In the wake of Karrion Kross and Scarlett’s recent departure from WWE, former WCW President and WWE Hall of Famer Eric Bischoff has voiced his hopes that the former NXT Champion signs with TNA (Impact Wrestling), seeing it as a prime opportunity for Kross to revitalize his career and prove the WWE creative team wrong.
Karrion Kross and Scarlett’s exit from WWE became official on August 10, 2025, just days after their last in-ring appearance at WWE SummerSlam 2025, where Kross suffered a loss to Sami Zayn[1]. Despite plans being rumored for Kross to appear on the following Monday Night Raw, those creative ideas were abruptly scrapped without explanation, leading to their sudden departure[1].
According to Kross himself in a candid interview on “The Ariel Helwani Show,” he remains a free agent after WWE pulled a contract renewal offer just 24 hours after extending it. Kross expressed frustration over the lack of transparency regarding the offer’s valuation and metrics justifying it, stating that Scarlett was not offered a new contract at all[2]. He also clarified that his departure is genuine and not part of any storyline, emphasizing that loyalty is a two-way street[4][5].
Eric Bischoff, who helmed WCW during its peak years, weighed in on Karrion Kross’s situation during a recent podcast interview, expressing disappointment over WWE’s loss but optimism about Kross’s future. Bischoff commented that TNA could benefit greatly from adding such a dynamic and powerful performer to their roster:
“Karrion Kross is incredibly talented, and I think he has a lot left to prove outside of WWE. TNA offers a platform where he can reinvent himself and build a new legacy. It’s a win-win,” Bischoff said.
Bischoff’s remarks highlight the ongoing trend of major wrestling figures seeing opportunities for top talents outside WWE, particularly in companies like TNA (Impact Wrestling), which seek to grow by acquiring high-profile free agents[1].
For wrestling fans and industry observers, Kross’s situation is compelling given his turbulent history with WWE. After initially signing in 2020 and becoming a two-time NXT Champion, Kross faced an abrupt main roster transition in 2021 that culminated in a notably short and disappointing match against Jeff Hardy, followed by an initial release the same year[3]. Returning to WWE in 2022, Kross’s push appeared stalled, leading to growing speculation about his future before this summer’s dramatic contract fallout[3].
Multiple reputable sources, including Fightful and Sports Illustrated’s WWE coverage, have detailed the mechanics behind the contract collapse and Kross’s attempts to negotiate terms that he felt reflected his value and contributions[1][2][3]. These reports also confirm that Kross was not in direct contact with top WWE executives like Triple H during negotiations, instead dealing with middlemen, which added to the frustrations[3].
With Kross and Scarlett now free agents, they have already been advertised for independent wrestling conventions and appearances, signaling their openness to explore opportunities beyond WWE[1]. Industry insiders speculate that companies like TNA could soon announce signings that bolster their rosters significantly in response to WWE’s recent talent turnover.
Impact Wrestling, formerly known as TNA, has a rich history of revitalizing careers for wrestlers who leave WWE. If Karrion Kross does indeed sign with the company, it could usher in a new chapter for the enigmatic performer—one where he can showcase the full might of his persona without the creative constraints he reportedly faced in WWE.
Sources close to Kross reveal that, despite the bitterness surrounding his WWE exit, he remains motivated to succeed and reinvent himself on a new stage, a sentiment echoed by Bischoff’s encouragement for Kross to take the helm in TNA and become their flagship star[1].
As of now, no official announcement has been made by Impact Wrestling regarding Karrion Kross’s signing. However, industry buzz and Eric Bischoff’s public endorsement add fuel to the rumors that Kross could be next in line to make a high-profile move to TNA.
Wrestling fans eagerly await further developments as Karrion Kross embarks on this pivotal crossroads in his career. If history and insider commentary are any indication, his next destination outside WWE might be the perfect platform to unleash his full potential and create a new legacy that could rival his past successes.
This report compiles information from Fightful, Sports Illustrated wrestling coverage, The Ariel Helwani Show, and statements from Eric Bischoff and Karrion Kross personally.