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Why Karrion Kross’ Dominance Might Be Backfiring on WWE Creatives?

Vince Russo may be controversial, but his insights on Karrion Kross resonate with many fans who see untapped potential in the former NXT Champion

Kross has the tools: the look, the presence, the experience, and the intelligence to succeed beyond WWE’s borders.

What he needs now is the platform—and perhaps the courage—to bet on himself. If he does, there’s every chance he could return a year later as one of the most sought-after names in wrestling, just as Russo predicted.

WWE finds itself at a crossroads. With new creative leadership and a locker room full of talented performers who understand how to connect with fans, the company has the tools to evolve.

But evolution requires risk. It means trusting talent to build their own legacies and recognizing when someone—like Karrion Kross—is on the verge of becoming something special.

If WWE fails to recognize and nurture that talent, they don’t just risk losing stars to other promotions. They risk losing the fans who believe in them.

Karrion Kross
Karrion Kross (Image: Source)

Also Read: Karrion Kross Opens Up in Deleted Tweet: Emotional Reaction After SmackDown Moment

Karrion Kross and the WrestleMania Omission

WrestleMania is known as the grandest stage of them all—a showcase of the best talent that WWE has to offer.1

However, one name conspicuously absent from the match card at WrestleMania 41 in Las Vegas was Karrion Kross.

Despite building a strong presence and connecting with fans, Kross found himself on the sidelines during WWE’s biggest annual event.

The omission raised eyebrows across the wrestling world, especially considering the momentum Kross had been building in the months leading up to the show.

Many fans felt his absence was not only surprising but indicative of larger issues within WWE’s creative and booking structure.

Former Superstar Sounds Off on Social Media

The conversation around Karrion Kross’ status took a sharp turn when Bishop Dyer, formerly known as Baron Corbin, joined the discourse online.

Dyer, who has become more vocal since his WWE exit, replied to a fan on social media who questioned why Kross was receiving little airtime despite strong merchandise sales.

Corbin responded candidly:

“They don’t like it when you get over on your own!”

This statement sent shockwaves through the wrestling community, implying that WWE management may not always support wrestlers who organically connect with the audience without the company’s direct involvement.

The Independent Ascent: A Corporate Concern?

WWE has a long and complex history with performers who manage to “get over” with the fans without the company’s guidance or creative push.

Names like Zack Ryder, Rusev, and Mustafa Ali have experienced similar trajectories—earning fan support only to be sidelined creatively.

Kross’ journey mirrors these cases in many ways. Since returning to WWE, he has consistently stood out with his intense persona, unique promos, and growing fan support. Yet, that hasn’t translated to prime screen time or marquee matches.

This leads to a troubling question: Is WWE still uncomfortable when wrestlers build momentum on their own terms?

WrestleMania 41 and the Missed Opportunity

One of the most intriguing storylines heading into WrestleMania 41 involved Logan Paul, AJ Styles, and Karrion Kross.

In the build-up, Kross attempted to persuade Styles to use brass knuckles in his match against Paul—an underhanded tactic symbolizing Kross’ chaotic moral compass.

Styles refused, striving to uphold his integrity, and ultimately lost to Paul in a dramatic contest.

Though not involved in the match itself, Kross’ presence added depth to the narrative, showcasing his psychological manipulation and willingness to play the villain.

Yet, rather than being rewarded with a match of his own, Kross was relegated to a supporting role—further fueling fan discontent.

Karrion Kross
Karrion Kross (Image: Source)

Karrion Kross Speaks His Mind

A Viral Rant

Following WrestleMania, Karrion Kross did not stay silent. He posted an explosive rant on social media, expressing frustration and confusion over his position in the company.2

Though cryptic, his words carried the weight of someone who feels overlooked and undervalued.

The promo quickly went viral, shared widely among wrestling fans and insiders alike. Kross’ passionate delivery and directness struck a chord with those who see him as a performer deserving of far more than he’s been given.

Bishop Dyer Denies Bitterness, Reveals Truth

After responding to the fan regarding Kross’ lack of TV time, Bishop Dyer faced his own share of criticism.

One user accused him of sounding bitter following his WWE exit. But Dyer clarified that bitterness wasn’t the motivation behind his comments.

“I loved my time there,” Dyer replied. “But they didn’t always like people making a name for themselves.”

This honesty paints a picture of a performer who values his time with WWE, yet isn’t afraid to point out its flaws.

Dyer’s perspective aligns with the growing sentiment among talent that the company may sometimes suppress natural crowd favorites in favor of chosen narratives.

Karrion Kross
Karrion Kross (Image: Source)

Karrion Kross: Hope for Change Under Triple H

Dyer did leave fans with a hopeful note. He added that he wished things had changed under the new creative direction of Triple H, who has been praised for focusing more on in-ring work and character-driven storytelling since taking the reins from Vince McMahon.3

Triple H has earned trust among many current and former performers due to his tenure running NXT—a brand that heavily featured wrestlers like Karrion Kross in prominent roles.

Fans hope that under his leadership, WWE will embrace stars who find success organically, rather than resisting them.

The Disconnect Between Fans and Management

Karrion Kross’ situation illustrates a familiar yet frustrating dynamic in WWE: the disconnect between what fans want and what management chooses to promote.

Kross has the look, the charisma, and the in-ring ability to be a major player. His merchandise sales confirm that fans are invested in him. Yet, his absence from marquee matches like WrestleMania suggests internal hesitation.

It begs the question—how many times will WWE miss opportunities to capitalize on genuine crowd support?

A Legacy of Missed Moments

WWE has seen this story unfold time and again. Whether it was Damien Sandow, Cesaro, or even CM Punk in his early years, countless performers have hit a ceiling when trying to rise beyond their assigned place.

These performers often shine in spite of creative, not because of it.

If WWE doesn’t adapt, it risks alienating its own audience—one that is increasingly vocal and savvy about the behind-the-scenes workings of the business.

Fan Reactions Fuel the Fire

  • Social media has become the modern-day town square for wrestling fans, and the support for Karrion Kross is hard to ignore.
  • Threads, memes, and posts highlight fans’ desire to see him utilized properly. The viral nature of his post-WrestleMania promo only added to the momentum.
  • Fans aren’t just passively watching anymore—they’re shaping the conversation. And if WWE chooses not to listen, performers like Kross may continue to be held back despite their popularity.
  • The road ahead for Karrion Kross remains uncertain.
  • His recent online activity suggests that he’s aware of both his potential and his current stagnation. Whether WWE will course-correct and finally give him the spotlight he deserves remains to be seen.
  • A feud, a strong promo segment, or even a shock return to title contention could reignite his momentum.
  • But the longer WWE delays, the more difficult it becomes to capitalize on the genuine interest Kross continues to generate.
Karrion Kross
Karrion Kross

Also Read: Karrion Kross Drops Major WWE Tease

Vince Russo on Karrion Kross: Star Trapped in the Wrong System?

Professional wrestling thrives on characters, charisma, and creative freedom. Few figures in the wrestling world are as polarizing in their opinions as Vince Russo, the former head writer for WWE and WCW.

Recently, Russo turned the spotlight on Karrion Kross, suggesting that the intimidating WWE Superstar would flourish—and perhaps even become a bigger star—outside the confines of WWE’s corporate structure.

During a recent episode of Sportskeeda Wrestling’s Writing with Russo, Vince Russo argued passionately that Karrion Kross has untapped potential that is being hindered by WWE’s creative restrictions.

In Russo’s words:

“If Karrion Kross would leave the WWE now, you’re gonna sit there and tell me a year from now he wouldn’t be a hundred times more over? Are you kidding me? Without a shadow of a doubt. Not even close, bro.”

To Russo, the equation is simple: wrestlers with complete creative control over their characters and storylines are more likely to connect with audiences on a deeper, more authentic level. In his view, WWE’s tightly-scripted environment does not allow someone like Kross—who comes from a gritty, violent, and theatrical background—to truly flourish.

Scarlett: An Essential Element Left Behind

One of the glaring issues with Kross’s main roster run was the decision to separate him from Scarlett Bordeaux.

Scarlett was more than a valet; she was an integral part of the act, adding mystique, presence, and theatrics to Kross’s entrance and character presentation.

Fans who watched NXT knew how much her presence elevated the overall package.

Her exclusion from Kross’s initial RAW debut made his presentation feel incomplete. WWE eventually reunited the duo in 2022, but by then, much of the initial excitement had worn off.

Russo’s comments also touch on a broader issue in WWE—wasted potential. Kross is not the only talented wrestler who finds themselves creatively stifled within the system.

WWE’s preference for scripting promos, micro-managing character details, and pushing only a few stars at a time leaves many others spinning their wheels.

As a result, talented individuals like Kross, who could be major players, often fall into mid-card obscurity or creative purgatory.

Karrion Kross
Karrion Kross

Karrion Kross: Look Back at the NXT Juggernaut

Karrion Kross, real name Kevin Kesar, made an immediate impact when he debuted in NXT alongside his real-life wife, Scarlett Bordeaux.

With his menacing presence, cinematic entrance, and commanding in-ring style, Kross quickly captured the attention of fans and critics alike.

He became a two-time NXT Champion and was seen as a future main roster star. However, once promoted to RAW in 2021, his momentum stalled.

He was repackaged, stripped of his manager and entrance theatrics, and given a gladiator-like outfit that many fans saw as absurd and directionless.

The Main Roster Misfire: A Case Study in Mishandling Talent

Kross’s main roster debut serves as a cautionary tale for how WWE often repackages talent in ways that dilute their core appeal. In NXT, he was a modern-day monster, an unstoppable force shrouded in mystery and darkness.

On RAW, he became a generic heel without the elements that made him special.

This disconnect between NXT and WWE’s main roster booking is not new. Other talents such as Keith Lee, Ricochet (at times), and Shayna Baszler have similarly seen their momentum falter due to inconsistent presentation.

Karrion Kross: Birthday Celebration

Karrion Kross celebrating his best friend’s birthday by wishing her on a instagram post.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Kevin Robert Kesar (@realkillerkross)

Why the Independent Scene Could Be Kross’s Salvation

Russo’s suggestion isn’t merely speculative—it’s rooted in a larger trend. Over the past decade, many wrestlers have found new life outside WWE.

Cody Rhodes, Drew McIntyre (before his WWE return), Matt Cardona (formerly Zack Ryder), and even Jon Moxley have reinvented themselves by leaving WWE and taking control of their careers.

Kross has a unique look, a believable fighting style, and promo skills that thrive in less scripted environments.

In a promotion like Impact Wrestling, NJPW, MLW, or AEW, he could have the creative freedom to evolve his character naturally and connect with fans in new and meaningful ways.

What Would the Future Look Like for Kross Outside WWE?

Should Kross decide to leave WWE, several paths could bring him the success Russo envisions:

AEW (All Elite Wrestling)

AEW has proven to be a haven for creative freedom. With stars like Malakai Black and Brody King thriving in dark, theatrical roles, Kross could easily fit into a similar niche.

The potential for long-form storytelling and brutal matches could play to his strengths.

Impact Wrestling

Kross had a brief but impactful run in Impact before joining WWE. A return could allow him to immediately reestablish himself as a main event talent.

Impact’s smaller, more intimate environment often allows for more character depth and storyline investment.

New Japan Pro-Wrestling (NJPW)

While not known for elaborate promos or entrances, NJPW could be a platform where Kross emphasizes his in-ring dominance.

Competing in hard-hitting matches against the likes of Minoru Suzuki or Tomohiro Ishii could elevate his credibility worldwide.

Independent Circuit

There is also the possibility of Kross becoming a high-demand free agent across the independent scene. Promotions like GCW, MLW, or PWG would offer Kross a platform to experiment, evolve, and reintroduce himself to a broader audience without constraints.

Also Read: Dominik Mysterio’s Shocking Choice: He Named Penta for Judgment Day on WWE RAW

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Kankana Biswas
Kankana Biswas

I'm a strategic journalism graduate with expertise on socio-political issues, business, and finance. I'm a self-made entrepreneur, and have contributed to various news/media outlets since 2015. I also received degree of journalism from the Delhi College of Arts and Commerce.

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