According to the likes ofChristopher Daniels, Zayda Steel might just be one of AEW's most promising young wrestlers.While she seems to be making her mark on AEW right now, Zayda was the first wrestler announced for the WWE ID program back in 2024, before later leaving to sign with AEW instead.During a virtual signing with the Captain'sCorner, Steel looked back at how it felt to be the first signed WWE ID prospect. "Yeah, we were like the guinea pigs of the program; the test dummies, if you will," she expressed. She recalled how she thought WWE ID was just the NIL program but with a weekly salary, before pivoting to how being an indie wrestler doesn't pay. "It's hard out here, driving, making 20 bucks, so it was: 'Here's a little bit of money to help you guys weekly to get through the next week before you're wrestling."Zayda noted that the program helped wrestlers get TV time and to be seen in front of the right eyes, so while there might be criticism from some towards the program, she sees it as extra help for indie wrestlers, and something she'd never rip on. "I was on the indies and I know how much it sucks at times, like, working two jobs and then wrestling. It sucks!" Zayda recalled. "So any help from bigger companies, the merrier!" She then credited the WWE ID program for helping her quit her two jobs and opening the door for her to rely solely on the money she made from wrestling, allowing her to better focus on her career.If you use any quotes from this article, please credit the "Captains Corner," and provide a h/t toWrestling Inc. for the transcription.
