From WWE Exit to Indie Gold & Film Glory — The Reinvention of Karrion Kross

Karrion Kross, also known as Killer Kross — is proving there’s plenty of life and opportunity outside WWE. Since parting ways with the company following SummerSlam, the former NXT Champion has thrown himself into both the wrestling scene and filmmaking, making 2025 one of the busiest and most creative years of his career.

Wrestling Life After WWE

When WWE let his contract expire earlier this year, Kross wasted no time carving his own path. On the very day his deal ended, he released a self-produced documentary detailing his emotions and experiences leading up to his departure. That project quickly made waves among fans and colleagues alike for its raw honesty.

Kross also sat down with Ariel Helwani, where he made it clear that while he’d be open to talking with WWE again someday, both sides appear focused elsewhere for now.

In the ring, Kross has been far from idle. He and Scarlett Bordeaux shocked GCW fans at Homecoming on August 23, storming Matt Cardona’s Garage Beer World Title defense against Shotzi while disguised as druids. That interference has already set up their next chapter, with Kross booked to face Cardona at House of Glory on October 10.

Since then, he’s stacked up independent accolades. On September 19, he won DEFY Wrestling’s inaugural Super Heavyweight Cup, and just two nights later, he defeated Richard Holliday in a no-disqualification battle at WrestlePro in New Jersey.

Success Behind the Camera

Kross’ momentum isn’t limited to the squared circle. His film Blue Evening has earned multiple nominations at the Burbank International Film Festival, taking place September 25. The nominations include recognition for directing, cinematography, and acting. Kross stars in the project as Frank, a homeless addict in Los Angeles searching for redemption after discovering an unexpected piece of art.

The film isn’t just a local success story — it’s already secured invitations to additional film festivals in Texas, Oklahoma, and the United Kingdom. Kross himself confirmed he’ll be attending the Burbank festival in person, while also sharing the trailer on X to give fans a glimpse into his passion project.

🗣️ Wrestling.news | Backstage Take

Karrion Kross is rewriting his story on his own terms. WWE may not have fully capitalized on his potential, but he’s proving that both wrestling audiences and the entertainment world want to see more of him. Whether he’s in the ring mixing it up with Matt Cardona or on the big screen earning festival nods, Kross is showing the value of versatility in today’s wrestling industry. His journey is a reminder that sometimes stepping away from WWE can open more doors than it closes.

#IndieNews #KarrionKross