X-Pac Is Taking on More Responsibilities at WWE Than Initially Intended

Sean “X-Pac” Waltman’s behind-the-scenes responsibilities with WWE have grown considerably beyond what was initially planned.

The two-time WWE Hall of Famer currently works with independent wrestlers involved in WWE’s ID program. What initially began as weekly tape study has since developed into a broader coaching and mentoring role.

Waltman discussed his expanded responsibilities during an appearance on Six Feet Under. He explained that the arrangement originally came together after he spoke with WWE Chief Content Officer Paul “Triple H” Levesque.

“Coaching, mentoring,” Waltman said. “Because the original gig was, ‘Hey, can I help out with the ID?’ The original thing was, you can review tapes for six hours a week.”

The role eventually grew because Waltman realized the developing wrestlers needed more than someone to analyze their matches.

“And it ended up not being just that, because they need way more than just [tape study sessions]… There’s things that come up that they have to deal with.”

Waltman also spoke about how fulfilling his current work has become. After dealing with addiction issues that affected significant parts of his life and career, he said helping younger wrestlers has given him another sense of purpose.

“I love this, working with all of them. It’s so fulfilling,” Waltman said. “Life was already great because I go hiking with my dog in the mountains almost every day during the week. But now having that, it’s important to have a purposeful life, right? Meaningful things to do.”

Outside of wrestling, Waltman also pointed to becoming a grandfather and his passion for rescuing dogs as important parts of his life.

“So now I have a grandson, I got my dog I love to go hiking with. I’m big into rescuing dogs and things like that. I just love dogs. I have that and helping those kids down at the [Performance Center].”

Triple H Unveils New WWE ID Championships To Spotlight Up-And-Coming Talent

As announced by Triple H Tuesday afternoon, the Men's and Women's WWE ID Championships will be defended across the independent scene in the near future.

WWE Chief Content Officer Paul 'Triple H' Levesque has unveiled new men's and women's championship titles for the WWE Independent Development (WWE ID) program.

The WWE ID program, which launched last fall, was created to help provide assistance and publicity to some of the best wrestlers on the independent circuit. In many cases, the program would provide talent with recourses they need in order to properly pursue their dreams of being signed to a major promotion.

Levesque showcased the Men's and Women's WWE ID Championship belts in a post on social media Tuesday afternoon, writing:

The top independent wrestling prospects have been ID’d… and now, we’re ready to spotlight the best of the best.

Here’s your first look at the Men’s and Women’s WWEID Championships.

source: si.com

WWE Announces "WWE ID" Developmental Designation

WWE announced that it has launched a new program called "WWE ID", a developmental program designed to provide independent wrestlers a potential path to WWE.

WWE announced today that it is expanding its footprint in the developmental world.

In a press release, WWE announced that it has launched a new program called WWE ID, short for WWE Independent Development, a developmental program designed to provide independent wrestlers a potential path to WWE.

“WWE ID is the latest in our efforts to identify and support the journey of up-and-coming wrestlers, in turn raising the profile of and strengthening the independent wrestling ecosystem,” WWE Chief Content Officer Paul “Triple H” Levesque is quoted in the press release.

In the program, WWE plans to provide prominent independent wrestling schools with the WWE ID designator with the purpose of providing new trainees and existing talent with enhanced developmental opportunities.

The concept, innovative for its approach, provides a new level of financial assistance to independent wrestling schools not seen before by WWE. In the Triple H Era, WWE has expanded its approach to promotions outside the realm of the WWE Universe, most notably by working agreements with TNA and Pro Wrestling NOAH, as well as acknowledgment on air by Michael Cole and other commentators regarding Superstars’ previous accomplishments and championships in other promotions.

Multiple questions still loom, however, on the granular parts of these new agreements, such as exclusivity and signing rights deals for designated prospects that may prevent them from exploring other career opportunities and whether WWE will integrate the more prominent independent wrestling schools to become extensions of the WWE brand.

WWE announced the first five independent wrestling schools to receive the WWE ID designation: Booker T’s “Reality of Wrestling” in Houston, TX, Cody Rhodes’ “Nightmare Factory” in Atlanta, GA, Seth Rollins’ “Black and Brave Academy” in Davenport, IA, “Elite Pro Wrestling Training Academy” in Concord, NH, and “KnokX Pro Academy” in Los Angeles, CA.

In addition to the school’s designator, WWE ID will also identify top independent wrestling prospects with a WWE ID “Prospect” designation, which will allow WWE to support their development with financial opportunities, training, mentorship, access to their facilities and in-ring training. WWE is also planning on showcasing these prospects and their paths through WWE’s social media accounts.

source: www.si.com