WWE's new development program sparked conversations online this week as fans and insiders questioned what this could mean for the future of independent wrestling.

On Oct. 29, the company unveiled WWE ID, a new initiative that would provide up-and-comers with a path to join the global juggernaut. It's the latest advancement in talent development following the introduction of the NIL program in 2021.

As a result, the company has partnered with Booker T's Reality of Wrestling, Cody Rhodes' Nightmare Factory, Seth Rollins' Black and Brave Academy, Elite Pro Wrestling Training Center, and Rikishi's KnokX Pro Academy.

Details about the inner workings of the new project are scarce, but this announcement prompted drastically different perspectives from wrestlers and onlookers. Still, it's unclear how the WWE ID tag and contract status will affect the indie scene yet, and many want to see how this plays out.

There was plenty to glean from the news as NXT begins its maiden year on The CW Network, and we analyze the 2.0 era. Although the brand has created breakout stars with collegiate athletes, the roster needs a balance of both amateurs and experienced in-ring performers.

Nevertheless, it could also raise questions about the overall success of the NIL program and what this would mean for the Performance Center. There's so much we don't know, but this new pathway to superstardom already has pros and cons.

Pro: WWE ID Offers Independent Wrestlers A Chance to Better Themselves

Let's start with a positive. WWE ID potentially grants indie wrestlers another source of income, exposure, and assistance with their training.

The industry's growing talent pool means it can be harder than ever to stand out in a field full of exceptional performers. Even more, it's difficult for everyone to make a respectable living in the scene without a day job.

That's obviously why most freelancers work towards eventually signing a contract with a major company like WWE or AEW. Over the past decade, some outliers proved that you can create a lucrative brand on your own via the internet.

Nevertheless, many independent stars struggle until they can make it to the big leagues. If this new developmental program helps alleviate their financial burdens while they train, it's an advantageous move for most budding talent.

Con: WWE ID Will Steer Prospects Away From Competitors

The biggest question about this developmental program and accompanying designation is how it will affect promotions that don't have a relationship with WWE.

Most skeptics would immediately point to the company's track record since Vince McMahon dismantled the territories. The old regime's penchant for poaching smaller promotions' top stars and eventually running them out of business was integral to WWE's growth into the undisputed industry leader.

Those questionable business practices would logically lead anyone with a knowledge of pro wrestling history to challenge its intentions. Despite the favorable benefits of WWE ID, many critics see this as a strategic way to hinder its chief competitor.

In 2019, the thriving U.S. indie circuit created a pipeline for what would become All Elite Wrestling. Ever since AEW has become a plausible alternative for fans and wrestlers, and the free-agent market has been much more active.

WWE's latest announcement could entice more independent performers to gamble on a chance to perform on the biggest stage instead of signing a tiered contract with AEW. This would shift the arms race and the prevailing perception between the two companies and allow one side to corner the market.

Yes, WWE had to improve its image after the move to stop signing indie wrestlers in 2021, but there's a slippery slope here. This program could hypothetically stop designated talent from working with the competition or force them to cancel scheduled appearances.

Brandon Thurston of Post Wrestling reported there are currently no restrictions on where contracted indie talent can appear, or whether they can lose matches. However, he couldn't get a definitive answer on whether indie wrestlers under contract with WWE could appear for AEW.

There is no incentive to allow a top prospect to work with a competitor, but a contracted wrestler would likely avoid it even if it isn't explicitly stated. Most wouldn't want to risk their chances of getting signed in the long run.

Pro: WWE ID Gives A Newcomers Tangible Goals

An accredited program with wrestling schools nationwide gives the trainees an idea of what WWE is looking for and what's working.

Of course, nothing is guaranteed in pro wrestling, but this theoretically removes one of the hurdles for incoming talent. So many indie wrestlers signed with the company and had to change their name and gimmick or unlearn bad habits.

Hopefully, WWE ID would help them catch these mistakes early and work on a character and move set that fits the house style. Exposure to the company's fanbase through highlights and matches showcased across WWE's social platforms also offers a nice head start.

If the fans respond well to someone online, WWE and the wrestlers will know they have something that connects with their audience. That's much better than a stab in the dark for someone hoping to appear on scouting reports.

This may not be an ideal route for everyone, but it could be extremely beneficial for someone who has always dreamed about working for WWE. The opportunity to build working relationships, create a gimmick that tests well, and use the company's resources would be invaluable.

Con: WWE ID Could Harm An Ailing Indie Wrestling Scene

Independent wrestling isn't nearly as lively and multifaceted as it was five years ago, and WWE ID could exacerbate its problems.

The inception of AEW has undeniably had some adverse effects on the scene and the pandemic forced some promotions to close their doors for good. Still, the possibility that top prospects could start canceling bookings or losing opportunities is worrying.

After all, NXT UK was one of the factors that set the British wrestling scene back for a while. It's an exaggeration to say this could lead to the end of indie wrestling in the U.S.

Still, it could potentially make it harder for some small promotions to stay in business or simply book the hottest talent because another promotion in the same area linked to WWE will have an advantage.

The wrestling business has survived many changes and will likely evolve again with the addition of WWE ID. It's easy to predict gloom and doom in these situations.

In fact, the cons are speculative because there's still so much we don't know about this program.

It's the first of its kind and a step out of the outdated mold McMahon created. However, his vision for pro wrestling has understandably left many wondering if we should trust this initiative and the current regime. Time will tell.