Karrion Kross has responded to WWE fans who chanted his name during the opening segment of the August 15, 2025, episode of Friday Night SmackDown. During a promo segment involving Sami Zayn and Solo Sikoa, chants of “We want Kross” were audible from the live crowd. Kross, whose WWE contract expired on August 10, acknowledged the chants with a short message on social media, simply writing, “I hear you”. The post is the latest development in a complex situation that has left many in the wrestling world questioning what is real and what might be an elaborate storyline. If you missed it, scroll down to see the clips of the “We Want Kross” chant from SmackDown.
Kross’s Free Agency
The response from Kross comes just days after both his and his wife Scarlett’s WWE contracts expired, making them free agents. WWE subsequently moved both performers to the alumni section of its website, and the pair have begun promoting independent bookings. However, there has been widespread speculation that the departure is part of a WWE storyline, or a “work”, designed to generate buzz and create a massive reaction upon their eventual return.
An Elaborate “Work”?
As noted in the Wrestling Observer Newsletter, the situation has many similarities to the famed Brian Pillman angle from the 1990s, where a legitimate contract release was used to blur the lines of reality. The report notes that if Kross’s free agency is a storyline, the goal would be to have fans “push it on social media, get upset, chant his name at shows… and then they bring him back for the big reveal.” This theory is supported by the fact that, at press time, WWE was still selling Kross merchandise that was not marked down for clearance, which is standard procedure for departing talent. The report also adds that even those high up in WWE have claimed they legitimately do not know the real story.
Kross Insists His Departure is “Real”
Despite the persistent speculation, Kross has publicly maintained that his situation is legitimate. During a recent appearance on The Ariel Helwani Show, he provided a detailed timeline of his final contract negotiations. He stated that after months with no discussions, he received an offer on August 5, but the company was “unwilling to provide” information on how they arrived at the valuation. “They told me I had 24 hours to agree to the offer or they were rescinding it,” Kross said, adding that the offer was indeed rescinded the next day. He also claimed that Scarlett was not given a new offer and that her future was tied to his signing.
A Desire to Stay with WWE
In the same interview, Kross expressed a strong desire to remain with WWE, a sentiment that many observers believe a true free agent would not state publicly. “The goal has always been to be with WWE. My wife and I still want to be with WWE. I’m still at the table for conversations,” Kross said. He acknowledged the confusing nature of the situation, stating, “This seems so nonsensical to people. Believe me, I also think that this makes no sense. This is baffling to me, too… I’m waiting at the table to finish discussing the things that we never got a chance to discuss.”
Fan Reactions and WWE’s Response
The fan response has been a key component of the story. While expected chants did not materialize at the Raw taping in Quebec City, “We Want Kross” chants were heard at SmackDown and fans have brought signs to shows to show support.
Kross has stated that he believes other promotions have not contacted him because they, too, think his free agency is a work. For now, he and Scarlett are selling their own merchandise and are advertised for independent wrestling appearances.
The situation remains one of the most talked-about topics in professional wrestling. Whether Kross and Scarlett are truly free agents navigating their next career move, or if this is all part of a larger WWE plan, remains to be seen.
Cánticos de "We Want Kross" durante el segmento de Solo Sikoa. Tímidos, pero ahí están. Ahora sí. #SmackDown pic.twitter.com/c2RqzVUAM0
— LuigiWrestling (@LuigiWrestling) August 16, 2025
I hear you.
👊🏼⏳🙏🏼
— Kevin Robert Kesar (@realKILLERkross) August 16, 2025
