BANKIE'S HOT TAKE #120 - Airica Demia Signs a WWE ID Contract
- 13 hours ago
- 3 min read
Over the years on Hardway HQ, we’ve been very lucky to cover the next generation of independent wrestling through various promotions, shows, and matches.
In particular, the hope of this very writer is that one day, one or some of these very talented, hard working performers will be given an opportunity of receiving a chance with either WWE or AEW. Not just a one-off, but be given a contract to achieve their dreams.
Today is one of those days.
Last night, Fightful Select reported that Airica Demia had been signed to a WWE ID contract.
WWE ID, the brainchild of independent wrestling legend Gabe Sapolsky, is a concept that allows performers to work under the WWE umbrella while cutting their teeth on the independents, getting stronger and more viable for a full-time opportunity in either EVOLVE or NXT.
“Your Hero” is a second-generation superstar that has been breaking out through various independents over the past few years. At only 21 years old, Demia has traveled the entire United States working for the top level independents, standing out by being wrestling’s version of an Anime superhero.
To learn more, I hit up Jon Harder, HQ’s fearless leader, to inquire about his experiences about calling Demia’s matches for the Intergender Bonanza.
“When I first called an Airica Demia match, it was at Cream Mania on April 3, 2024 at the now extinct H2O Wrestling Academy in Williamstown, NJ,” Jon messaged through email. “I had little-to-no knowledge of her history, and seeing her wrestle the corrupt Boss of the Bonanza Stan Stylez was interesting. Obviously, Stan, a beacon for women’s wrestling, knew of the impending stardom that Demia had.”
“During a weekend where everyone would be in the Southern New Jersey and Philadelphia area - both fans and wrestlers alike - with WWE and WrestleMania XL minutes away, I was awestruck on how Demia stole the show with Stan. It was a packed house, and the then-19 year old showed no fear or worry and had a match where it was a combination of serious wrestling and great comedy.”
Jon continued, “Quickly, I knew Airica would be a star. Four months later, I was lucky to call her winning the Super Championship from Stan in a Last Person Standing match. Over the next several months, prior to the sabbatical of IGB, she performed in great matches, including a non-WWE ID related match alongside the ultra-talented Marcus Mathers against Zayda Steel & Stan. Even more so, she defended the belt three times against the hilarious ABBS, her own father the Legend of Solar, and the aggressive “Prince Harming” Austin Luke.”
“Behind the scenes, she was quiet, but you could tell her humility,” stated Jon. “I never got to really speak to her, but when you’re in the zone, watching the show develop, you knew a star was there. And it was only a matter of time until she broke out.”
I can highly agree. Furthermore, just by seeing her body of work in the ring, as a wrestling fan, it’s just great to see a future talent just develop into what it is now: a WWE ID contract.
There are a select few times where you get to say “the future looks bright” and genuinely mean it. This is one of those times. Congratulations to Airica Demia on the next stage of her long-term career. It’s nowhere but up from here.
Bankie Bruce
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