KeShaun Moore, a linebacker at Hampton University, was shocked to learn that the WWE was interested in bringing him into its Name, Image and Likeness (NIL) program. However, that’s exactly what he discovered one day while scrolling through Instagram.
“I didn’t know what to think of it at first. [WWE’s] recruiting page messaged me on my Instagram about three months ago telling me about the opportunity,” Moore recalled while speaking to ESPN. “I checked the page out and started talking to one of the guys in the talent department, and the relationship just grew from there.”
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The athlete was specifically invited to join the WWE’s Next In Line program, an NIL initiative that “aims to enhance the talent development process through collaborative partnerships with college athletes from diverse athletic backgrounds,” according to the program’s webpage.
In other words, the Next In Line program helps athletes from all sorts of different disciplines work towards building careers as WWE superstars.
“All athlete partnerships will feature access to the state-of-the-art WWE Performance Center in Orlando, Fla., in addition to resources across the organization including brand building, media training, communications, live event promotion, creative writing and community relations. Upon completion of the NIL program, select athletes may earn an exclusive opportunity to be offered a WWE contract,” the program’s webpage reads.
The Next In Line program’s second class was unveiled last month, and it was comprised of 15 student-athletes from 14 different universities.
Meet the second class of college athletes to join WWE’s “Next In Line” program! #WWENIL pic.twitter.com/I8SxWNFD7M
— WWE Recruit (@WWERecruit) June 13, 2022
Notably, Moore was the first student-athlete from a historically Black college or university (HBCU) to ink an NIL deal with the WWE.
“With me signing with the WWE, it gives HBCU athletes a sense of gratitude knowing one of us can get big opportunities,” Moore noted. “WWE is a global phenomenon, and it attracts many people from across the world, and they have a huge reputation.”
He also noted that, while his ultimate goal is to make it to the NFL, he’s happy to know that he can always fall back on the WWE.
“Once I graduate, my No. 1 goal is to play in the NFL, and if that does not work, knowing I have that opportunity to train in Florida to be a wrestler is not too bad.”
We wish KeShaun Moore the best of luck with whatever direction he chooses to take his career.
