In a move that has left many fans and insiders surprised, 21-year-old wrestling sensation Zayda Steel has officially announced that she will not be renewing her WWE ID contract. The young athlete took to social media to confirm her decision, expressing both gratitude for her time with WWE and excitement for what lies ahead in her career. This decision not only marks a major turning point for Steel but also shines a spotlight on WWE’s growing “ID” program — a new pathway that bridges the gap between the independent circuit and the company’s developmental system.
Zayda Steel, whose real name is Fatima Zahra, is a Moroccan-American professional wrestler who made her in-ring debut in August 2022. Despite her short tenure in the industry, she has already built an impressive résumé, wrestling in promotions like MLW, Beyond Wrestling, and even Japan’s Dream Star Fighting Marigold. Her unique combination of athleticism and charisma quickly caught the attention of WWE scouts, leading to her signing under the WWE ID initiative — a relatively new concept designed to give rising stars from the independent scene structured exposure, professional resources, and potential routes to the main roster.
The WWE ID program itself is an experimental model, launched in late 2024 as a way to bring independent wrestlers into the WWE ecosystem without offering them full contracts. Through this program, participants like Steel gained access to WWE training facilities, occasional appearances on programs like WWE Evolve, and participation in showcase events that often featured crossover talent from the indie scene. One of the most notable developments from this program was the introduction of the WWE Women’s ID Championship, which functioned as a proving ground title for unsigned talents. In August 2025, Steel competed in a triple threat match to crown the inaugural champion alongside Kylie Rae and Zara Zakher. Although Kylie Rae ultimately captured the title, Steel’s performance in that match was widely praised for her in-ring maturity and athletic fluidity.
On October 9, 2025, Steel took to social media to make her decision public, writing, “I’ve decided not to renew my WWE ID contract. I’m incredibly grateful for all the knowledge, experience, and opportunities I’ve gained along the way, but at the end of the day, I have to do what’s best for me. I’m only 21, and have already done so much, but I’m just getting started! Thank you.” Her message reflected a mature and optimistic mindset — grateful for the experience, yet clearly ready to move on to new challenges. Wrestling insiders have since reported that Steel has upcoming independent bookings lined up, including a high-profile match at House of Glory where she will challenge Indi Hartwell for the Women’s Championship.
Steel’s exit has sparked plenty of discussion about the long-term stability of WWE’s ID system. While the program has been praised for introducing a more flexible talent pipeline, several notable names — including Ice Williams and Aaron Roberts — have departed in recent months. Many in the industry are questioning whether the ID model provides enough incentive for talents to stay, given that it stops short of offering full developmental contracts or guaranteed main-roster opportunities. For someone like Zayda Steel, who already commands attention from independent and international audiences, the freedom to negotiate directly with other promotions may simply offer more creative and financial potential.
At just 21, Steel represents a new generation of wrestlers unafraid to take control of their own careers. Her decision reflects a growing trend among younger performers who prioritize independence, creative expression, and diversified exposure over the security of corporate contracts. Given her youth, talent, and growing popularity, it’s highly possible that promotions like AEW, Impact Wrestling, or even NJPW could soon come calling. Alternatively, she may choose to continue building her reputation on the independent circuit, using her social media presence and brand appeal to maintain momentum on her own terms.
Whether she eventually returns to WWE under a different deal or forges a completely new path, Zayda Steel’s story is one worth watching. She’s proven that ambition and confidence can be just as powerful as opportunity — and that walking away from one chapter doesn’t mean an ending, but the start of something even bigger.
For now, all eyes are on where she appears next — and if the buzz surrounding her exit is any indication, Zayda Steel’s future in wrestling is only just beginning.