WWE is revamping how it recruits talentespecially for its mens divisionand theyre not being quiet about it anymore. According to a new report from Dave Meltzer in the Wrestling Observer Newsletter, WWEs most recent five-day tryout in Orlando was designed with two specific goals in mind: focusing on Black male athletes and bringing in more indie veterans.
Meltzer noted that the company is directly addressing criticism surrounding Paul Triple H Levesques track record. Specifically, some have claimed WWE under Levesque hasnt pushed Black male talent consistently enough. In response, WWE is doubling down on a strategy to showcase diversity and physical presence.
He added that WWE is clearly aware of the optics, citing the recent call-ups of Oba Femi, Trick Williams, and JeVon Evans as part of the companys effort to show theyre serious about representation.
Meltzer also confirmed a major shift in WWEs recruitment philosophy: college athletes are no longer the top priority. Instead, the company is returning to indie roots, with names like William Regal and Gabe Sapolsky back out scouting the scene.
Heres the list of male talent who participated in the Orlando tryout:
- Starboy Charlie
- Leon Lokombo
- LaBron Kozone
- Manny Lo
- Jariel Rivera
- Manny House
- Jack Pasquale
- Blade Brown
- Tyler Jordan
- Jeremiah Lakheani
- James Karnik
- Bruss Hamilton
- Ben Finnesseth
- Bhupinder Gujjar
Sources also suggest that many of these namesparticularly those with prior experience in promotions like West Coast Pro, XDPW, and Prestigecould end up fast-tracked to NXT TV in a matter of weeks.
This new direction marks another turning point in WWEs developmental system. Rather than spending years molding athletes from scratch, WWE is betting big on wrestlers who can deliver on camera, cut promos, and look like stars right out of the gate.
Is WWE finally fixing its developmental problems? Or is this just another short-term pivot? Let us know what you think in the comments below!
