Following his recent release from World Wrestling Entertainment, Karrion Kross is seeking to establish himself on the independent wrestling scene. After confirming he would no longer be part of WWE, Kross is exploring various ways to stay connected with fans, including creating original social media content, while leveraging his experience as a two-time NXT Champion in the industry.
As Kross transitions away from WWE, many in the wrestling community are watching closely to see how he navigates this new chapter, with comparisons drawn to other former WWE talents who found success outside the company. The focus on Karrion Kross WWE independent career highlights his potential to build momentum without WWE’s backing.
Industry Experts Suggest Kross Could Mirror Matt Cardona’s Independent Success
Jonathan Coachman, a former WWE personality, recently shared insight on Karrion Kross’s future on the indie circuit. Speaking on his podcast Off The Ropes alongside WWE Hall of Famer Mark Henry, Coachman suggested that WWE mishandled Kross’s release despite the wrestler’s strong connection with fans.
Both Coachman and Henry discussed the challenges WWE faces with talent payment structures. Henry speculated that the company’s demand for pay cuts and a hierarchical wage system contributed to the exits of Karrion Kross and Scarlett, as performers choose financial independence over reduced contracts.
“They want people to take pay cuts, and they’re expecting these guys and girls to say, ‘All right, well, you know, I don’t want to go to the other side but I don’t want to be out of work either. So I’ll take the pay cut.’ But guys are now going, ‘You know what? Screw that. I’m just going to take my chance on being out there,’” —Mark Henry, WWE Hall of Famer
Coachman emphasized how over Kross was with the WWE audience before his departure and mentioned the company’s payment system described by Henry as pyramid-like. With one star at the top and others earning less beneath, wrestlers like Kross reach a point where pursuing an indie career becomes more lucrative and creatively fulfilling.
“And I can make more on the indie scene. Karrion Kross might be a guy who can do exactly what Matt Cardona did,” —Jonathan Coachman, Former WWE Personality
Coachman’s comparison to Matt Cardona, previously known as Zach Ryder in WWE, stresses Kross’s potential path of reinventing himself independently, a route Cardona successfully embraced after leaving WWE. This perspective suggests Kross could leverage his notoriety and fanbase in the indie wrestling world to achieve significant success.
Karrion Kross’s Last WWE Appearance and What’s Next for the Wrestler
Karrion Kross’s final WWE match took place during the first night of SummerSlam, where he competed against Sami Zayn as part of a storyline designed to reintroduce him to the pay-per-view audience. Unknown at the time to many fans, this encounter marked Kross’s last appearance with WWE, closing the chapter on his tenure with the company.
Looking ahead, Kross’s departure signifies a critical moment in his career. With his proven ability to engage fans and his creative control over independent content, he stands poised to make a significant impact outside WWE. The wrestling world will be watching closely to see if Kross can replicate the success of others who thrived by taking charge of their independent careers.
