Just as the Karrion Kross WWE push controversy seemed to hit its peak among fans and wrestling insiders, a new and unexpected reason behind the star’s lack of top-tier opportunities has emerged, adding to speculation about his future with the company. While Kross has a wave of supporter enthusiasm driving him, backstage developments suggest issues beyond fan response are influencing the company’s decisions.
Fan Backing Fails to Impact WWE’s Stance on Kross
Karrion Kross has seen a marked increase in fan backing, especially following his candid and explicit response after being overlooked as Randy Orton’s opponent at WrestleMania. Despite this outpouring of public support, Kross has struggled for prominent television slots and consistent booking. His only imminent main event appearance is scheduled for Night of Champions, facing Sami Zayn—a match built on Zayn’s frustration with Kross’s persistent psychological warfare.
As speculation circulated about Kross’s WWE contract potentially expiring late this summer, some believed his limited exposure was tied to contractual uncertainty. But new information suggests a deeper, less visible obstacle is at play within WWE’s evaluation of Kross as a featured performer.
Unusual Hurdle: Alleged Reluctance to Take Bumps
On a recent episode of the PWTorch post-Raw podcast, wrestling analyst Wade Keller pointed out an uncommon reason that may be hampering Kross’s progress: an alleged unwillingness to take flat back bumps in the ring. This detail may explain why WWE management appears reluctant to commit to elevating Kross despite his fanbase and imposing persona.
I talked about this when he was all the rage in NXT and coming out of TNA. I was like, ‘wrestlers are telling me when he gets to the main roster, nobody’s gonna put up with the fact that he doesn’t take bumps.’ He’s scared to bump. He doesn’t flat back bump. I don’t know if he’s got an injury or a concern.[Kross] favours one side, which can cause an injury, so I don’t know if he has a pre-existing condition or he’s just not comfortable taking bumps. I don’t know, I don’t have the inside story on that. But I know wrestlers who I chat with about things when I want wrestlers’ insight are like: ‘Oh right, Wade, you’re right when you say Karrion Kross won’t be a big star on the main roster, but one of the reasons you are missing out is just watch his next match. He just doesn’t really take bumps.It’s not that he’s slow or plodding, or he’s not that tall compared to the rosters in TNA and NXT, where his gimmick kinda he needs to be taller than his opponent to make up for the fact that he’s not creating movement. Lot of things are working against him. But, all that said, I find this current character delightful.
This direct observation from Keller—reflecting conversations with WWE wrestlers—suggests concern from veterans regarding Kross’s in-ring performance and potential injury risk. According to Keller, there are whispers backstage that Kross either cannot or will not perform some of the most basic, physically demanding spots necessary to maintain credibility as a top-tier talent. The suspicion is that he favors one side of his body, which can create further risk of injury.
Keller’s commentary highlights that while Kross’s lack of willingness is not due to speed, stature, or style, the current combination of limited bumping and an over-reliance on character presence could be severely restricting his trajectory. Notably, Keller’s insider sources have long said that main roster stars are less likely than NXT or TNA rosters to accept those who refuse the physical commitment required in standard matches.
Tensions Rise as Other WWE Figures Make Headlines
The negative attention surrounding Karrion Kross’s push arises even as WWE continues to be a hotbed for shifting dynamics among other top stars. For example, Randy Orton is set for what could be a record-breaking appearance at WWE SummerSlam, a testament to his reliability and willingness to endure tough matches—a factor possibly serving as an unspoken standard among management. Sami Zayn, who will face Kross at Night of Champions, is another example of a star who has relied on both character work and physical willingness to achieve status in high-profile matches.
Meanwhile, Drew McIntyre remains on hiatus, Liv Morgan’s injury has disrupted significant title plans, and Tiffany Stratton is preparing to defend her championship against Nia Jax. WWE has always prioritized complete in-ring performance, accepting risk and resilience as prerequisites for main event status, as evidenced by stars like Cody Rhodes and Seth Rollins, who continue to be pegged for major rivalries.
Elsewhere, Joe Hendry’s transition to career aspirations outside wrestling and Stephanie Vaquer’s delayed entry into WWE further illustrate the volatility and unpredictability of WWE’s roster strategies. These constantly shifting narratives further intensify scrutiny when a star such as Kross seemingly fails to meet backstage expectations, casting the entire “Karrion Kross WWE push controversy” into a harsher spotlight.
What Lies Ahead for Karrion Kross and WWE’s Approach
The emergence of internal concerns over Karrion Kross’s in-ring approach adds urgency and frustration for fans hoping for his breakthrough, while complicating the ongoing discourse over his value to WWE. If the reluctance to take bumps remains a sticking point, company officials may continue to sideline Kross in favor of performers seen as dependable both in performance and physicality.
Given WWE’s history and current landscape—where durability, willingness to perform the full scope of in-ring action, and adaptability drive star-making decisions—Kross’s immediate prospects look uncertain. All eyes are now on Night of Champions, where his match with Sami Zayn could serve as a proving ground or provide further fuel for the controversy. Fans, wrestlers, and insiders alike are waiting to see if the situation will prompt Kross to adapt, or if WWE will stay the course and invest in those stars whose reputations remain unquestioned in terms of risk-taking and commitment to the art of wrestling.
This episode highlights the tense, often precarious nature of climbing the WWE ladder, where fan support alone cannot guarantee a push, and character work must be matched by physical commitment. Whether Karrion Kross ultimately overcomes these backstage doubts—or remains a case study in lost momentum—remains one of WWE’s most charged storylines heading into the coming months.
