indie promotions. They also get exposure on WWE’s social channels, and top prospects perform on the streaming Evolve show where they’re ostensibly competing for a spot on NXT television.
In February, WWE Chief Creative
Officer Paul “Triple H” Levesque unveiled the company’s two newest championship for the ID program. A tournament to crown the inaugural holders of the WWE ID Men’s and Women’s titles kicked off WrestleMania week in Vegas. It culminated SummerSlam week in Jersey, at the Game Changer Wrestling ID Showcase event last night (Aug. 1) in Rutherford’s Williams Center.
Both winners were among the initial signees to the program last fall. On the women’s side, Kylie Rae submitted Zayda Steel to beat Steel and Zara Zakher. Smiley Kylie was shocked at first, then lived up to the nickname she’s earned over her years on the scene when it sunk in that she’s the first WWE ID Women’s champ.
Kylie Rae submits Zayda Steel to become the first-ever WWE ID Women’s Champion @IamKylieRae#GCWID #SummerSlam pic.twitter.com/PnYzbCg4y0
— Stone Cold Harbor (@StoneColdHarbor) August 1, 2025
WWE Hall of Famer Sean “X-Pac” Walton was on-hand to award the new belts to Rae and her male counterpart, Cappuccino Jones, after their victories.
.@coldbrewjones is the new @WWEID Champion, presented the belt by @TheRealXPac #WWE #WWEID pic.twitter.com/tzEPt3b0JQ
— Jon Alba (@JonAlba) August 1, 2025
Jones defeated Jack Cartwheel after hitting Shot of Espresso followed by a Decafinator. And, yes, as you can tell by the names of his signature moves, Cappuccino’s gimmick rules. He’s not just clever coffee-related schtick though. He’s impressive in ring and on the mic, and has the size & look to succeed on television.
WWE shouted out both its newest champions, which also gives us some more information about WWE ID defenses, and the benefits that come along with it:
Congratulations to the inaugural WWE ID Men's Champion @coldbrewjones
— WWE ID (@WWEID) August 2, 2025
Cappuccino Jones will defend the WWE ID Championship across the indies against WWE ID prospects and indie wrestlers.
If an indie wrestler wins the WWE ID Championship, they will also get a WWE ID contract. pic.twitter.com/6m0dUSZcmd
Congratulations to the inaugural WWE ID Women's Champion @IamKylieRae
— WWE ID (@WWEID) August 2, 2025
Kylie Rae will defend the WWE ID Championship across the indies against WWE ID prospects and indie wrestlers.
If an indie wrestler wins the WWE ID Championship, they will also get a WWE ID contract. pic.twitter.com/6FTYR4RuPl
No word yet on who will be the first to challenge Rae or Jones, but that should be coming soon. In the meantime, you can catch a replay of last night’s show here with a Triller TV+ subscription.
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