Karrion Kross continues to be a central figure on WWE Monday Night RAW, embroiled in a fierce rivalry with Sami Zayn that has drawn significant attention throughout 2025. This ongoing conflict has combined psychological warfare and brutal physical encounters, but despite Kross’s strong in-ring performances, there are claims of WWE undermining his momentum and star potential, a situation referred to as the “Karrion Kross <a href="https://cynicaltimes.org/category/wrestling-news/wwe/raw/”>WWE RAW Burial.”
Escalating Feud Between Karrion Kross and Sami Zayn
The intense rivalry between Karrion Kross and Sami Zayn began as a cerebral battle early in the year before turning intensely violent. Kross has frequently targeted Zayn with psychological tactics, culminating in a high-profile match at Night of Champions where Zayn managed to secure an initial victory. However, the rivalry did not conclude there.
Following Night of Champions, Kross intensified the feud by attacking Sami Zayn with a pipe during RAW and interfering aggressively in Zayn’s tag team matches. This escalation has continued to build tension and intrigue within WWE programming, leading to a heated confrontation on the July 21 episode of RAW, where Kross emerged victorious over Zayn after delivering another pipe attack. The two are now scheduled for a rematch at the upcoming SummerSlam event, making this a cornerstone storyline that mixes brutal physicality with intricate mind games to captivate WWE’s audience.
Criticism Over WWE’s Handling of Karrion Kross’s Character on RAW
Despite Kross’s recent wins and growing fan base, professional commentator Bin Hamin sharply criticized WWE for allegedly diminishing Kross’s impact during RAW broadcasts. In an analysis on WWE SmackDown & Raw Review Clips, Hamin pointed out that WWE has repeatedly provided Kross with minimal and underwhelming television time, which undermines his dominant in-ring persona.
One major issue noted is the consistent cutting or total omission of Kross’s entrance, a key moment to build anticipation and showcase his presence to viewers. Additionally, when Kross appeared to suffer a visible injury during a match, the broadcast sharply cut away, removing any dramatic tension that could have enhanced his character’s intensity and credibility.
“Killer Cross is already in the ring. No entrance,” he said. “Things get sideways. Cross has got color now. We rewind around it like five times. I don’t even know what he hurt his nose on. From that flip in the corner, where it was Sammy’s elbow that hit him, or what? And then we go over. No pop, cut right away. No business afterwards. They couldn’t have cut him any shorter even in his win, to get their stage picture. They do the kiss and there’s no heat afterwards.” [5:43 – 6:27]
In addition to these production choices, WWE’s portrayal of Kross backstage has raised concerns. Hamin criticized segments featuring Kross alongside his real-life wife, Scarlett, arguing these scenes lean more toward lighthearted domestic antics rather than reinforcing Kross as a menacing and formidable competitor. This approach, according to critics, detracts from his serious image and diminishes his character’s mystique.
“And now we’re doing husband and wife hijinks with Killer Cross backstage when they should be natural-born killers. They should be Quentin Tarantino,” he added. [6:47 – 6:57]
Behind the Scenes Implications of Kross’s Limited Booking
Industry insiders suggest the way WWE is handling Karrion Kross might be a deliberate creative strategy designed to frustrate the wrestler and generate backstage tension. This speculation arises from the combination of Kross’s visible booking setbacks on-air and his steadily rising fan support, which should otherwise elevate his standing within the company.
Such restricted exposure and perceived “burial” of Kross’s character may affect his negotiations and contract discussions down the line, as professional wrestlers often respond to creative dissatisfaction by reassessing their career options. WWE’s apparent reluctance to fully capitalize on Kross’s momentum adds a layer of complexity to his future trajectory within the organization.
Upcoming SummerSlam Rematch and Audience Expectations
The scheduled rematch between Karrion Kross and Sami Zayn at SummerSlam remains one of the most anticipated matches for WWE fans this year, promising further escalation in their heated storyline. Given their backstory filled with psychological mind games and violent clashes, the event is expected to draw a large viewership and potentially serve as a pivotal moment for Kross’s career.
However, the backstage and broadcast limitations surrounding Kross raise questions about his long-term push as a top-tier WWE superstar. How WWE chooses to present Kross in the coming months, especially in high-profile events like SummerSlam, will likely have a significant impact on his role within the company’s broader narrative landscape and his relationship with fans.
