M&F has discovered of a brand new partnership that may bolster WWE’s efforts in discovering the subsequent bigger than life performer from the fields of soccer, monitor and subject, basketball, cheerleading, and past. Now tag-teaming with Exos, a world beating chief for honing human efficiency, future WWE “NIL” program signees could have the very best likelihood of rising to their athletic potential and making it massive within the ring with an unequalled set of assets.
What is WWE ‘NIL’?
WWE’s NIL program, now in its second 12 months, is a forward-thinking initiative designed to scout and develop future WWE Superstars from the world of school sports activities and athletics, made doable because of a 2021 coverage by the NCAA which now permits for school athletes to monetize their very own identify, picture, and likeness. Known merely as “Next In Line,” WWE’s mission is to supply a transparent pathway from faculty athletics to the intense lights of WWE, providing a useful alternative for athletes from various sporting backgrounds to comply with within the footsteps of icons akin to Drew McIntyre or Becky Lynch.
Scouring the world of aggressive sports activities for the subsequent massive factor in WWE is a no brainer when you think about that the likes of Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, Brock Lesnar, Roman Reigns, and John Cena have been all faculty soccer stars earlier than they turned legends between the ropes. When athletes are capable of harness their elite abilities and mix these expertise with scorching charisma, professional wrestling megastars are born. The present WWE Raw Women’s Champion, Bianca Belair is a former faculty monitor and subject athlete, and the primary official signing to NIL was the 2020 Tokyo Olympic gold medalist freestyle wrestler, Gable Stevenson. There at the moment are 25 energetic athletes collaborating in this system and lacing up boots within the WWE’s Performance Center in Orlando, FL. Athletes have made the journey to Orlando from 24 totally different universities. Another notable signee was the current addition of Gabi Butler, who cheerleading followers will know from the hit Netflix docuseries, “Cheer.” Each expertise hopes to graduate the “Next In Line” course of and be chosen for a WWE developmental contract.
WWE will announce its subsequent class of 15 NIL college students in early 2023.
Why is WWE Tag Teaming with Exos?
M&F understands that Exos will present WWE “Next In Line” athletes with a wealth of assets akin to the power to be taught and exercise within the many Exos coaching amenities throughout the United States. Exos, which has been a longtime pressure in athletics for greater than 20 years, operates in 26 international locations and already helps greater than 12,000 recreation altering athletes. The crop contains greater than 1,000 NFL draft picks together with 215 plus Olympians and elite navy athletes.
“An industry leader in sports performance, Exos will help enhance our NIL athletes’ experience as they transition from college athletics to WWE,” mentioned James Kimball, WWE Head of Talent Operations and Strategy, talking completely with M&F.
While working with Exos professionals, WWE NIL athletes may also be launched to the Exos Athlete Experience Program and its many sports activities science and knowledge companions. The athlete consumption course of will see individuals undergo rigorous efficiency, physique composition, vitamin, and bodily remedy testing. The baseline developed for the athletes will then allow custom-made and absolutely built-in plans to make sure a basis for optimized coaching.
“Exos is thrilled to team up with the WWE in an effort to meet its next generation of athletes on their journey in order to ensure success—physically and mentally—and continuity of care,” added Exos CEO Sarah Robb O’Hagan.
How do faculty athletes be part of the WWE NIL Program?
Three athletes from the inaugural 2021 NIL class have already joined WWE following their commencement from college, and have began coaching full-time on the WWE Performance Center in Orlando, Fla. In simply 4 months,
Northwestern University soccer star Joe Spivak has appeared on WWE’s TV present, “NXT Level Up” on Peacock, below the ring identify Tank Ledger. This is pillar to WWE’s renewed recruiting technique which is now absolutely targeted on elite former faculty athletes. If you’re a faculty athlete dreaming of turning into the subsequent massive WWE Superstar, you may go to recruit.wwe.com for data on the applying course of. The subsequent class can be introduced in early 2023.