Karrion Kross Expresses Frustration Over Stalled WWE Negotiations Following Contract Expiration

Karrion Kross & Scarlett Bordeaux Officially Free Agents After Contract Expiration – Was It All Part of the Plan?

Stamford, CT – Karrion Kross and Scarlett Bordeaux are no longer under contract with World Wrestling Entertainment. As of this past weekend, both stars have been moved to the company’s alumni page, confirming their departure after contract negotiations failed to yield a new agreement.

The news, initially reported last week, comes as a surprise to many within the wrestling world, particularly given Kross’s recent momentum. He enjoyed a significant merchandise surge earlier this year and a high-profile feud with Sami Zayn culminating at summerslam. Despite this, a new deal failed to materialize by the August 10th expiration date, leaving both performers as free agents.

Kross himself shed light on the frustrating negotiation process in the second installment of his YouTube documentary, “The Killer.” He revealed he first expressed interest in renegotiating his contract back in January, stating, “It’s crazy… preposterous that anyone would think that I wouldn’t want to be here.”

He continued,detailing a lack of substantive conversation for months,culminating in a recent discussion he described as profoundly disappointing. “I’m not going to beg,” Kross stated, emphasizing his value and willingness to remain with WWE. “So many months have gone by and never had a single conversation about it until recently… there wasn’t really anything that was discussed of real substance.”

The timing of the release has fueled speculation amongst fans and industry observers. Some believe the departure could be a carefully orchestrated “work” – a pre-planned storyline presented as reality – similar to Seth Rollins’ controversial “injury” angle leading to his Money in the Bank cash-in at SummerSlam.

Beyond the Headlines: The Shifting Landscape of WWE Contracts & Talent Control

This situation highlights a growing trend in professional wrestling: the increasing power of performers to dictate their own terms. Historically, wrestling contracts were notoriously restrictive, granting promotions significant control over talent. Though, the rise of independent wrestling and choice opportunities, coupled with increased athlete awareness of their market value, is shifting the balance.Kross and Bordeaux’s case underscores the importance of proactive negotiation and clear communication between talent and management.While WWE’s recent success is undeniable, retaining key performers requires a willingness to address their concerns and offer competitive contracts.

The potential for a “work” also speaks to the enduring power of kayfabe – the presentation of staged events as real – in professional wrestling. While transparency is increasing, the element of surprise and narrative complexity remains a vital component of the entertainment.

What’s Next for Kross & Bordeaux?

With their WWE contracts expired, Karrion Kross and Scarlett Bordeaux are now free to explore opportunities across the professional wrestling landscape. Their unique characters and proven drawing power make them highly sought-after commodities.Potential destinations include All Elite Wrestling (AEW), IMPACT Wrestling, or even a return to the independent circuit.

The wrestling world will be watching closely to see where “The Killer” and his enigmatic valet land, and weather their departure from WWE was truly a farewell, or simply a calculated pause.Credit to “Killer Kross” with a h/t to Wrestling Inc. for the transcription.

How might Karrion Kross’s use of social media to address contract negotiations impact the power dynamics between wrestlers and promotions?

Contract Status and Public Statements

Karrion Kross’s future in professional wrestling remains uncertain as negotiations with WWE appear to have hit a significant roadblock following the expiration of his contract on August 8th, 2025. Kross, along with his wife and on-screen manager Scarlett Bordeaux, publicly addressed the situation via social media, expressing disappointment and frustration with the stalled talks.

the core of kross’s statement, posted on X (formerly twitter), centered around a perceived lack of clear interaction and a disconnect between his value to the company and the terms being offered. He emphasized his dedication to WWE and his willingness to re-sign, but only under conditions that reflect his contributions and future potential. Key phrases used included “respect,” “value,” and “future opportunities.”

Timeline of Events Leading to Contract Expiration

the situation didn’t arise overnight. Here’s a breakdown of the key events:

Initial WWE release (november 2021): Kross and Bordeaux were unexpectedly released from WWE in November 2021, a move widely criticized by fans and industry analysts. This initial release stemmed from creative disagreements and a perceived struggle to find a consistent role for the dominant duo.

impact Wrestling & NJPW Success (2022-2023): Following their release, Kross and Bordeaux found success on the self-reliant circuit, notably in Impact Wrestling and New Japan Pro-Wrestling (NJPW). Kross captured the Impact World Championship, solidifying his status as a top-tier talent.

WWE Return (September 2023): WWE re-signed Kross and Bordeaux in September 2023, bringing them back to a hero’s welcome. He was instantly thrust into a high-profile feud with brock Lesnar.

recent performance & Fan Reception: Kross’s second run saw a shift in character and presentation.While initially successful, momentum waned in recent months, despite consistently strong fan engagement.

Contract Negotiations Begin (June 2025): Discussions regarding a new contract began in June 2025, with both sides reportedly expressing initial optimism.

Key Points of Contention in Negotiations

Sources close to the negotiations (as reported by Wrestling Observer Newsletter and PWInsider) indicate several sticking points:

Financial Compensation: Kross is reportedly seeking a significant increase in his salary, commensurate with his proven drawing power and market value.

Creative Control: A major concern for Kross is securing greater creative input regarding his character and storylines. His previous WWE run was often criticized for inconsistent booking.

Scarlett bordeaux’s Role: Kross is adamant that Scarlett Bordeaux be fully integrated into any future plans, not relegated to a secondary or non-wrestling role. Her presence is considered integral to his character and appeal.

Length of Contract: The duration of the proposed contract is also a point of discussion, with Kross potentially seeking a shorter-term deal to maintain leverage and explore other opportunities.

Impact on the WWE Landscape

Kross’s potential departure would leave a void in WWE’s upper-card talent pool. He’s a unique performer with a compelling presence and a dedicated fanbase.

Potential Replacements: Names like Gunther, Bronson Reed, and even a returning Velveteen Dream have been floated as potential replacements to fill the void left by Kross.

Impact on storylines: Several ongoing storylines could be affected, especially those involving potential future feuds with top stars like Cody Rhodes, Seth Rollins, or Drew McIntyre.

Fan Reaction: the WWE Universe is largely supportive of Kross and Bordeaux, and their departure would likely be met with disappointment and criticism of the company’s handling of the situation.

Option opportunities for Karrion Kross & Scarlett Bordeaux

Should negotiations with WWE ultimately fail, Kross and Bordeaux have several viable options:

All Elite Wrestling (AEW): AEW has consistently expressed interest in acquiring top talent, and Kross would be a significant addition to their roster.

NJPW/Impact Wrestling Return: A return to NJPW or Impact Wrestling would provide immediate opportunities for championship contention and high-profile matches.

Independent Circuit: Kross and Bordeaux could continue to thrive on the independent circuit, commanding top dollar for appearances and building their brand.

Other Wrestling Promotions: Promotions like AAA in Mexico or various European wrestling organizations could also be potential landing spots.

The Role of Social Media in Modern Wrestling Negotiations

This situation highlights the increasing influence of social media in professional wrestling negotiations.Kross’s direct communication with fans bypasses traditional media channels and allows him to control the narrative.This tactic is becoming increasingly common among wrestlers seeking to leverage their popularity and influence contract talks. The use of hashtags like #KarrionKross and #ScarlettBordeaux trended on X following his statement, demonstrating the significant fan engagement surrounding the issue.