Kross and Bordeaux Say They’re Not Desperate for Contracts – Prioritizing Fun and Story After WWE

Killer Kross and Scarlett Bordeaux Prioritize Creative Control Over Contractual Obligations

World Heavyweight Champion Killer Kross and Scarlett Bordeaux are charting a new course in professional wrestling, prioritizing creative freedom and fulfilling storytelling over the security of long-term contracts. The duo recently shared their perspectives on their careers following their departure from World Wrestling Entertainment last year.

A Shift in Priorities: Storytelling and Enjoyment

Bordeaux articulated a desire too focus on projects where they can truly enjoy their work and deliver compelling narratives. “We are also not desperate for a contract,” she stated, emphasizing that their current approach allows them to pursue opportunities based on the quality of the story and the enjoyment it provides for both themselves and their audience. This represents a fundamental shift from the traditional wrestling model, where athletes are often tied to exclusive contracts regardless of creative satisfaction.

The Benefits of Self-reliant Appearances

Kross highlighted the advantages of working on an appearance-by-appearance basis. He believes this method fosters a stronger sense of trust with promoters, as they demonstrate a consistent commitment to delivering on their promises. According to Kross, this approach allows them to avoid misrepresenting companies and establishes a foundation of mutual respect and reliability.

Building Trust and Equity in the Industry

The pair’s approach directly addresses a common concern within the wrestling industry: the struggle to balance creative control with the demands of large organizations. Many companies implement stringent contracts to safeguard their investments and prevent talent from abruptly leaving.Kross and Bordeaux contend that their commitment to professionalism and fulfilling obligations has enabled them to build valuable equity and forge strong relationships with various wrestling promotions.

Recent Success: MLW World Heavyweight Championship Victory

Kross’s strategy recently culminated in a significant achievement. He appeared at MLW Battle Riot VIII, entering as the first competitor in the 40-man Battle Riot match and ultimately emerging victorious, claiming the MLW World Heavyweight Championship. This win demonstrates their ability to thrive and succeed even outside of the traditional, contract-heavy framework.

The Evolving Landscape of Wrestling Contracts

The wrestling industry has undergone significant changes in recent years. The rise of independent promotions and the increasing demand for diverse content have created more opportunities for performers to explore different options. A 2023 report by Sportico highlighted the increasing negotiation power of wrestlers and the flexibility of newer contract structures, indicative of a growing movement toward greater athlete autonomy.

Characteristic	Traditional Wrestling Contract	Kross & Bordeaux’s Approach
Contract Length	Typically multi-year	Appearance-based, short-term
Creative Control	Limited	High, prioritized
Financial Security	Guaranteed salary	Variable, based on appearances
Risk	Lower (consistent income)	Higher (income dependent on bookings)

This freedom does come with its share of uncertainty, but for Kross and Bordeaux, the benefits of creative fulfillment and autonomy outweigh the risks.Do you think more wrestlers will adopt this freelance model in the future? And how might this shift impact the overall landscape of professional wrestling?

Share your thoughts in the comments below and help us continue the conversation!

What are Karrion Kross and Scarlett Bordeaux doing next after their WWE contracts expire?

Kross and Bordeaux say They’re Not Desperate for Contracts – Prioritizing Fun and Story After WWE

As their current WWE deals approach expiration next month, Karrion Kross and Scarlett Bordeaux are sending a clear message: they’re not chasing contracts, they’re chasing compelling narratives and genuine enjoyment in their professional lives. This shift in viewpoint, a departure from the often-urgent world of professional wrestling contract negotiations, is resonating with fans and industry observers alike.

The contract Situation: A Timeline

Reports indicate Karrion Kross and scarlett Bordeaux’s WWE contracts are set to expire in March 2026.This news, while not entirely unexpected given their previous stints with the company and subsequent re-signing, has sparked considerable discussion about their future. Their initial run with WWE, while showcasing their undeniable charisma and in-ring ability, was often criticized for inconsistent booking and a perceived lack of creative direction.

Their return in 2023 offered a fresh start, with Kross engaging in a high-profile feud with Brock Lesnar. However, despite moments of prominence, the feeling persists that their full potential remains untapped. The impending contract expiration naturally leads to speculation about potential moves to other promotions like AEW, IMPACT Wrestling, or even exploring opportunities outside of customary wrestling.

A New Philosophy: Beyond the Deal

What’s striking is the couple’s stated attitude towards their next career move. Both Kross and Bordeaux have publicly emphasized that they are prioritizing projects that allow for creative freedom and a focus on storytelling. This isn’t about rejecting financial security; it’s about redefining success on their own terms.

* Creative Control: A key theme in their statements is the desire for more input into their characters and storylines. Past experiences suggest a frustration with being presented in ways that didn’t align with their artistic vision.

* Storytelling Focus: Both are deeply passionate about crafting compelling narratives. They’ve expressed a desire to work in environments where long-term storytelling is valued over short-term gains.

* Enjoyment & Passion: Perhaps most importantly, they’ve highlighted the need to enjoy their work.The demanding schedule and pressures of professional wrestling can be grueling, and finding projects that reignite their passion is paramount.

The Impact of Autonomous Ventures

Prior to and during their WWE runs,Kross and Bordeaux successfully built a strong independent wrestling presence. This experience provided them with valuable lessons about self-promotion, audience engagement, and the importance of owning their brand.

This independent spirit is likely informing their current approach. They’ve demonstrated an ability to draw crowds and generate buzz outside of the WWE ecosystem, giving them leverage and options. Their work on the independent scene, including appearances for various promotions, showcased their versatility and ability to connect with diverse audiences.

What This Means for the Wrestling landscape

Kross and Bordeaux’s stance could signal a broader shift in the wrestling industry. For years, wrestlers have often been perceived as primarily seeking the financial stability and mainstream exposure that WWE offers. However, the rise of choice promotions like AEW, coupled with the increasing importance of personal branding and independent ventures, is empowering talent to prioritize creative fulfillment and long-term career sustainability.

* Increased Competition: The willingness of established stars to consider options outside of WWE increases competition for talent across the industry.

* Emphasis on Creative Freedom: Promotions seeking to attract top-tier talent will need to demonstrate a commitment to creative collaboration and empowering wrestlers to shape their own characters.

* The Power of Personal Branding: Wrestlers who cultivate strong personal brands and engage directly with their fans are better positioned to negotiate favorable deals and pursue diverse opportunities.

Real-World Example: The NJPW Stint

Karrion Kross’s run in New Japan Pro-Wrestling (NJPW) prior to his first WWE signing serves as a compelling case study. He quickly established himself as a dominant force, capturing the IWGP United States Championship. This success demonstrated his ability to thrive in a different wrestling culture and build a strong following independent of the WWE brand. This experience likely bolstered his confidence and informed his current approach to contract negotiations.

Benefits of Prioritizing Story and Fun

For Kross and Bordeaux, prioritizing story and enjoyment isn’t just a philosophical stance; it’s a strategic one.

* Enhanced Performance: When wrestlers are passionate about their work, it translates to more engaging and authentic performances.

* Stronger Fan Connection: Compelling storylines and genuine enthusiasm foster a deeper connection with fans.

* Long-Term Career Sustainability: Focusing on creative fulfillment and personal branding can lead to a more sustainable and rewarding career, even beyond the peak years of in-ring competition.

Practical Tips for Wrestlers Seeking Creative Control

For aspiring or established wrestlers looking to emulate Kross and Bordeaux’s approach, here are a few practical tips:

1. develop a Strong Personal Brand: Cultivate a unique identity and engage with fans on social media.
2. Hone Your Storytelling Skills: Focus on crafting compelling characters and narratives.
3. Network and Build Relationships: Connect with promoters, writers, and other industry professionals.
4. Be Willing to Take Risks: Don’t be afraid to explore opportunities outside of the mainstream.
5. Know Your Worth: Understand your value and negotiate accordingly.