Following the news that Karrion Kross and Scarlett Bordeaux have officially parted ways with WWE, Hall of Famer and former WWE Champion JBL has shared his surprising and optimistic take on the situation. While admitting he was surprised by the departure, JBL believes this is a “huge opportunity” for Kross to become an even bigger star on the independent circuit.
Reports of his contract expiring had circulated for weeks, a situation Kross himself addressed by stating many of the online rumors were untrue. Some people in WWE think he will be back and is part of an angle, while those in the corporate office think it is real. The wrestling world is waiting to see what his next move will be.
A Surprising Departure
Speaking on the latest episode of the Something to Wrestle With podcast with Conrad Thompson, JBL expressed his initial surprise at the news, citing Kross’s popularity with the fans and his strong merchandise sales as reasons why he expected him to be re-signed.
“I’m surprised with you. I didn’t know how I’d play out. I thought they’d probably resign him. I mean, you got crowds chanting, ‘We want Kross.’ You got merchandise sales that are very good for Karrion. So I don’t know.”
Kross’s connection with the live audience has been undeniable, with “We want Kross” chants often breaking out during shows. His unique character and presentation have made his merchandise a consistent seller on WWE Shop, making the company’s decision not to re-sign him a perplexing one for many observers.
A “Huge Opportunity”
Despite his surprise, JBL sees a massive upside for Kross in free agency. He advised Kross to leverage the viral buzz he has created to build his brand outside of the WWE system, arguing that in the modern era, becoming a star independently can lead to even greater financial success down the road.
“I think Karrion has an opportunity now, and a huge opportunity. There’s never been a better opportunity, Conrad, we mentioned this almost every single week, for people to create names outside of the business… I think that’s what Karrion can and should do. You know, he’s got a very he’s going viral with all this stuff, which is really hard to do, and he’s got the ability to go out there and create a buzz. I think that’s what he needs to do… To me, though, use what you’ve done to become viral, to become a star, and that might mean that you’re working week to week without a contract. That’s unnerving for a lot of people. A lot of people don’t want to do that… To me, I take that viral ability that he has, I try to become a star, a bigger star, he’s already a star, bigger star, and then see what happens. I think the money follows.”
Kross is now one of the hottest free agents in professional wrestling, and fans are eagerly anticipating where he and Scarlett will appear next, with promotions like TNA and AEW as potential landing spots. You can hear JBL’s full thoughts on the latest episode of the Something to Wrestle With podcast, available on all major podcast platforms.
If you use any portion of the quotes from this article please credit AdFreeShows.com with a h/t to WrestlingNews.co for the transcription.
