Former WWE star Killer Kross recently opened up about the passionate “We Want Kross” chants that erupted from fans after he left WWE, highlighting the unique connection he formed with the audience despite his backstage challenges. Speaking candidly with Wrestling Life, Kross shared insights into his WWE exit, the impact of fan support, and his future outlook in professional wrestling.
The Rise of the “We Want Kross” Chants
The “We Want Kross” chants became a defining moment for Killer Kross during the tail end of his WWE contract — a chant born organically from fans during live WWE events. Kross explained that this was a rare instance where the crowd’s demand felt genuine and powerful, showing their deep appreciation for his character and in-ring style. However, he revealed a frustrating truth: WWE officials instructed him not to acknowledge these chants on television, a directive that left him feeling sidelined and underutilized creatively.
“I was told by several people not to acknowledge it, which felt wrong. This happened organically through a series of events,” Kross said, reflecting on how the company’s handling contrasted with the fan enthusiasm he was receiving[1]. This strange dynamic underscored a disconnect between WWE’s booking plans and fan sentiment.
Behind the Scenes: Contract Talks and Creative Plans
Kross detailed a growing sense of disappointment during his contract negotiations with WWE. After multiple attempts to re-sign, he felt the company’s offer did not reflect a meaningful conversation or genuine interest. His contract officially expired in August 2025, marking the end of his second WWE run.
“I was really f–king angry about how things played out,” Kross admitted to Bleacher Report, underscoring the emotional toll of WWE’s indecision[1]. Sources close to company creative revealed that major WWE story ideas involving Kross were scrapped shortly after SummerSlam 2025, contributing to his fading presence on television. He was even pulled from the 2025 Royal Rumble lineup, a decision he said made him realize his role was shrinking backstage and on-screen[2].
According to a WWE insider, the company was uncertain about how to use Kross amid shifting creative directions, which led to inconsistent booking despite his growing popularity[2]. This uncertainty contributed to Kross’s decision to walk away and reclaim his professional persona outside WWE.
Kross’s Message to Aspiring Wrestlers
In his interview with Instinct Culture, Kross shared motivational advice geared towards wrestlers feeling overlooked or undervalued: use setbacks as a fuel to improve. “If you want to prove them wrong, let that light a fire under your ass and prove them wrong,” he said[2]. He emphasized continual self-improvement, whether it’s polishing promo skills or refining wrestling abilities, encouraging perseverance in the face of adversity.
Kross’s journey, having been released, re-hired, and then leaving on his own terms, offers a message of resilience. He believes bigger opportunities await, sharing a hopeful intuition: “I do have a feeling that bigger things are coming. In my gut, in my soul, I feel it”[2].
Life After WWE: Independent Scene and Future Prospects
Since departing WWE, Killer Kross and his wife Scarlett have returned to the independent wrestling circuit. Scarlett also plans to resume her in-ring career[2]. Their first public appearances post-WWE include autograph signings and live fan interactions, such as the announced upcoming appearance at The Big Event NY’s “EXS Entertainment x Sports Expo” set for November 2025[3].
Industry observers speculate that Kross’s powerful fan base and merchandise popularity position him well for a return to a major promotion, whether AEW, Impact Wrestling, or elsewhere. Sources close to talent management indicate that several companies have expressed interest in signing him, given his proven ability to connect with audiences and his dynamic in-ring style.
Backstage Reactions and Industry Perspective
According to a WWE insider familiar with Kross’s tenure, “He brought a different intensity that fans gravitated towards, but creative struggles and corporate hesitancy held him back. It’s rare to see that kind of genuine crowd reaction and not capitalize on it fully.” This insider believes WWE’s cautious approach contrasted sharply with the audience’s enthusiasm[1][2].
Meanwhile, wrestling journalists note that support from fans chanting “We Want Kross” is emblematic of how grassroots fan movements can influence on-screen storytelling—yet sometimes collide with company visions and politics.
The Importance of Authenticity: Kross’s Philosophy
In his exclusive interview with Wrestling Life, Kross stressed the importance of staying true to oneself amid the pressures of a big corporate environment like WWE: “The most important thing is being true to who you are, no matter what the company wants you to be.” He acknowledged that his willingness to walk away from WWE as “Karrion Kross” was about reclaiming creative control and personal identity[5].
This philosophy resonates with many performers who face challenges balancing personal authenticity with company mandates. Kross’s post-WWE career appears to embrace this freedom, as he experiments with character work and direct fan engagement beyond scripted TV.
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Sources close to the wrestling industry confirm that Killer Kross’s departure from WWE was as much a creative and personal decision as it was contractual, underscoring his resolve to follow the fans’ voice rather than the company’s restrictive directions.