Uhaa Nation, Jessie McKay officially join WWE - no word on Samoa Joe

WWE this morning officially announced that 11 men and women began their training at the Performance Center in Orlando, Florida. Those include highly anticipated signings from the independent circuit, Sesugh Uhaa, who wrestled in Evolve, Dragon Gate USA and elsewhere as Uhaa Nation, and Jessica McKay, an Australian who primarily worked for Shimmer as Jessie McKay.

It's worth noting that the group does not include Samoa Joe, who was rumored to have wrapped up his Ring of Honor (ROH) dates at the promotion's WrestleMania weekend show so as to join WWE ASAP. Of course, the former ROH and TNA World champ is a much more well established name than anyone in the new class, and would almost certainly merit his own announcement.

Here's more details on the group, which Triple H touts as evidence of  "the global reach of WWE":

Cassie McIntosh (Born in Sydney, resides in Melbourne, Australia) — Trained with Pro Wrestling Alliance in Sydney since 2011. In 2012, was trained by former WWE Superstar Lance Storm, who now runs the Storm Wrestling Academy. Proficient in dance and acrobatics.

Jessica McKay (Sydney, Australia) — Since 2008, has trained with the Pro Wrestling Alliance in Sydney, as well as Ring of Honor.

Nhooph Al-Areebi (Toronto, Ontario, Canada) — Trained with Squared Circle since 2011 and was a member of the Toronto Circus School from 2008-2012. Also trained in rhythmic gymnastics. Speaks English and Arabic.

Axel Tischer (Dresden, Germany) — Trained with GWF Wrestling in Berlin, Germany, since 2006. Served in the German Army from 2005-2007, achieving the rank of Private First Class.

Oscar Vasquez (Cuidad Juarez, Mexico) — Trained in Juarez in the lucha libre style of wrestling. Worked with CWF Mid-Atlantic. Dual citizen of Mexico and the U.S.

Radomir Petkovic (Belgrade, Serbia) — European Vice Champion at the 2010 European Wrestling Championships and was a two-time bronze medalist at 2009 Mediterranean Games in Greco-Roman and Freestyle. Speaks Russian and English.

Peter Howard (Exeter, England) — Played collegiate Rugby in the U.K. and was a regional discus champion.

Kenneth Crawford (Chicago, Illinois/Anson County, North Carolina) — Served in the U.S. Marine Corps for four years and accumulated a perfect 300 score in the United States Marine Corps Physical Fitness Test. Holds the North Carolina South Piedmont and Anson High School records in the 200-meter, 400-meter and 4x4 relay. Anson High School Athlete of the Year in 2007.

Thomas Kingdon (Traverse City, Michigan) — Competed in amateur bodybuilding and won the super-heavyweight class at the 2013 NPC Central States Competition.

Sesugh Uhaa (Atlanta, Georgia) — High school soccer, football and track-and-field star. Began training in 2009 and competed for Dragon Gate USA. Nigerian descent.

Levis Valenzuela Jr. (Durham, North Carolina) — Trained with CWF Mid-Atlantic in 2013. Proficient in dance and won various awards for collegiate ballroom dancing. Holds a Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice from UNC Charlotte. Grew up in the United States, lived in South Korea from 2011-2013, and speaks Spanish.

The WWE.com article states that this group will bring the total number of men and women in training at the 26,000 square foot Performance Center to 66.

Excited about the new blood, Cagesiders? Anyone other than the One Man Nation and Everybody's Favorite Girlfriend jump out at you?