On August 10, it was confirmed that Karrion Kross and Scarlett had become free agents following their exit from <a href="https://cynicaltimes.org/category/wrestling-news/wwe/”>WWE. Although the expiration of their contracts was anticipated, many fans expected a new deal to be signed, considering how popular the duo remained throughout 2025. It was later revealed by Karrion Kross that only he received a contract offer, which was withdrawn within 24 hours. Meanwhile, negotiations concerning Scarlett’s contract were to begin only after Kross’s situation was resolved.
The line between reality and storyline has been blurred in recent months by both Kross and WWE, leading some fans to question whether his release was genuine. Kross himself has expressed a desire to return to WWE, maintaining openness about his future plans.
Matt Hardy’s Perspective on Karrion Kross’s Public Persona
During an episode of his Extreme Life of Matt Hardy podcast, the former TNA World Tag Team Champion shared insights into Karrion Kross‘s unique approach to maintaining attention in the wrestling world. Hardy noted that Kross has been highly effective at staying in the spotlight, often by blending fact and fiction in ways that keep fans guessing. He expressed a fascination with Kross’s method of navigating the boundaries of reality and storyline in professional wrestling.
“He’s very good at keeping his name in the headlines. I can’t say that I like, I like Kevin. I like, I like Karrion Kross, Killer Kross… I’ve always been curious and kind of intrigued by his process, because He is a guy who does want to push the boundaries of like, what is real, what is, what is, what is fake, what is fiction, what is fact, what is, what is reality?And he’s, he’s good at mixing that up in pro wrestling, and I think he’s done a great job doing this, because there’s a lot of people that just were, they were certain that this was a big work, you know, that WWE was doing.”
—Matt Hardy, TNA World Tag Team Champion and Podcaster
Challenges and Strategies for Karrion Kross’s Next Career Step
Hardy further remarked that from his professional viewpoint, it appears Kross’s contract has ended, though he acknowledged the possibility of a larger plan under way. The key challenge for Kross now, according to Hardy, is to maintain the significant buzz he has generated. To succeed, Kross would need to proactively catch fans’ attention through surprise appearances and innovative performances.
“I think with the way everything has gone down, I think his contract has expired, you know, that’s my professional take on it, just from looking at the scenario, it could be something bigger at play. But if that is the case, and they’ve done this pitch-perfect. I think it’s going to be really interesting to see how long his obsession with the fans is sustained. I think that’s kind of what the WWE is going to pay attention to… How long can this buzz around Karrion Kross be sustained? And it’s going to be interesting. I mean, if I was him, I would get out there on the indies, and I would start doing really unique stuff. I would do special stuff. I would pop up wherever. I would try and make it seem like, you know, anything is possible. You know, if Karrion Kross… and all that’s going to do is get more buzz, and he’s going to need ways to get more buzz on his name and keep headlines being generated about him.”
—Matt Hardy, TNA World Tag Team Champion and Podcaster
Hardy emphasized that Kross’s ability to sustain fan interest will likely be closely observed by WWE and the wrestling industry at large. To maintain momentum, Hardy suggested that Kross should immerse himself in the independent wrestling scene, creating unexpected appearances and engaging in standout activities that keep fans intrigued and discussions ongoing.
Industry Reaction to Karrion Kross’s Availability
Despite confirmations of Kross and Scarlett‘s free agent status, not everyone in wrestling thinks the departure from WWE is genuine. Some on the independent circuit remain skeptical, suggesting the storyline could still be part of a larger narrative. One insider indicated skepticism by stating they “aren’t buying any of it,” highlighting doubts about the nature of Kross’s current contract status.
There are also reports that Karrion Kross and Scarlett are commanding a high price for their wrestling appearances across the independent scene, reflecting their demand despite uncertainties around their WWE exit.
Additional Wrestling News Highlights
Meanwhile, a few other stories have attracted attention in the wrestling world. All Elite Wrestling (AEW) has teased the return of a star who has been absent for some time, with a vignette on Dynamite generating anticipation for the comeback.
In WWE news, a former champion publicly criticized Drew McIntyre over a recent blunder. McIntyre appeared to deflect responsibility, blaming others for the mishap. On another front, a WWE Hall of Famer expressed concern that company policies might result in serious injuries down the line, indicating potential future challenges for WWE’s wellness and safety management.
A former WWE Superstar also revealed they had several years remaining on their contract when they were released, sharing that the outcome did not come as a surprise to them.
There has been tension regarding CM Punk’s return, with some current WWE stars describing him as difficult to work with, highlighting internal friction within the roster.
Jimmy Uso made headlines by confirming that a Bloodline member remains under WWE contract despite a 30-month absence, revealing unexpected developments about long-term contracts in the company.
Lastly, a WWE Superstar who had been out of action for seven months has resumed in-ring training, fueling speculation about an impending return to active competition.
Karrion Kross’s Past Conflicts Before WWE Departure
Karrion Kross has also opened up about backstage conflicts with WWE executive Triple H prior to his release. This revelation sheds light on some of the challenges that could have contributed to his departure and the complex dynamics behind the scenes in WWE.
What This Means for Karrion Kross’s Future
With Karrion Kross now a free agent, the wrestling community is watching closely to see how he navigates his next professional phase. The star’s ability to keep generating buzz will be critical as he works to build his brand outside WWE. Matt Hardy’s advice underscores the importance of innovation and visibility, especially on the independent circuit, where surprise appearances and unique performances can maintain momentum and fan interest.
For WWE and other wrestling organizations, Kross’s moves will provide a case study in managing wrestling talents whose personas blur fiction and reality. Maintaining fan fascination in an era of complex storytelling could prove decisive in shaping wrestler careers and promotional strategies. Whether Kross returns to WWE or carves out a new path elsewhere, his next moves will be pivotal to his standing in the wrestling world.
