Former WWE standout Karrion Kross recently opened up about the profound impact writing his memoir had on his mental health and personal development. After facing professional setbacks including a WWE release, Kross used the opportunity to share his life story in his book Life Is Fighting, finding healing and self-awareness through the process.
The Genesis of a Memoir: Listening to the Universe
Karrion Kross, known outside the ring as Kevin Kesar, revealed that multiple people independently encouraged him to write a book after hearing about his experiences overcoming adversity. “For three weeks straight, five or six different people told me I need to write a book, and none of them knew each other,” he explained. “The universe was trying to tell me something.” Initially hesitant, Kross doubted opening up about his mistakes and failures would resonate or be worthwhile. He feared exposing struggles with failed relationships and lost opportunities would be a vulnerability too great to share publicly.
However, as he began putting words on the page, Kross experienced a shift in perspective. He recognized a “silver lining in all of these experiences,” realizing that his self-view was often harsher than how others perceived him. He called the writing process “very cathartic” and a “big leap in self-development” that helped him grow both personally and mentally[1].
Writing Beyond Wrestling: The Human Story
Unlike many wrestling memoirs focused heavily on in-ring drama and backstage politics, Karrion Kross intended Life Is Fighting to be about much more than his wrestling career. He described wrestling as “just a part of my life,” emphasizing that the book explores his identity beyond the character of Karrion Kross.
Kesar has shared that playing a wrestling persona offers a protective “safety net,” allowing him to shield the real self behind a character. Writing the memoir was daunting because it meant exposing Kevin Kesar—the man beneath the theatrics. While he remains proud of his wrestling achievements, Kross admits that “I’m just nervous to be me in front of people,” acknowledging the vulnerability required to tell an honest human story[2].
The Memoir’s Emotional Core: Personal and Professional Trials
Much of Life Is Fighting recounts Kesar’s life before his WWE fame, including formative experiences, personal failures, and his relationship with his wife Elizabeth, known to wrestling fans as Scarlett. The memoir delves into the challenges they faced both individually and as a couple, including their unique wedding on an Alaskan glacier after they were both initially released from WWE.
Sources close to Kross reveal that he deliberately kept the narrative centered on his growth and internal battles rather than exploiting WWE drama or name-dropping other wrestlers. This choice helped create a deeply introspective memoir that resonates on a universal level rather than feeling like typical wrestling celebrity fare[3].
Backstage Insights: Wrestling Career and Creative Collaboration
Though the memoir is deeply personal, Karrion Kross continues to be recognized for his creative input in the wrestling world. According to a WWE insider, Kross actively works to elevate the characters and stories the creative team gives him. “He takes a solid framework and builds something intriguing for the fans,” the source shared. “Kross looks beyond just performing; he tries to make each appearance memorable, pushing for moments that grab attention or foreshadow future developments.”
Karrion admits that playing a heel—wrestling terminology for a villain—comes with challenges, particularly when script constraints limit audience reaction. He uses his creativity to inject mystery and intensity in each segment, offering fans a reason to stay engaged[5].
The Road Ahead: Confidence Through Reflection
Karrion Kross’s memoir journey reflects a man who has learned from his struggles and is ready to face the future with newfound clarity and resilience. He acknowledges that his initial WWE release was difficult but that he approached it with a proactive mindset, trying to ensure decision-makers understood how to utilize his character effectively.
“Writing this book gave me confidence to keep fighting,” Kross said. “It confirmed that all the hardships were part of growing stronger. I’m ready for whatever comes next”[1].
In summary, Karrion Kross’s memoir Life Is Fighting is not just a wrestling story but a candid exploration of personal growth through adversity. His candid reflections offer fans and readers an authentic look behind the character, emphasizing healing, self-acceptance, and the ongoing fight both inside and outside the ring. As Kross continues his career, sources say his blend of creative wrestling talent and emotional depth will make him a compelling figure to watch.
“Karrion’s journey from WWE release to writing his memoir has been inspiring,” a WWE insider commented. “He’s harnessed his struggles into something powerful, and it shows in every role he plays now.”