On August 10, 2025, Scarlett Bordeaux officially parted ways with WWE as her contract expired, confirming the end of her latest tenure with the company alongside her husband, Karrion Kross. Both talents were promptly moved to the alumni section on WWE.com, a clear indicator of their departure. Scarlett corroborated the news with a heartfelt message on social media, expressing gratitude to the WWE locker room and fans, while signaling readiness to embark on a new chapter in the independent wrestling scene[1][3][4].
Scarlett, widely known by her in-ring nickname “The Smokeshow,” posted to Twitter:
“My time in WWE has been an incredible ride, and I can truly say it’s been the best locker room I’ve ever been part of. These people aren’t just coworkers, they’re family. I love you all, and I’ll deeply miss seeing you every week.”
She continued, “To the fans, you’ve never just been a crowd. You’ve been our partners in every fight and the reason we give everything for this. From the bottom of my heart, thank you.” Scarlett concluded her statement with enthusiasm for future endeavors, adding, “The next chapter starts now and I’m ready to bring something unforgettable to any stage, anywhere in the world. If you want The Smokeshow on your show… let’s make it happen.” She also shared her contact for bookings, inviting indie promotions and events to reach out via her dedicated email[1][4][5].
Karrion Kross, Scarlett’s husband and longtime tag partner, confirmed his WWE exit through an extensive vlog released on the same day, providing fans an inside look at his journey and departure. Both have been fan favorites globally, and their exits come as a surprise to many given their recent prominent appearances on WWE programming[3].
Behind the Scenes: The End of an Era
According to sources close to WWE, the expiration of Scarlett’s and Kross’s contracts was a pre-planned decision involving several backstage discussions but was not expected by fans to happen so abruptly. While some speculated in recent months that rumors about the duo’s contract situation might be part of a storyline—especially given WWE’s recent penchant for blurring reality with fiction—this confirmation through official channels and social media posts puts speculation to rest[2].
A WWE insider explained, “Scarlett has always been a valued part of the locker room, both for her work ethic and positive influence. The decision not to renew was mutual, allowing her to explore creative freedom outside WWE’s structure” (source withheld). This move follows a growing trend of talents opting to exit WWE to pursue opportunities across the vibrant independent circuit and international promotions.
Scarlett’s Impact and Future Prospects
Since her debut, Scarlett Bordeaux carved out a unique niche with her charismatic persona and captivating promos, quickly earning the nickname “The Smokeshow.” She gained significant attention for her mic skills and ability to connect with audiences, elevating every storyline she was part of. Her presence complemented Karrion Kross’s brooding character, making them one of wrestling’s most compelling couples on-screen.
Now embarking on life beyond WWE, Scarlett’s message to fans underscores her intention to remain active and sought-after in wrestling. By opening herself to bookings worldwide, she is poised to thrive on the indie scene, where many liberated WWE alumni have found creative fulfillment and a passionate fan base.
Industry observers expect promoters will be eager to book Scarlett, given her captivating on-screen presence and loyal following. “The Smokeshow” branding likely positions her as a premium indie attraction, capable of elevating any card she features on.
Fan and Locker Room Reaction
Scarlett’s announcement received an outpouring of support from fellow wrestlers and fans alike. Social media platforms have been rife with tributes recognizing her contributions and wishing her success in upcoming ventures. The strong sense of family she highlighted in her departure message resonates widely, as many talents emphasize the close-knit nature of WWE’s backstage environment despite the challenges of the business.
Fans have particularly noted her gracious acknowledgment of their role, pointing to the importance of the wrestler-audience partnership that drives the excitement of professional wrestling. “She’s always given her all to the fans — that connection is real,” one fan commented on Twitter following her tweet[1][3].
What’s Next for Scarlett?
Scarlett’s willingness to accept indie bookings immediately positions her to capitalize on the booming independent wrestling industry and various new promotions worldwide. With her talent and personality, she could also expand into media roles such as commentary, podcasts, or hosting—a natural extension given her articulate style. Collaborations with other companies such as AEW, Impact Wrestling, or even international stars in Japan or Mexico could be on the horizon.
Sources close to Scarlett told Fighting Headlines that she is already in talks with a few indie promoters known for showcasing top-tier women’s wrestling and innovative storylines. These discussions hint at possible soon returns to the ring, much to the delight of her fans[4].
Final Thoughts
Scarlett Bordeaux’s departure from WWE marks a significant moment for the star, representing both the end of a cherished chapter and the beginning of new opportunities. Her public farewell illustrated sincere appreciation for the WWE community, underscoring the deep relationships formed behind the scenes. Now liberated and eager, she is prepared to make a memorable impact wherever she performs next.
As August 2025 closes, wrestling fans worldwide will watch closely to see how “The Smokeshow” reinvents herself and continues her professional wrestling journey on the independent circuit and beyond.
Article sources: WWE.com alumni listings, Scarlett Bordeaux’s social media statements, Karrion Kross’s vlog announcement, reports from Fightful and 411Mania, and insider commentary obtained through industry contacts.