Following their August 2025 release from WWE, Karrion Kross and Scarlett Bordeaux have officially announced their first independent wrestling appearance, signaling a major return to the wrestling scene outside WWE. The couple is booked for the WrestlePro promotion’s “Killer Smokeshow” event scheduled for Sunday, September 21, 2025, at the Rahway Recreation Center in Rahway, New Jersey[2][3][5].

This marks Kross and Scarlett’s first confirmed in-ring independent dates after their WWE contracts expired on August 10, 2025, and they were not re-signed by the company, ending their second WWE tenure that began in 2022. With their release, both wrestlers entered the free agent market, reportedly commanding a “very high” booking fee, according to Wrestling Observer’s Dave Meltzer; a factor that has limited the number of companies able to afford their services immediately[1].

Confirmed Wrestling Action at WrestlePro

WrestlePro has confirmed that Karrion Kross will compete in a match during the “Killer Smokeshow” event, although his opponent has yet to be announced. Scarlett Bordeaux, a key component of Kross’s presentation and in-ring persona, will also be featured at the show. The event’s tickets and a meet-and-greet opportunity went on sale the evening of August 19, 2025, at 7:00 PM Eastern Time[3][5].

WrestlePro’s announcement dismisses earlier online speculation that their appearance might be more of a signing or promotional event, confirming instead that Kross will step back inside the ring for his first independent wrestling bout within just 10 days after official WWE departure. This is Kross’s first non-WWE match since July 2022, before he re-signed with WWE in late 2022. His last WWE match was at SummerSlam 2025, where he lost to Sami Zayn[3].

Background and Release Details

Karrion Kross and Scarlett’s WWE exit was surrounded by considerable speculation. Reports revealed that WWE delayed contract extension offers until just before the contracts expired, extending only to Kross and not to Scarlett. Upon questioning this, WWE withdrew Kross’s offer altogether, leading to their release[1][4]. Kross publicly confirmed that their departure was not a worked storyline, emphasizing their status as bona fide free agents.

During their WWE run, Kross established himself as a compelling television presence, especially through his feud with Sami Zayn and his striking promo work. Their departure prompted a swell of fan support, with social media campaigns like #WeWantKross gaining momentum, highlighting the disconnect between WWE’s creative direction and crowd responses[4].

Future Outlook

Though it remains unclear if Kross and Scarlett plan to pursue major contracts with other top wrestling promotions such as AEW, NJPW, or Impact Wrestling immediately, their high booking fee suggests a selective approach to their post-WWE careers[1]. Their debut with WrestlePro may act as a launching pad for further independent appearances or negotiations.

Sources close to the couple indicate they remain confident in their brand and in-demand status within pro wrestling circles. According to a WWE insider familiar with recent contract talks, “Kross and Scarlett believe they bring a unique package that WWE undervalued. They are in no rush but expect to remain busy and relevant in the coming months.”

The wrestling world will be keenly watching the WrestlePro event on September 21 to see how Karrion Kross and Scarlett reestablish themselves as major players on the independent scene post-WWE.

This article incorporates information from WrestlingInc, ClutchPoints, Sports Illustrated, ITRWrestling, TheSportster, and Insider sources reporting on WWE contract status and independent bookings as of August 2025.