Following the expiration of their WWE contracts in August 2025, Karrion Kross and his wife Scarlett have embarked on a thriving journey outside of WWE, with Kross now performing as Killer Kross. Despite the company opting not to renew their deals after a three-year stint on the main roster, both have found renewed energy and opportunity in the independent wrestling circuit, capturing the MLW World Heavyweight Title with Scarlett by Kross’s side. Their continued success underscores the growing impact of Karrion Kross independent wrestling on the professional scene.
Speaking with TV Insider, Kross shared insights on how their transition into the independent wrestling world has unfolded, emphasizing the strong fan support they continue to receive. He explained that rather than harboring resentment about their WWE exit, they have embraced the freedom and growth that come with independence.
“How do I say this without sounding passive aggressive? I’ll tell you right now we are the least tribal people you’ll ever meet. We’re not even salty about where things are at or where we are right now. We are very live and let live. We are very much about making the best of what you’ve got. We always do that. We’re grateful where we are at. This whole experience of being independent in the world and market we’re in, the information we’re acquiring all over the country and world has been invaluable.This is not experience or information we could have acquired without being independent. We’ve learned a lot about different markets, in wrestling and entertainment that we would not have been able to learn had we been inside the machine. Believe me when I tell you, and I think Scarlett will tell you the same, we’re very happy where we are at. I can tell you maybe we would not have been if the audience did not come with us.I understand some people with how they perceive the world and their reality of what is going on through their newsfeed, if we’re not being shoved down their throats in their feed, maybe they think we’ve disappeared.But let me tell you, we’re in two or three major cities every weekend and thousands of people come to see us whether it’s comic cons or conventions, independent wrestling shows.The amount of love and support we are getting from the wrestling audience or people who just enjoy entertainment stuff has been overwhelming. Truthfully, I thought it may have simmered back a little bit a few months ago. It hasn’t. It is actually getting bigger and growing.”
Kross’s reflections reveal a mindset focused on growth and acceptance, highlighting the unique experiences and knowledge gained by working independently. Traveling across various markets and participating in conventions and independent wrestling events has expanded their reach and deepened their connection with fans.
Choosing Freedom Over Contracts: Kross and Scarlett’s Perspective on Wrestling Opportunities
After multiple engagements with WWE, both Karrion Kross and Scarlett have consciously decided not to rush toward signing new major company contracts. Their present focus remains on enjoying wrestling on their own terms within the independent scene. Scarlett emphasized this outlook during interviews, stating that their priority is finding the best stories to tell and having genuine enjoyment in their craft rather than seeking immediate corporate affiliation.
Scarlett: “We are also not desperate for a contract. We weren’t sure if we wanted to jump straight into another major company. The thing is we are enjoying ourselves right now that we realized what we are looking for is the best story and having the most fun.Wherever we go, as long as we’re enjoying ourselves and telling a great story and the audience is enjoying themselves, that’s where we want to be.”
Kross added that working on an appearance-by-appearance basis has provided significant mental relief and allowed them to build trust with various wrestling organizations. This arrangement fosters mutual respect and confidence, as companies know they can rely on Kross and Scarlett’s commitment without concerns about exclusivity or conflicts with other promotions.
Kross: “Showing up on an appearance basis has not only been good for us mentally. We’ve been able to develop a sense of trust with companies we’re working for, being able to tell them we’re going to commit to the things we’re saying and follow through with them. I’m not misrepresenting companies.A lot of companies like to lock people down because they are concerned about the behavior or going somewhere else or losing equity under the management elsewhere. We’ve been able to foster trust and equity with these companies we are working with, and this has been awesome.”
This approach contrasts with the traditional, often restrictive exclusive contracts typical of major wrestling promotions. By maintaining flexibility, Kross and Scarlett are capitalizing on opportunities to shape their careers on their own terms while nurturing strong professional relationships.
Potential Return to Wrestling’s Larger Stages: Exploring Opportunities with AAA and WWE Affiliates
While currently thriving independently, Karrion Kross has expressed openness to certain types of collaborations that maintain his independence but connect him with larger wrestling entities. He has specifically mentioned a willingness to appear in AAA, a promotion tightly linked to WWE through its creative leadership, including wrestling figure Konnan, with whom Kross shares a close relationship. This connection could offer Kross a way to participate in WWE-related shows without being directly contracted by WWE itself.
Other Wrestling Industry Updates Reflecting the Current Landscape
The professional wrestling world continues to experience shifts and challenges involving prominent figures and companies. Discussions about former champions rising through the ranks and rumors surrounding Triple H’s career trajectory suggest dynamic changes within WWE’s leadership and talent roster. Meanwhile, Brock Lesnar remains at the forefront of high-profile matchups, including teased “big money fights” with emerging stars from recent WWE events like the Royal Rumble in January.
Behind the scenes, WWE convened an emergency meeting to address concerns related to the upcoming WrestleMania 42 event, demonstrating the high stakes and constant pressure surrounding flagship wrestling shows. Simultaneously, WWE legend John Cena, having completed his Farewell Tour in 2025, continues his involvement with WWE under an ambassadorial role, receiving praise from top figures in AEW, further highlighting his enduring influence on the sport.
Meanwhile, speculation centers on AJ Styles’s future, with debate over whether he has retired from wrestling entirely or just from WWE. AEW continues to bolster its presence internationally, confirming a scheduled return to England and promotions promising even greater achievements from current champions anticipated at events like Grand Slam Australia.
The Broader Impact of Karrion Kross’s Independent Path
Karrion Kross’s success as Killer Kross on the independent circuit embodies a broader trend of former WWE talents finding alternate routes to maintain and grow their wrestling careers beyond mainstream platforms. His journey alongside Scarlett illustrates how embracing independence allows athletes to gain fresh perspectives, access diverse audiences, and build meaningful connections in multiple markets. This approach not only sustains their relevance but actively expands their fanbase and professional opportunities.
With thousands attending shows in major cities nationwide and growing support from fans who appreciate their storytelling and athletic performances, Kross’s model signifies a promising shift in how wrestlers can manage their careers amid an evolving industry. For fans and promoters alike, Karrion Kross independent wrestling represents a vital and vibrant component of the wrestling ecosystem poised for continued growth in the years ahead.
