No one has utilized NIL rules quite as effectively as WWE. Their “Next In Line” program brings in collegiate athletes from a wide range of sports and universities to train and potentially be a WWE Superstar after college while maintaining college eligibility.
WWE announced their third class of Next In Line athletes, adding 15 people to their NIL roster. Athletes in this class include NCAA National Champion thrower Turner Washington from Arizona State, champion hurdler Alia Armstrong from LSU, and #1 ranked collegiate heavyweight wrestler and two-time All-American Greg Kerkvliet from Penn State. The NIL program brought on its first athletes from the world of women’s wrestling, soccer, tennis, and softball with its third class
Starting with Olympic gold medalist Gable Steveson as their first NIL signing, WWE has a total of 46 athletes in the Next In Line program. Those 46 athletes come from 15 conferences and compete in 13 different sports. They combine for one gold medalist, 12 NCAA titles, and 40 All-American honors, along with 13.5 million followers across social media.
Along with in-ring training at WWE’s Performance Center in Orlando, the athletes will be trained in other areas that may help them in their future, even if they don’t pursue a pro wrestling career. They’re taught about brand building, media training, communications, live event promotion, creative writing, and community relations. After completing the program, some athletes may have the chance to be offered a WWE contract to further pursue an in-ring career at WWE.
