Karrion Kross Breaks Silence on WWE Struggles in New Memoir Life is Fighting—A Raw, Unfiltered Journey

Karrion Kross, also known as Kevin Robert Kesar, has opened up about his challenges within WWE in his upcoming memoir, Life is Fighting. The book provides an unfiltered look at his career struggles, including a notable moment in 2023 where he voiced his frustration openly during a post-Wrestlemania show.

Despite a visible presence at Wrestlemania 41, including involvement in the Logan Paul vs. AJ Styles match, Kross felt sidelined on WWE programming. He expressed disappointment at not being featured on the Wrestlemania card in his hometown and struggled to attain the creative freedom he sought, culminating in the #PushKarrionKross movement gaining traction on social media.

Early Life and Motivation Behind the Memoir

Karrion Kross’s background is rooted in a tough upbringing in a rough area of New York City, where he experienced harsh realities from a young age. His memoir recounts vivid moments from his youth, including a striking incident with a man in his father’s car trunk that shaped his outlook on life.

Beyond wrestling, Kross shares reflections on life and spirituality, confronting the societal pressures faced by many. He writes,

“As a child, you’re told you can be whatever you want when you grow up, but at some point, reality sets in and those same people push college or a university on you so you can find a good-paying job and develop a set of skills,”

highlighting the conflict between childhood dreams and adult expectations.

He also emphasizes the harsh truths life can bring:

“We’re not raised by our parents with disillusions that are deliberately meant to work against us, but as we begin to figure this life out, the time does come when somebody must break the bad news to us. Someone eventually shatters the dream with reality. Some may never psychologically recover from those types of negative situations. Negative situations are sadly a part of life. Negative situations are never ending, and while that statement may feel very pessimistic and hopeless, optimistic situations are endless, as well. They go hand in hand.”

Passion and Creative Drive Behind Professional Wrestling

Kesar’s intense passion for wrestling is evident throughout his memoir, especially his dedication to character development and storytelling. He attributes much of his growth to absorbing influences from various media and real-life experiences. He credits this passion for pushing himself artistically and professionally, stating,

“I’ve physically, mentally, and even spiritually suffered for the development of this character to get it as entertaining as possible. It can be a terrifying experience to be poorly produced as a professional wrestler, sports entertainer, or artist because you don’t want it to look cheap, stupid, or foolish.”

Kross views wrestling as a demanding form of art requiring full commitment:

“It is a profession that requires everything you have to succeed, and it still may not be enough. Despite hearing all the realities, I knew what I needed to do. I needed to step up and follow through. So, I approached wrestling school as if it were the military. I was not going to waste anybody’s time, and certainly not my own. I knew what I wanted to do with pro wrestling, and I needed to catch up as quickly as possible.”

Efforts to Build Connection with Fans and Non-fans

A unique aspect of Kross’s approach is his focus on creating pathways for non-wrestling fans to become engaged with the sport, reflecting his understanding of wrestling’s entertainment value. He shares a three-step program aimed at this goal, writing,

“I think about converting non-fans into fans constantly, and I am proud to have seen the tangible evidence play out right in front of my eyes for years. I’ve loved being part of the creative process and providing a window of opportunity for people to give what we do a shot. I can look back at the almost a decade of my life I’ve put into my work and feel proud.”

Personal Relationships and Inner Struggles

Kross’s memoir offers insight into his personal life, particularly his relationship with Scarlett Bordeaux, who is an essential figure in both his life and career. Their initial connection felt powerful yet was met with internal resistance, as Kross recalls,

“We could feel this magnetic pull between us but were both trying to fight it.”

The book also addresses Kross’s “demon years,” a difficult period marked by social and professional frustration, financial instability, and emotional volatility. Reflecting on these times, he admits,

“Looking back at these demon years I realize now that in truth, at that age, I still felt as if I was trapped socially and professionally in the economic and socioeconomic systems that I was never going to escape,”

continuing,

“I was living paycheck to paycheck and never able to put aside enough money to save, and I was going into debt. That’s why I was a hothead and why I was so pissed off all the time. It was due to my inability to identify why I felt so suffocated or trapped.”

Professional Challenges and Creative Collaboration in WWE

During his career in WWE, Kross faced numerous hurdles, particularly during the pandemic era. His tenure as NXT champion, which should have been a peak moment, was overshadowed by empty arenas and limited audience engagement. This stark shift took a toll on his momentum, especially when promoted to Raw, where he worked without compelling storylines. He explains,

“I went from being featured in compelling stories every week for over a year to a guy working cold matches, no story, and also worked as a heel.”

Karrion credits collaborators like Jeremy Borash and Jimmy Long for supporting his creative efforts during this time, emphasizing the importance of wrestlers having ownership of their characters. He describes how critical it is for talent to “paint their own picture,” underlining his commitment to creative autonomy.

Life Beyond Wrestling and Looking Forward

Karrion Kross’s memoir also explores his ventures outside the ring, including his work as a bodyguard and bouncer, as well as his limited pursuit of a mixed martial arts career. His spiritual journey plays a significant role in his life’s narrative, offering depth to his wrestling persona and personal evolution.

With his and Scarlett Bordeaux’s WWE contracts set to expire soon, the wrestling world will be watching closely to see where their careers lead next. Life is Fighting is set for release on August 5th in the U.S. and September 11th in the UK, offering fans and readers an honest glimpse into Karrion Kross’s relentless determination and the realities of his wrestling journey.