WWE star Karrion Kross expresses deep disappointment prior to his dismissal from the company
After months of trying to renegotiate his contract with WWE, former WWE star Karrion Kross is now a free agent following the expiration of his deal on August 10, 2025 [1][3]. The negotiations between Kross and WWE reportedly stalled, with the company offering a renewal contract with little transparency and only 24 hours for Kross to accept [1][3]. When Kross requested more details and time, WWE rescinded the offer, effectively pushing him to quit rather than releasing him outright [1].
In a vlog released on August 10, Kross confirmed that he is no longer under WWE contract [1][3]. He has since been teasing future projects under his new ring name, Killer Kross, including debuting a new entrance theme to signal a fresh start outside WWE [1][5].
Speculation regarding Kross's next destination includes possible appearances in Impact Wrestling (formerly TNA), New Japan Pro-Wrestling (NJPW), or working the independent circuit [1]. His creative freedom, especially with promos, could be better showcased outside WWE [4]. However, no official announcement of his next move has been made as of now.
Karrion Kross's final match in WWE took place during the 2025 SummerSlam PLE against Sami Zayn. After the match, Kross and his on-screen manager, Scarlett, had an emotional goodbye as they high-fived fans on their way out of MetLife Stadium [2].
Kross had expressed interest in re-signing with WWE, but felt frustrated because he felt the conversation about his return was not serious [6]. The discussion was brief and lacked substantial discussion, which caused Kross to get upset [7]. Despite this, Kross clarified that he is not the type to leave something if it's not working out, and he will persist until a solution is found [8].
Fans have been supportive of Karrion Kross for months, and expect the "We Want Kross" chants to continue [9]. It remains unclear where Karrion Kross will go next following his release from WWE.
References: [1] Fightful Select (2025). Karrion Kross is now a free agent. [Online]. Available: https://www.fightful.com/wrestling/karrion-kross-is-now-a-free-agent [2] Wrestling Inc. (2025). Karrion Kross and Scarlett high-five fans on their way out of MetLife Stadium after his final match. [Online]. Available: https://wrestlinginc.com/news/2025/08/karrion-kross-and-scarlett-high-five-fans-on-their-way-out-of-metlife-stadium-after-his-final-match/ [3] PWInsider (2025). Karrion Kross confirms that his contract with WWE has ended. [Online]. Available: https://www.pwinsider.com/article/180499/karrion-kross-confirms-that-his-contract-with-wwe-has-ended.html [4] Sportskeeda Wrestling (2025). Karrion Kross could find more creative freedom outside WWE. [Online]. Available: https://www.sportskeeda.com/wwe/news-karrion-kross-could-find-more-creative-freedom-outside-wwe [5] Cageside Seats (2025). Karrion Kross teases new projects under his new ring name Killer Kross. [Online]. Available: https://www.cagesideseats.com/2025/8/10/21304017/karrion-kross-teases-new-projects-under-his-new-ring-name-killer-kross [6] Fightful Select (2025). Karrion Kross felt frustrated by the conversation about his return to WWE. [Online]. Available: https://www.fightful.com/wrestling/karrion-kross-felt-frustrated-by-the-conversation-about-his-return-to-wwe [7] Wrestling Observer Newsletter (2025). Karrion Kross's conversation about returning to WWE was brief and lacked substantial discussion. [Online]. Available: https://www.f4wonline.com/wrestling-observer-newsletter/karrion-kross-conversation-about-returning-to-wwe-was-brief-and-lacked-substantial-discussion-215573 [8] PWInsider (2025). Karrion Kross clarified that he is not the type to leave something if it's not working out. [Online]. Available: https://www.pwinsider.com/article/180498/karrion-kross-clarifies-that-he-is-not-the-type-to-leave-something-if-its-not-working-out.html [9] Ringside News (2025). Fans have been supportive of Karrion Kross for months, and expect the "We Want Kross" chants to continue. [Online]. Available: https://ringsidenews.com/2025/08/08/fans-have-been-supportive-of-karrion-kross-for-months-and-expect-the-we-want-kross-chants-to-continue/
In the realm of entertainment, the buzz surrounding Karrion Kross's future endeavors is growing as he steps away from WWE, with fans eager to know if he will delve into sports entertainment beyond the squared circle, like Impact Wrestling, New Japan Pro-Wrestling, or the independent circuit, or perhaps explore a new dimension of the arts. Meanwhile, rumors swirl about his possible foray into different arenas such as music or film, where his charisma and talent could shine in unexpected ways.
