Karrion Kross has recently gained increased television exposure after a period of lackluster bookings, appearing prominently in a bitter feud with Sami Zayn. Their rivalry reached a climax during a singles match at WWE Night of Champions in Saudi Arabia, where Kross, despite controlling most of the match, ultimately lost to Zayn in the final moments. Following this, Kross attacked Zayn backstage on the June 30 episode of RAW, signaling that their storyline is poised to continue.
Backstage Politics May Be Affecting Kross’ WWE Position
Former WWE writer Vince Russo discussed Karrion Kross’ situation on the BroDown podcast with Mac Davis, suggesting backstage dynamics could be hindering Kross’ push within WWE. Russo pointed out that Sami Zayn enjoys strong backing behind the scenes, while Kross does not.
“That is the politics of professional wrestling. Sami Zayn is in favor and Karrion Kross is not. It’s that simple, bro. [27:37 onwards]” —Vince Russo, Former WWE Writer
Russo further noted that while casual fans might view Kross as the more impressive star when compared side-by-side with Zayn, WWE’s decision-makers appear to prioritize Zayn’s standing due to his backstage popularity. This reveals the complexities of Karrion Kross WWE backstage politics impacting his trajectory despite his visible in-ring abilities.
WWE Shows Signs of Commitment to Karrion Kross and Scarlett
Speculation about Kross’ future with WWE has been persistent, yet recent developments suggest the company intends to keep him. Both Kross and his wife, Scarlett, have been featured more frequently on television amid their ongoing conflict with Zayn. Additionally, Kross launching new merchandise indicates WWE’s interest in maintaining his presence. No formal announcements about contract renewals have been made to date.

Other WWE Updates Highlight Shifting Landscape
Meanwhile, the WWE roster continues to evolve with multiple storylines in motion. A former two-time WWE Champion is reportedly preparing to retire, adding uncertainty to the company’s star pool. Solo Sikoa, now the United States Champion, has named a new faction, strengthening his position on WWE SmackDown. Fans also await the highly anticipated return of Roman Reigns for a major WWE pay-per-view event, signaling big changes ahead.
Upcoming championship matches include Gunther defending the World Heavyweight Championship against Goldberg at Saturday Night’s Main Event on July 12, 2025, promising ongoing excitement within the title scene. Additionally, a seven-time WWE Champion has secured a new contract, reaffirming commitments among veteran performers.
Insights from WWE Hall of Famer Jim Ross on Commentary
WWE Hall of Famer Jim Ross recently addressed an area where current commentators could improve, emphasizing the importance of storytelling and engagement to enhance viewers’ experiences. His perspective offers a reminder of the evolving nature of WWE’s presentation as it navigates storylines and backstage challenges.
Karrion Kross Remains a Central Figure Amidst Uncertainty
Karrion Kross’ situation underscores the tension between his rising popularity and the influence of backstage politics within WWE. While his recent TV time and merchandise releases point to a long-term role, the ongoing rivalry with Sami Zayn and commentary from insiders reveal continued obstacles. Observers will watch closely to see how WWE balances creative decisions and backstage dynamics affecting stars like Kross moving forward.