The contract status of Karrion Kross remains uncertain as WWE has recently shifted several prominent names, including Kross and Scarlett, to the alumni section. This change occurred amid ongoing deliberations over Kross’s contract renewal. No official confirmation has come from WWE, and there have been no reports of Kross exploring other wrestling opportunities elsewhere since last Thursday. Speculation persists that WWE might attempt a storyline similar to Ron Killings to keep Kross involved without a new signed deal.
This contract limbo contrasts sharply with WWE’s continuing business maneuvers, including the new offer with ESPN for pay-per-view events and the recent return of Brock Lesnar. Karrion Kross’s situation highlights WWE’s complex talent management strategy during a time of major broadcast partnerships and roster adjustments.
Current Wrestling News and Developments
Alongside Karrion Kross’s stalled contract negotiations, several other significant developments have taken place in the wrestling world. Kacy Catanzaro, formerly of WWE under the name Katana Chance, is set to appear as a commentator for the upcoming season of American Ninja Warrior, indicating her continued presence in televised athletic competition.
Meanwhile, the NXT roster suffered a setback with Adriana Rizzo sidelined by a torn ACL and meniscus injury, affecting the developmental talent pool heading into WWE’s major event schedules. Ashante “three Adonis” departed WWE after his contract was not renewed, marking another instance where WWE decided not to extend deals with some main roster talents amid broader roster shifts.
In tournament news, the prestigious New Japan Pro Wrestling G1 Climax 35 made key advances in its A block round robin, with Evil finishing top, followed by David Finlay and Yota Tsuji—all progressing to the playoffs beginning at Korakuen Hall. The B block contest continues, with wrestlers like Zack Sabre Jr., Shota Umino, and others battling for advancement, reflecting high competition in the international wrestling scene.
Tragically, the sport of boxing in Japan faced a historic and somber moment as two boxers, Hiromasa Urakwa and Shigetoshi Kotari, both died from injuries sustained on the same card at Korakuen Hall on August 2. This unprecedented incident has sent shockwaves through the boxing community given the rarity of such outcomes on a single event.
Notable Events and Fixtures Across Wrestling Promotions
The wrestling calendar remains packed with major events and storylines gaining momentum. Hunter Campbell announced plans to expand the UFC’s APEX arena to accommodate 5,000 to 10,000 attendees, hoping to use it not only for UFC fights but also for major NXT and WWE shows, indicating WWE’s strategic focus on venue growth and fan engagement.
Arena Mexico recently sold out again with 16,000 fans, underscoring a resurgence in CMLL’s popularity that has flown under the radar despite significant attendance figures. This surge helps paint a broader picture of the wrestling landscape beyond WWE and AEW.
Veteran wrestler Tony Atlas recently competed in Lewiston, Maine, at 71 years old. He candidly shared his feelings about WWE‘s Hogan tribute shows, stating,
“because then I would only have been there for the money, not for him.”
Furthermore, big shows continue to be announced. Kirk White’s Big Time Wrestling in Newark, California, saw a sold-out event featuring notable matches including QT Marshall versus Matt Cardona and Viva Van & VertVixen taking on Shotzi Blackheart & Beatrice Domino. The promotion’s 29th anniversary show, set for October 3, will feature wrestling legend Bret Hart.
Upcoming Matches and Tournaments to Watch
Wrestling fans have much to anticipate, with several highly anticipated matches scheduled across promotions. The G1 Climax tournament offers exciting bouts such as Konosuke Takeshita versus Shota Umino, Zack Sabre Jr. against Drilla Moloney, and David Finlay facing Yuya Uemura. All Japan Pro Wrestling showcased Jun Saito retaining the Triple Crown title against Yuma Aoyagi in a bout held in Aoyagi’s hometown of Matsumoto.
At Arena Mexico, fans witnessed a compelling card highlighted by Ultimo Guerrero versus Blue Panther and a tag team match featuring Mistico, Atlantis Jr., and Mascara Dorada versus Difunto, Hechicero, and Angel de Oro. Meanwhile, Kyle Fletcher will defend the TNT Championship against a New Japan wrestler to be announced during the Forbidden Door event, setting the stage for high-stakes encounters.
AEW Dynamite’s Wednesday show will spotlight matches including Adam Copeland versus Stokely Hathaway, a face-off between MJF and Adam Page, FTR versus Bandido & Brody King for a tag title opportunity, and Jon Moxley against Kevin Knight, rounding out a strong lineup of bouts.
Industry Impact and Future Expectations
The current uncertainties surrounding Karrion Kross’s contract typify the challenges faced by WWE in balancing star talent retention with its evolving business model, especially as the company navigates its partnership with ESPN and competition from other wrestling organizations. The placement of several wrestlers into the alumni section suggests a broader talent management shuffle that may continue as WWE prioritizes key deals and broadcast strategies.
Outside of WWE, the international wrestling scene thrives with tournaments like the G1 Climax offering fresh narratives and spotlighting wrestlers from various countries. Meanwhile, the tragic deaths of boxers at Korakuen Hall underscore the physical risks inherent in combat sports and may prompt reflection on athlete safety protocols.
As WWE builds toward upcoming major pay-per-views and expands venues such as the UFC’s APEX arena for NXT and WWE events, the wrestling industry appears poised for both growth and transformation amidst a landscape of intense competition and evolving fan interests.
Fans and industry watchers will be closely monitoring how Karrion Kross’s contract situation resolves and how WWE’s talent decisions align with the company’s broader strategic initiatives over the coming months.
