Former WWE head writer Vince Russo recently discussed the backstage politics affecting Karrion Kross and Sami Zayn, highlighting a personal rivalry between the two wrestlers. Russo suggested that internal favoritism played a significant role in how the two competitors were booked, with Kross reportedly receiving unfavorable treatment despite his evident talent.
Sami Zayn’s Unexpected Victory Over Karrion Kross at Night of Champions
At the Night of Champions event in Saudi Arabia, Sami Zayn scored a surprising victory against Karrion Kross. During their intense one-on-one match, Kross initially dominated, but Zayn secured the win in a result that shocked many fans. This outcome raised questions about the decision-making behind the scenes and fueled speculation about the reasons behind Kross’s booking.
Russo Discusses the Impact of Backstage Favoritism on Wrestlers’ Careers
On the podcast BroDown, hosted by Mac Davis, Vince Russo claimed that Sami Zayn was receiving preferential treatment due to his backstage relationships, which left Karrion Kross marginalized. Russo argued that casual viewers would likely see Kross as the bigger star, but WWE’s internal politics prevented him from being booked accordingly.
“That is the politics of professional wrestling. Sami Zayn is in favor, and Karrion Kross is not. It’s that simple, bro.” He continued, “Hundred percent of a hundred people would say Karrion Kross is the star. Their roles are flipped because Zayn’s in favor and Kross is not. It’s that simple.” [27:37 onwards]
This statement highlights the tension and frustration surrounding Kross’s position in WWE programming, as backstage dynamics reportedly influence storyline directions and character pushes.
Recent Developments in the Kross-Zayn Rivalry on RAW
Following their Night of Champions encounter, Karrion Kross attacked Sami Zayn backstage on RAW, targeting his ribs and compromising Zayn’s ability to perform at full strength in a later tag team match. This incident intensified their ongoing feud and added a physical edge to their rivalry, further engaging fans in the storyline.
Backstage Politics’ Role in Shaping WWE Narratives
Vince Russo’s insights shed light on the challenges faced by wrestlers like Karrion Kross who might be overlooked despite their talent, due to internal favoritisms within WWE. This backstage politics shapes how wrestlers are portrayed and booked, affecting their career trajectory and fan perception. The ongoing feud between Kross and Zayn serves as a clear example of how these dynamics play out on screen and behind the scenes, leaving fans eager to see how the situation will unfold next.
