AEW Eyes Former WWE ID Talent: The Zayda Steel Story & What It Means for Women’s Wrestling
The professional wrestling landscape is constantly shifting, and the latest buzz centers around zayda Steel, a rising self-reliant star who recently became a free agent after opting out of her WWE ID contract. Now, All Elite Wrestling (AEW) appears to be taking notice. This isn’t just a potential signing; it’s a signal of how the industry is evolving and the increasing importance of nurturing talent outside of traditional developmental systems. But what does this mean for Steel, for AEW, and for the future of women’s wrestling?
The Rise of Zayda Steel: From WWE ID to Independent Success
Zayda steel, at just 22 years old, quickly made a name for herself on the independent circuit. She was among the first signings to WWE’s ID program in Fall 2024, a system designed to identify and develop promising talent while allowing them to continue working independent dates. During her time with WWE ID, Steel competed in nine matches for EVOLVE, alongside appearances in GCW and APAC events.
Though, Steel chose to exercise her option to leave the program in October 2025, seeking broader opportunities to showcase her skills. This decision highlights a growing trend: wrestlers prioritizing control over their careers and the ability to build their brand independently. It’s a departure from the historically rigid path of solely relying on major promotions for exposure.
AEW’s Interest: A Strategic Move?
According to reports from Fightful select (via WrestlingNews.co), AEW has expressed interest in steel. Contact between the two parties reportedly occurred in October,but as of November 10,2025,a contract offer hadn’t been extended.
This interest isn’t surprising.AEW has consistently positioned itself as an option to WWE, emphasizing a focus on workrate, diverse styles, and providing opportunities for talent who might not fit the traditional WWE mold. signing Steel aligns with this philosophy. Furthermore, with the increasing focus on women’s wrestling, adding a dynamic performer like Steel strengthens AEW’s already impressive roster.
Key takeaways:
* WWE ID Contract Adaptability: Steel’s departure demonstrates the evolving nature of WWE’s talent acquisition strategies and the potential for wrestlers to leverage these programs for exposure without long-term commitment.
* AEW’s Talent Scouting: AEW continues to actively scout talent from the independent scene, showcasing its commitment to building a competitive roster.
* Independent Wrestling’s Value: The situation underscores the importance of the independent wrestling scene as a breeding ground for future stars.
Understanding the WWE ID Program & Matching Rights
A crucial aspect of this story is understanding the WWE ID program and its implications. The program allows WWE to maintain a relationship with promising talent while they continue to hone their skills on the independent circuit. however, a key component is the “matching rights” clause.
Initially,WWE had the right to match any offer made to ID-contracted talent by another promotion. However, this clause is no longer applicable in steel’s case, as she is no longer under the ID contract. this freedom considerably increases her marketability and allows AEW to pursue a signing without the risk of a bidding war. This is a important advantage for both Steel and AEW. This situation is a prime example of pro wrestling contract negotiations and how they impact talent movement.
What’s Next for Zayda steel?
Despite the AEW interest, Steel remains active on the independent scene. Her most recent match, as reported by Fightful Select, was on October 10, 2025, against Indi Hartwell for the House of Glory Women’s Title – a match Hartwell ultimately won.
Looking ahead, Steel is scheduled to face Maki Itoh at GCW’s “Dream On 2025” event on November 22, 2025. This match is a significant chance to further showcase her abilities to a wider audience. Fans are eagerly anticipating this clash of styles, and it might vrey well be a pivotal moment in Steel’s career. This upcoming bout is a key example of women’s independent wrestling gaining prominence.
Related Searches:
* **AEW Women
