WWE Signs Conan Lycan as Kato Sykes

WWE has signed wrestler Conan Lycan under its I.D. program, renaming him Kato Sykes ahead of NXT's move to The CW Network.

Updated on Nov. 4, 2026 in Wrestling

Expressive editorial sports illustration of a wrestler in dark trunks mid-stride across a ring, ropes swept in motion, charcoal and white palette with red accents. — WWE has signed wrestler Conan Lycan under its I.D. program, renaming him Kato Sykes ahead of NXT's move to The CW Network. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

WWE signed wrestler Conan Lycan under its I.D. program and renamed him Kato Sykes. Sykes competed in two dark matches ahead of NXT going live on The CW Network.

Why it matters

The signing places a wrestler with an eight-year career onto WWE's developmental track as the company prepares NXT's broadcast on The CW Network. The move reflects WWE's continued use of its I.D. program to bring in independent talent.

Sykes has an eight-year career wrestling for GCW, ACTION Wrestling, AEW, TNA, Black Label Pro, and WWE. Financial terms of his I.D. contract and any future booking schedule have not been disclosed.

The players

Kato Sykes

Kato Sykes is a professional wrestler who has competed for several independent and national promotions before joining WWE's I.D. program.

WWE

WWE is a major American professional wrestling company that operates NXT and its developmental I.D. program.

The details

Conan Lycan, who began his in-ring career in 2018, is now signed with WWE's I.D. program under the name Kato Sykes. Under his earlier I.D. deal he went by the name Mariano, and he faced Marcus Mathers and Brooks Jensen in a dark match.

March 2026: Fightful Select reported WWE's interest in Sykes.
2018: Sykes began his in-ring career.
November 3, 2026: The signing was announced under the Kato Sykes name.

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Season Trajectory

The signing extends WWE's I.D. program, which has been used to bring independent talent into its developmental system before televised appearances. NXT's move to The CW Network adds weight to developing a deeper roster of wrestlers for the broadcast.

The signing adds a new name to WWE's developmental roster ahead of NXT's broadcast on The CW Network. Fantasy and roster watchers should note that Sykes has not yet been placed on a televised card.

The takeaway

WWE's I.D. program continues to serve as a channel for independent wrestlers to reach its main roster. Readers following NXT's CW move can track which developmental talent receives on-air assignments.