Karrion Kross WWE Release Sparks Industry Uncertainty, AEW Interest

Karrion Kross's departure from WWE after SummerSlam, stemming from non-renewal of his contract, has sparked widespread discussion in the wrestling community. Former WWE writer Vince Russo affirmed that Kross's public interviews, including one with Ariel Helwani, convincingly showed the situation was not a scripted angle but a genuine release, with Kross revealing he was given only 24 hours to accept a new deal before the offer was rescinded. Russo emphasized that AEW's Tony Khan has a rare opportunity to capitalize on Kross's availability to attract WWE viewers by making him a central figure, but hesitance persists due to uncertainty over whether the release is legitimate or part of a storyline. Russo and other wrestling veterans suggest that AEW and other promotions are cautious about signing Kross until his intentions and future become clear. WWE has remained silent on the matter, while Kross and his partner Scarlett Bordeaux have begun taking independent bookings, keeping fans hopeful for a possible return or new chapter. The situation highlights the complexities behind wrestling contract negotiations and the strategic moves promotions consider in talent acquisition.