WWE icon Paul Heyman has expressed confidence that the company may have found its next major star in Kross, with the potential to reach the iconic status of Stone Cold Steve Austin or Daniel Bryan if the timing and fan engagement are managed well. Heyman discussed this possibility on The Ariel Helwani Show, emphasizing how Kross’s rise has been driven naturally by the audience rather than forced by WWE.
When asked if the Internet was just trying to generate hype around Kross, Heyman replied,
Oh, they’ve made it a thing.
He highlighted that both online and live audiences have grown deeply invested in Kross, stating,
The audience is calling for him to be a bigger star,
and warned that
If we don’t deliver it on a correct timetable… an impatient audience is going to get behind him even more.
Heyman then speculated on the impact of giving Kross more prominent spots or championship titles immediately. He questioned,
If he were the Intercontinental Champion or U.S. Champion right now, would he have this level of support from the crowd?
Despite this uncertainty, Heyman affirmed that the current momentum behind Kross is genuine and growing organically.
Heyman Draws Parallels Between Kross’s Rise and Steve Austin’s Early Career
Paul Heyman compared Kross’s emerging popularity to the early rise of Stone Cold Steve Austin during the WWE Attitude Era, noting similar grassroots enthusiasm among fans. He also mentioned Daniel Bryan and involved CM Punk in the comparison, illustrating a pattern where the WWE Universe propels a rebellious or fiercely authentic personality to superstardom.
Heyman reflected on how Austin’s rebellious character resonated so powerfully with fans that WWE was compelled to amplify his presence, catapulting him to mega stardom. This scenario, Heyman suggested, could repeat itself if WWE capitalizes on the organic support for Kross and his associate Scarlett.
He stated,
It reminds me of someone else… We’re gonna chant his name, we’re gonna bring his signs, we’re gonna buy his t-shirts. We’re gonna demand that you make him a bigger star. That guy’s name was Steve Austin,
emphasizing the potential cultural and commercial impact if the company nurtures Kross at the right moment.
The Importance of WWE’s Timing and Strategy for Kross’s Future
Heyman’s comments signal an optimistic outlook for Kross, answering concerns among fans about whether the wrestler might soon leave WWE or fade from prominence. Instead, Heyman implies that WWE is strategically waiting for the ideal moment to elevate Kross to a megastar level.
With fan enthusiasm steadily building and comparisons to some of WWE’s most iconic stars, the alignment of WWE’s promotional decisions with this grassroots support will be key to realizing Kross’s full potential. For WWE, this situation underscores the importance of nurturing rising talents with careful timing to create new legends in the industry.
