The wrestling world remains divided over the true status of Karrion Kross and Scarlett following their recent exit from WWE. Multiple reports have surfaced that present conflicting narratives, leaving fans and insiders puzzled about whether the couple’s departure is genuine or an elaborate storyline orchestrated by WWE.
On August 10, 2025, Karrion Kross revealed in a detailed YouTube documentary that his WWE contract had expired that very day, effectively confirming his free agent status. Shortly thereafter, Scarlett Bordeaux echoed this announcement through a post on X (formerly Twitter), solidifying their exit from WWE after months of speculation[1][5].
WWE’s Roster Changes Suggest Departure
In tandem with their public confirmations, WWE’s website moved both Kross and Scarlett to the “alumni” section, a significant indicator that the company regards them as former talent[3][4]. Additionally, insider reports from Fightful Select confirmed that both Karrion and Scarlett were removed from the company’s internal roster system. Sean Ross Sapp noted that the duo was initially scheduled to appear on a recent episode of Raw, but WWE abruptly canceled their travel plans[3].
Conflicting Insider Views from WWE Corporate and Creative
While many within WWE, especially on the corporate side without ties to the creative team, are under the impression that Kross and Scarlett’s departure is legitimate, this view is not without dissent. WrestleVotes, a trusted insider account, stated that employees inside WWE’s business division have no storyline information and believe the duo is truly gone[2].
Conversely, longtime wrestling observer Dave Meltzer reported on Wrestling Observer Radio that some individuals inside WWE suspect the entire situation might be a work—a scripted storyline designed to blur the line between reality and kayfabe. Meltzer suggested that the public contract dispute and absence from the active roster could be a narrative to generate buzz and audience engagement[2].
This divergence between WWE’s corporate personnel and creative insiders highlights the complex and often confidential nature of contract negotiations and storyline developments behind the scenes in professional wrestling.
Fan Reactions and the #WeWantKross Movement
Throughout 2025, Karrion Kross and Scarlett have gained increasing popularity with fans and merchandise sales. Kross’s promos and his ongoing feud with Sami Zayn have received particular praise, and a fan-driven “#WeWantKross” movement emerged, reminiscent of past fan campaigns for top stars like Cody Rhodes. During WWE SummerSlam, Kross chants broke out spontaneously, catching even WWE officials off guard[4].
Fans’ vocal support has added fuel to rumors that the apparent contract dispute might be a layered storyline. Kross himself cryptically hinted at this on social media by saying, “They write the scripts… But the fans write the truth,” suggesting some awareness of the blurred lines between reality and performance[4].
What Opportunities Lie Ahead for Kross and Scarlett?
With their WWE contracts expired and free agency confirmed, several promotions have reportedly shown interest in signing Karrion Kross and Scarlett. Fightful reported that companies such as Impact Wrestling (formerly TNA), AAA, Game Changer Wrestling (GCW), Major League Wrestling (MLW), and New Japan Pro-Wrestling (NJPW) are monitoring their status. However, many promotions remain uncertain if the duo’s WWE departure is genuine or temporary due to the ongoing speculation about a possible work[1].
- Impact Wrestling is open to a reunion despite a previously bitter split with Kross in 2019.
- AAA operates under the TKO Group Holdings banner, linked to WWE, complicating contractual possibilities.
- GCW has collaborated periodically with WWE, which might ease negotiations.
- MLW and NJPW have reduced their US shows, making timing and contract deals less predictable[1].
Behind the Scenes: WWE’s Contract Negotiations
Sources within WWE reveal that conversations about contract extensions with Kross and Scarlett were expected months ago, but it remains unclear if formal offers were made recently. Fightful’s reporting indicates that WWE communicated that discussions were forthcoming, though these never fully materialized[3].
The ambiguity of the negotiations and the timing of their removal from Raw travel plans suggests a sudden and possibly contentious split. Whether this was WWE’s decision or the talent’s remains uncertain. This uncertainty is compounded by WWE’s history of blurring scripted storylines with real contract situations, especially under Triple H’s current creative leadership[4].
What Fans Should Watch For Next?
If Karrion Kross and Scarlett are truly free agents, wrestling fans can anticipate announcements of new contracts or appearances in other major promotions soon. Their growing fanbase and high profile make them attractive talents for many companies seeking to boost their rosters.
Alternatively, if WWE intends to use this situation as an extended storyline, fans should watch upcoming WWE programming and social media channels closely for hints of their return.
Final Thoughts
The saga of Karrion Kross and Scarlett’s WWE status remains unresolved with credible reports supporting both their genuine departure and the possibility of an intricate kayfabe storyline. According to WWE insiders without creative involvement, Kross and Scarlett are truly gone, while other insiders, including Dave Meltzer, caution that WWE may be executing a masterful work to generate fan interest[2][3].
What is clear is that the wrestling community will be watching closely as the couple’s next moves unfold, whether that be a high-profile signing elsewhere or a surprising WWE comeback.
Sources used: WWE.com, Fightful Select, Wrestling Observer Radio, WrestleVotes, and various wrestling news outlets as of August 11, 2025.