WWE Hall of Famer Rikishi spoke candidly on his Off The Top podcast regarding the ongoing discussion about Karrion Kross’ situation with WWE, a topic that fans have been analyzing intensely. He acknowledged that much of the talk surrounding Karrion Kross is likely part of a work, referring to it as speculation fueled by recent events involving other WWE talents.
Insights into Karrion Kross as a Performer and Personality
Rikishi expressed respect for Karrion Kross’ in-ring abilities while admitting uncertainty about his backstage behavior and relationships. He pondered whether Kross is someone who adapts to backstage dynamics or prefers to carve out his own path. Rikishi noted the impact of Seth Rollins in sparking this discussion and said,
“Well, thank you to Seth Rollins for setting it up. Or setting it off, right? Because now everybody — who knows? But at the end of the day, it’s nice to have the fans wondering. I feel, that cat Kross, he’s a good worker. I don’t know how he is backstage. Is he political? Does he play ball, or does he stay in his lane, or is he trying to create his own lane? So I don’t know.”
He added,
“If in case it is, man, I wouldn’t think that they would go that route, because they just did it with Seth Rollins, right? So who knows? I don’t know. Hopefully they can work things out, they’re able to re-sign this cat. I’m a fan of his. For me, I don’t know people personally but when I watched a new talent on TV, all I’m looking at is just the product, how this guy here is able to work. Can he be a plus to the company, and that’s how I feel about Karrion Kross.”
The Negotiation Process and Its Implications for Kross
Rikishi also reflected on the nature of contract negotiations within professional wrestling, emphasizing that this is a normal part of the business. He wished Karrion Kross well amid speculation that he might be leaving WWE and noted the importance of negotiation strategies in such situations.
He remarked,
“Good luck to him. At the end of the day, this is the business of professional wrestling. This is what we go through. It’s called negotiations, you know? So you’ve got to kind of negotiate the right way. And sometimes you might want to take less money just to get in there to prove to them that ‘I’m worth this money that I’m asking for.’ So we’ll see.”
Rikishi also commented on other organizations potentially involved in talks, expressing skepticism about their understanding of WWE’s longstanding business model. He said,
“I’m sure the people in the WWE understands the talent. I don’t know about the TKO, I don’t know about UFC, even if they have anything to do with these type of meetings. Hopefully not, because how can they understand a business that WWE has been standing on well over 100 years, you know. So if anyone knows the boys, it’s WWE.”
Looking Ahead for Karrion Kross and WWE
The ongoing discussions surrounding Karrion Kross WWE negotiation speculation highlight both the competitive and delicate nature of talent relations in wrestling. Rikishi’s insights underscore the complexity of backstage politics, contractual negotiations, and performance evaluation. As fans continue to follow the story, much depends on whether Kross and WWE can reach terms that reflect his value to the company.
