Karrion Kross disclosed that WWE declined his request to participate in an additional event before SummerSlam, which takes place in New Jersey. The focus on Kross WWE SummerSlam request highlights that while he will face Sami Zayn in a high-profile match, fans missed the opportunity to see him compete twice in one weekend.
The Missed Opportunity at Bloodsport XIV
Karrion Kross is scheduled to battle Sami Zayn on Night One of WWE’s SummerSlam, regarded as one of the year’s major wrestling events. However, he revealed on The Ringer Wrestling Show that he had been invited to participate in Josh Barnett’s Bloodsport XIV, held on August 2, but WWE rejected the idea out of concern for potential injury risks ahead of SummerSlam.
“You know, it was funny. I was requested actually for this Bloodsport, but I think the concern of like maybe potentially getting injured before doing SummerSlam, working twice, they shot it down. I was a little bummed about that. I would have loved to have worked twice in one day just for the novelty of being able to say I did two amazing events back-to-back,” he said. [From 1:40:40-1:40:55]
— Karrion Kross
Kross previously appeared at Bloodsport XIII in April, where he defeated JR Kratos despite having a ruptured eardrum from a RAW episode days earlier. This history highlights his willingness to take risks, making WWE’s decision to restrict him from Bloodsport XIV more understandable but also disappointing to the wrestler.
Other WWE Talent at Bloodsport XIV
Although Kross was not permitted to compete at Bloodsport XIV, other WWE talents will be featured during the event. Natalya will face Masha Slamovich, known from TNA, while Pete Dunne will engage in a worked shoot-style match against Jonathan Gresham. Additionally, members of The War Raiders are booked to compete, with Erik versus 1 Called Manders and Ivar taking on Royce Isaacs.
Karrion Kross’s Ongoing Feud with Sami Zayn
Kross’s rivalry with Sami Zayn has intensified over the summer, leading to multiple confrontations. Their first major match occurred at Night of Champions in Saudi Arabia, with Zayn securing the victory. Kross retaliated on an episode of RAW by defeating Zayn through interference involving a lead pipe.
Their conflict culminates at SummerSlam, where Karrion Kross aims to decisively defeat Sami Zayn and force him to acknowledge Kross’s dominance. This showdown is highly anticipated by fans following their heated exchanges and rival matches.
Significance of Kross’s SummerSlam Match and Upcoming Prospects
Karrion Kross’s WWE SummerSlam match against Sami Zayn represents a pivotal moment in his WWE career, as he looks to resolve their intense feud and solidify his position among the company’s top performers. Although WWE chose to minimize his physical risk by denying the additional Bloodsport match, Kross’s commitment to delivering powerful performances remains clear.
SummerSlam’s outcome could influence Kross’s trajectory in WWE storylines and his standing with fans, as he continues to mature as a prominent figure in professional wrestling. Meanwhile, other WWE stars will gain exposure through alternative wrestling events like Bloodsport XIV, maintaining their momentum outside WWE’s sphere.
