Karrion Kross’ Powerful Reaction to WWE MITB Qualifier Snub

Karrion Kross Left Out of the Money in the Bank Picture

In a surprising twist ahead of the 2025 Money in the Bank pay-per-view, WWE fans noticed a significant omission from the list of Men’s Money in the Bank Qualifiers—Karrion Kross.¹

Known as The Doom Walker, Kross had been expected by many to be a natural fit for the chaotic ladder match.

Yet, his name was nowhere to be found when the match lineup was revealed, and his reaction has since caused quite a stir online.

A Quiet Presence Since April

Kross’s last in-ring television appearance came during the Andre the Giant Memorial Battle Royal on the April 2025 edition of SmackDown.

The battle royal itself was won by Carmelo Hayes, but Kross had a solid showing that reignited hopes for a renewed push.

However, following that match, he faded once again from regular programming, with only backstage segments and cryptic promos airing sporadically.

Yep.
I saw it too.

— Kevin Robert Kesar (@realKILLERkross) May 31, 2025

The Confirmed Field for MITB

As WWE builds toward Money in the Bank, five of the six spots in the men’s ladder match have already been filled.

The confirmed participants are:

• Andrade

• Seth Rollins

• Penta El Zero Miedo

• Solo Sikoa

• LA Knight

Each of these Superstars brings a unique flavor to the match. Seth Rollins offers experience and star power, Andrade and Penta bring international appeal and athleticism, Solo Sikoa represents the bloodline storyline, and LA Knight remains one of the most over superstars in the company today.

A Star-Studded Final Qualifier Looms

WWE is holding nothing back with the final qualifying match. Announced during the May 30th episode of SmackDown, a Triple Threat Match is set to take place on the upcoming episode of RAW.

The match will feature:

• CM Punk

• AJ Styles

• El Grande Americano

The winner will claim the final spot in the coveted MITB Ladder Match.

With legends like Punk and Styles in the mix, it promises to be a match worthy of the spotlight, though it only further underscores the glaring absence of Karrion Kross.

Karrion Kross: Fan Demand for his Inclusion

Since the MITB qualifiers began, WWE fans on social media have actively campaigned for Kross to be included.²

With his intense persona, dominating presence, and history as a former NXT Champion, many believed he would be a perfect fit for the match’s violent nature.

Supporters cited his ability to shine in multi-man matches and his theatrical presence as reasons to give him a spot.

Some fans even suggested he should win the briefcase and finally ascend to the main event level after what many view as a poorly handled main roster run.

Could This Be the Start of a Bigger Storyline?

WWE is known for long-term storytelling, and there’s a possibility that Kross’s exclusion is part of a larger narrative arc. His cryptic tweet could be foreshadowing a calculated strike or storyline that leads him to disrupt the status quo.

Perhaps WWE is intentionally stoking the flames online to gauge audience interest and use that buzz to fuel his eventual resurgence.

A Wasted Opportunity or Strategic Patience?

Whether WWE is missing the boat or playing the long game remains to be seen. The wrestling landscape is littered with stories of talent who were overlooked for years before finally breaking through—see LA Knight or even Drew McIntyre.

Kross might be in a holding pattern for now, but if the company does have plans for him post-MITB, his story could still become one of redemption and reckoning.

A Pattern of Missed Opportunities?

Kross has had a rollercoaster journey on WWE’s main roster. After a dominant NXT run, his main roster debut was met with confusion and backlash, particularly after his initial presentation removed many elements that made him special—most notably, Scarlett’s absence and the gladiator-style helmet.

Since then, WWE has attempted to repackage and reintegrate him multiple times, with mixed results.

Despite showing flashes of brilliance and producing intense promos, Kross has yet to find consistent footing on RAW or SmackDown. Many consider this MITB snub to be just the latest in a series of missed opportunities.

Karrion Kross: Breaks Silence Online

Following SmackDown, Kross posted a short but telling message on X (formerly Twitter):

“Yep. I saw it, too.“

Though cryptic, this message resonated with his fanbase and added a layer of intrigue. Was it a subtle dig at WWE’s creative? A teaser for a future storyline? Or simply Kross showing that he shares the same frustrations as his fans?

Whatever the case, the post ignited fresh debate among the WWE Universe about how the company is utilizing him—or not utilizing him enough.

Backstage Speculation and Creative Directions

WWE’s creative team may have specific plans for Kross that don’t involve the Money in the Bank match. It’s possible they want to preserve his mystique or reintroduce him in a more significant program.

Alternatively, his exclusion might suggest that the company lacks direction for his character at the moment—a notion that concerns his fans.

There’s also speculation that Kross may interfere in the ladder match or the Triple Threat Qualifier, inserting himself into the title picture by force, which would align with his aggressive and dark character.

The Case for Kross as a Main Eventer

Kross has all the tools to be a main event superstar:

• A unique and intense look

• A commanding presence on the mic

• A loyal fanbase

• Strong chemistry with Scarlett, who complements his presentation perfectly

While his in-ring work may not be as high-flying as others, it’s grounded, brutal, and psychological—traits that can shine under the right storytelling lens. A successful MITB run could have legitimized him in the eyes of casual fans and positioned him as a top-tier heel or even an anti-hero.

What’s Next for Karrion Kross?

So, what’s next for The Herald of Doomsday?

Several options remain on the table:

• A return to intense feuds that allow him to showcase his dark persona

• A surprise attack on a MITB competitor

• A switch to RAW where he could reboot himself with fresh matchups

• A possible face turn, capitalizing on his fan support

Whatever the direction, WWE has a valuable asset in Karrion Kross. With proper booking and creative investment, he could easily become a consistent presence at the top of the card.

Karrion Kross Reacts to Logan Paul’s Controversial WWE Claim

In the world of WWE, controversy is never far away, and Logan Paul’s recent comments have added a new chapter to that legacy.³

Speaking candidly on his YouTube channel, Paul addressed the wave of criticism he’s received from some WWE stars who feel he’s leapfrogged his way to title opportunities, skipping the grueling years of training and dues-paying that many consider essential in the wrestling business.

Paul defended his rapid rise, noting that his influence and fame outside the ring brought a new level of visibility to WWE.

His comments, though unapologetic, opened the floodgates for responses from various figures within the company — most notably from Karrion Kross, a wrestler known for his cerebral presence and hard-hitting style.

A Voice of the Locker Room

Rather than take aim directly at Paul, Karrion Kross offered a more nuanced perspective. In a video shared on X (formerly Twitter), Kross emphasized that the frustrations voiced by wrestlers were not about Logan Paul as a person or performer.

Instead, the issue centered around WWE’s shifting values and its growing emphasis on external brand-building as a key to success.

Kross, a seasoned veteran, articulated the sentiment of many long-tenured wrestlers who devoted decades to the craft, only to see the goalposts move as WWE evolves its business strategy. “No one has a problem with his [hinting at Logan Paul] position,” said Kross.

“The problem is that for some people who have put 20, even 30 years in, they were told that there was a certain skill set that they had to acquire.”

WWE’s New Business Model: From Wrestling to Brand Building

Kross’ statement underscores a critical transformation in WWE’s philosophy. For decades, the path to success was relatively straightforward: grind on the indie scene, hone your craft, pay your dues in developmental, and work your way up.

The emergence of social media and crossover stars, however, has disrupted that traditional model.

Today, wrestlers with large followings on platforms like YouTube, Instagram, and TikTok are seen as valuable assets, even if they lack formal wrestling experience.

WWE now sees these personalities as vehicles for broader audience engagement — and perhaps more importantly, lucrative brand partnerships.

The Traditional Path vs. The Influencer Route

Wrestlers like Karrion Kross, Dolph Ziggler, and others who built their careers brick by brick have expressed concerns about what message this shift sends to up-and-coming talent.

If being famous outside of wrestling fast-tracks a performer to main event status, what incentive remains for those who’ve dedicated their lives solely to the squared circle?

Logan Paul’s rapid ascent — including high-profile matches and title opportunities — is symbolic of this tension. While undeniably athletic and charismatic, his path bypassed the traditional trials many see as essential to truly “earning” one’s place in the ring.

Karrion Kross’ History and Perspective

Kross is not merely a disgruntled veteran. He’s a performer who has seen the highs and lows of the industry.

After dominating NXT, his initial run on the WWE main roster was marred by questionable creative decisions.

However, Kross has since returned with renewed purpose, displaying both physical dominance and philosophical depth in his promos and interviews.

His comments about Logan Paul should be viewed through this lens — not as bitterness, but as a reflection of someone who has fought through the ranks only to see the system change midway through his career.

What’s Next for Kross?

Kross’ recent appearances and vignettes suggest a bigger push might be in the works. With his real-life persona aligning with his on-screen character — a mix of stoicism, intensity, and introspection — WWE has a unique opportunity to capitalize on his momentum.

A potential feud involving Kross and Logan Paul could be electric, combining Paul’s brash confidence with Kross’ cerebral menace.

More importantly, Kross could serve as a mouthpiece for traditional wrestlers, amplifying the voices of those who feel overshadowed by newcomers from outside the wrestling bubble.

 

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A post shared by Kevin Robert Kesar (@realkillerkross)

A Divided Fan Base

Reactions from the WWE Universe have been mixed. Some fans appreciate Logan Paul’s athletic ability and entertainment value, applauding his ability to adapt quickly to wrestling.

Others see his success as a slap in the face to those who’ve paid their dues.

Kross’ comments have resonated with a significant portion of the fanbase who value authenticity and dedication.

The debate highlights a cultural clash between old-school values and new-age marketing strategies.

Logan Paul: Asset or Anomaly?

There’s no denying that Logan Paul has brought attention to WWE. His matches against Roman Reigns and Seth Rollins were surprisingly well-received, and he continues to train and improve.

However, whether he is a long-term asset or a passing phase remains to be seen.

If WWE continues to rely heavily on celebrities and influencers, it could erode the foundation built by generations of wrestlers who dedicated their lives to the business.

Conversely, if handled correctly, stars like Paul could act as bridges, attracting casual fans while coexisting with traditional talent.