Karrion Kross, a WWE superstar known for his recent surge in popularity and a shift in character, faces an uncertain future as his WWE contract nears its expiration. The WWE contract status and future of Karrion Kross has become a hot topic among both wrestling fans and industry insiders, especially as discussions about a potential new deal have yet to begin.
WWE’s Recent Wave of Releases Fuels Concerns Over Karrion Kross
In recent years, WWE has developed a reputation for shocking its audience with high-profile releases, cutting even well-known wrestlers from its roster. The past year has seen almost 40 wrestlers—including names like Braun Strowman, Carlito, and R-Truth—let go, though R-Truth later returned at Money in the Bank. This track record has left fans uneasy, worried that more cuts may be on the horizon. Karrion Kross is now rumored to be one of those potentially at risk, despite his growing momentum among the live audience.
Kross was previously released in 2021 but was brought back after Triple H took charge of the company’s creative direction. At first, the fanbase seemed indifferent to his return, even as Triple H backed him more than many others. Gradually, Kross built a stronger relationship with the audience, though many feel he continues to be overlooked when it comes to regular television time. WWE has shown that strong fan demand can sometimes shift a wrestler’s standing, and currently the arena response for Kross is notably high.
Karrion Kross Nears the End of His WWE Contract With No Negotiations Started
Recent reports—including from Fightful Select—indicate that Karrion Kross’ current deal with WWE will soon run out. Perhaps most troubling is the fact that no contract renegotiations have begun, which is surprising for WWE, as the company is known to open discussions months before deals end. Such inactivity rarely bodes well for a wrestler’s future with the organization, even though rare exceptions exist.
Kross, who turns 40 soon, does not have the resume of main eventers such as Roman Reigns or Seth Rollins. His main roster stint has so far been unremarkable from both a storyline and championship perspective, leaving him overshadowed despite his talents. However, in a twist, his recent surge in popularity contrasts sharply with the company’s apparent lack of interest in extending his contract. Audience reactions during shows and his growing online support highlight how much momentum he has, yet that has not translated to reassurance from WWE’s side.
Many fans are convinced his exit might be impending, especially since he is yet to be re-signed despite being “over” with the live crowd. This disconnect has intensified criticism of the current WWE regime, particularly as Triple H brings in fresh names and tries new directions with the roster.
A Divisive Past: Karrion Kross’ Journey in NXT and Main Roster Struggles
Karrion Kross joined WWE in 2020 and quickly moved to the NXT brand, where he captured the NXT Championship by defeating Keith Lee within his first few months. Despite suffering an injury, he returned and reclaimed the title, beating Finn Balor at Stand & Deliver in 2021 to become a two-time champion. Triple H, then overseeing NXT, seemed to have faith in Kross’s potential as a top heel, but much of the fanbase disagreed, citing a lack of standout matches or unique presence beyond his ominous entrance and intimidating look.
Critics argued he was pushed too rapidly and did not possess the elusive “it” factor. This skepticism followed him to his main roster debut, where a surprising loss to Jeff Hardy—a decision credited to Vince McMahon—damaged his credibility. At the time, Kross was still NXT Champion and had not lost via pinfall in WWE, making the sudden defeat all the more jarring and eroding faith in his WWE future.
His fortunes worsened when WWE repackaged him with a gladiator-themed costume and removed Scarlett, his popular on-screen manager and real-life wife, from his side. The new look was widely panned, further diminishing his character’s standing. By November 2021, both Kross and Scarlett were released from WWE, ending their first run within the company on a low note.
A Turnaround in 2025: New Persona, New Opportunities
When Karrion Kross returned in August 2022, he reignited hope among certain segments of the fanbase by attacking Drew McIntyre and hinting at a main event heel push on SmackDown. Yet, this momentum faded as his on-screen presence dwindled. He eventually formed a faction known as The Final Testament and entered into storylines with groups like The Wyatt Sicks and wrestlers such as the Street Profits. It was only after this group disbanded that Kross appeared to finally reinvent himself and catch on with the wider audience.
This year, Kross developed a new persona focused on mind games and psychological manipulation, targeting notable WWE stars such as The Miz, Kofi Kingston, Xavier Woods, and AJ Styles. His character’s ability to sway and unsettle fellow competitors won him respect for his promo work and creativity, particularly after a memorable segment during the WrestleMania 41 Recap Show and a confrontation with Logan Paul on X.
Despite his improved reputation and notable presence online, Kross’s main roster matches remain sporadic. In 2025 so far, he has only competed in two televised matches across Raw and SmackDown, including an appearance in the Andre the Giant Memorial Battle Royale. Fans inside arenas regularly voice their support, eager to see more of him on screen and frustrated by how little he has been used in ongoing storylines.
Throughout these ups and downs, the WWE contract status and future of Karrion Kross continues to spark debate. The fact that the company has not locked him into a new deal despite strong crowd reactions, merchandise sales, and positive reviews for his current heel gimmick has fueled criticism of WWE’s booking strategy under Triple H. Observers point out that Kross is excelling at what he is given, ticking every box short of technical wrestling dominance, but still finds himself without backing from management as he nears free agency.
What’s Next for Karrion Kross and WWE?
With half of 2025 gone and WWE’s history of abrupt roster cuts hanging over the discussion, Karrion Kross’s future remains in limbo. If WWE allows his contract to expire without renewal, it may be seen as further evidence that even popular superstars—and those who consistently engage live crowds—are not safe if they do not fit into the company’s future creative plans. Fans, already critical of how talents like Kross have been managed, are likely to view his potential departure as a sign that audience reaction alone may not drive corporate decisions.
As the WWE contract status and future of Karrion Kross comes to a head, attention will remain on whether management responds to the groundswell of support both online and in arenas across the country. If not, it could mark the end of a contentious and conflicted chapter in Kross’s WWE journey, while raising fresh questions about how the company balances new directions, talent investment, and the will of its fans.
