Two more wrestlers have announced their exits from the WWE ID program, with Cappuccino Jones and Santi Rivera each sharing messages of appreciation for their respective experiences.

Jones, the inaugural WWE ID Champion, confirmed that he had decided to part ways with the program after two years. Rivera, 24, separately reflected on the training, guidance and professional relationships he gained during his own WWE ID run. Neither announcement included details on what either performer will do next, but both made clear that they intend to carry what they learned forward in professional wrestling.

The announcements arrive during a period of continued change around WWE ID. Jones and Rivera join several previously reported departures from the program, including former WWE ID Women’s Champion Laynie Luck, Marcus Mathers and Sam “Hardway” Holloway.

Cappuccino Jones Reflects on Two Years in WWE ID

Jones’ departure is especially notable because of his place in WWE ID history. He was the first wrestler to hold the WWE ID Championship, establishing himself as one of the program’s earliest titleholders. His reign lasted more than 230 days, a lengthy run that made him a central figure in the championship’s early identity.

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In his statement, Jones wrote that his time in the initiative had reached its conclusion and emphasized the value of the experience he accumulated.

“After 2 years, my time in WWE ID has come to an end, as I’ve decided to part ways. I’m grateful for all of the knowledge, experience, & wisdom that I’ve attained and will take with me for the rest of my career. Thank you WWE. I’m ready for my next cup. Do ya dig it?”

The message maintained the coffee-themed presentation associated with Jones, closing with a reference to being ready for his “next cup.” While he did not identify a new promotion, upcoming booking or specific destination, the wording indicates that he sees the departure as the start of another phase rather than an end to his in-ring career.

Jones’ championship distinction remains an important part of the WWE ID record. Being the inaugural titleholder attached his name to the foundation of the program’s competitive history, and a reign exceeding 230 days gave him a sustained opportunity to represent that role.

Santi Rivera Thanks Coaches, Producers and Hall of Famers

Rivera also announced that his WWE ID tenure is over, using his message to recognize the people he worked with during his time connected to the program. The 24-year-old specifically cited the influence of Hall of Famers, producers and coaches, while saying the experience would continue to shape his work as a wrestler.

“Don’t be sad that it’s over, be happy that it happened. Thank you WWE ID, all the experience and knowledge will be utilized and implemented. The growth I experienced as a Professional Wrestler, the Hall of Famers, Producers and Coaches I’ve worked with, I’ll forever be grateful.”

Rivera’s statement similarly did not provide a next destination. Its focus was instead on gratitude and development, particularly the chance to work around experienced figures in WWE’s system. For young talent, exposure to coaches, producers and veteran performers can be a major element of a developmental affiliation, even when it does not lead directly to a longer-term arrangement.

Both Jones and Rivera framed their exits positively. Their comments did not point to a specific dispute or offer additional context about the decisions beyond confirming that their participation in WWE ID has concluded. That distinction matters: the wrestlers have announced departures, but no further details were provided about the circumstances surrounding them.

A Changing WWE ID Roster

WWE ID was designed as a pathway connecting WWE with independent wrestling talent, giving participating wrestlers access to opportunities for development, evaluation and interaction with WWE personnel while they continued building their careers. The program’s roster has included rising names from the independent scene, and the departures of multiple participants naturally bring attention to how that group is evolving.

Laynie Luck, who held the WWE ID Women’s Championship, was among the names previously reported to have exited. Marcus Mathers and Sam “Hardway” Holloway have also left. With Jones now joining that list as the inaugural WWE ID Champion, the series of changes has involved performers who held prominent positions within the program as well as wrestlers seeking to grow through the affiliation.

There is no indication in the announcements from Jones or Rivera that their departures should be viewed as identical in cause or outcome to any other exit. Each wrestler’s message was personal and centered on appreciation. Still, the number of names no longer involved means that the WWE ID landscape looks different than it did during the period when Jones was carrying the championship and Rivera was working with the initiative.

For WWE ID, turnover is not merely a matter of roster depth. The program is tied to talent development and scouting, so its perception is shaped by which wrestlers enter, which ones remain, what opportunities they receive and how their careers proceed after participation. When a former champion and another developing performer both publicly mark the end of their time in the program, it becomes a meaningful point in that ongoing story.

What Comes Next for Jones and Rivera

The immediate next steps for Jones and Rivera remain unannounced. Neither wrestler revealed future appearances, contract plans or a promotional destination in the statements confirming their exits. As a result, any assumptions about where they could surface next would be speculative.

What is clear is that both competitors intend to apply their experience going forward. Jones pointed to the knowledge and wisdom gained across two years, while Rivera stressed that the lessons from his work with WWE personnel would be “utilized and implemented.” Their messages suggest that each sees the WWE ID period as part of a longer professional journey.

Jones leaves with a particularly durable accomplishment attached to his name: the distinction of being the first WWE ID Champion and holding that title for more than 230 days. Rivera leaves having highlighted the developmental value of his interactions with coaches, producers and Hall of Famers. Those are separate legacies within the same program, but both illustrate the different ways a WWE ID tenure can factor into an independent wrestler’s progression.

For now, the confirmed news is straightforward. Cappuccino Jones and Santi Rivera are no longer part of WWE ID, and both have thanked WWE for the opportunities they received. Their departures add to a notable group of recent exits, while leaving open the question of where their careers will take them next.

In pictures

Cappuccino Jones holding his title
Image related to this report.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Darryl Polo is a passionate wrestling fan covering WWE, AEW, TNA and beyond. He loves great rivalries, breakout stars and the moments that keep fans talking long after the bell. How we work.