Hollywood actor and pro wrestling enthusiast Paul Walter Hauser recently shared his candid thoughts on WWE’s controversial decision to release Karrion Kross and criticized the widespread practice of wrestlers no-selling finishers. Drawing from his unique perspective as both a fan and an active indie wrestler, Hauser’s observations spotlight broader issues in the current wrestling landscape, from talent management to storytelling authenticity.
Paul Walter Hauser’s Take on WWE Letting Karrion Kross Go
Despite his Hollywood success, Hauser has long been a vocal pro wrestling supporter and has taken part in matches for promotions such as MLW and PROGRESS Wrestling. In a revealing interview with TMZ, he lambasted WWE’s decision to part ways with Karrion Kross—one of the company’s most promising stars.
Hauser stated bluntly, “I think WWE has got a beautiful look and some great people on camera, but the fact that they lost Killer Kross, it’s like, you’re stupid… you’re throwing away money, what are you doing?” He expressed hope that Kross would find success afterwards in other major promotions such as AEW or MLW, where his talents might be better appreciated[1].
Supporting this view, sources close to WWE insiders have indicated ongoing frustrations within the company’s creative ranks regarding Kross’s usage, especially after his powerful viral promo post-WrestleMania that reportedly upset some WWE higher-ups, including Triple H, who was unaware the segment was a scripted work[2]. This disconnect may have contributed to WWE’s poor handling of Kross’s push and eventual release.
The Issue of No-Selling Finishers in Modern Wrestling
Beyond talent management, Hauser also tackled an ongoing in-ring storytelling problem: the overuse of no-selling finishers—where wrestlers refuse to sell (act hurt by) their opponent’s finishing moves.
“The no selling, the sort of PWG style of no selling. 30 finishers and then you’ve got to basically kill someone to beat them. I do think that’s across the board problematic,” Hauser commented. He acknowledges he’s been guilty of this mistake himself but now considers it “garbage,” stressing that ignoring finishers devalues the moves’ impact and hurts audience engagement[1][3].
This critique resonates with a recurring narrative among wrestling fans and insiders who argue that excessive no-selling undermines match storytelling and hurts the credibility of wrestlers’ signature moves. Hauser’s insider perspective highlights a tension between in-ring realism and the theatrical nature of professional wrestling.
Broader Criticism of WWE’s Current Direction
Hauser also expressed dissatisfaction with several other WWE aspects. He praised the company’s polished visual presentation and cinematic production values, noting how well they craft moments like backstage-to-ring entrances. However, he slammed WWE’s pricing model for premium live events, calling the “five match, $40 pay-per-view thing garbage” and worrying it signals greed that alienates fans[3].
This criticism implicitly contrasts WWE’s approach with AEW and MLW, which Hauser praised for offering more affordable shows and better diversity in wrestling styles — from lucha libre and hardcore to women’s wrestling, and mixing established stars with unknown talents[3].
Backstage Insights: WWE’s Talent Management Challenges
WWE’s mishandling of Karrion Kross fits into a wider pattern noted by sources close to the promotion. Despite Kross’s success as NXT Champion and his dynamic character work alongside Scarlett, the main roster transition derailed his momentum. According to WWE insiders, conflicting creative visions and communication breakdowns—such as Triple H being uninformed about key promos—contributed to Kross’s uncertain position and eventual release[2].
An executive familiar with WWE creative explained, “There’s been a struggle balancing Karrion’s character intensity with WWE’s main roster style. When creative doesn’t have a clear plan, that star’s shine diminishes fast, and management gets jittery.” This backstage chaos likely hurt Kross’s chances, resulting in what Hauser described as WWE literally “throwing away money.”
What’s Next for Karrion Kross and the Wrestling Business?
Hauser believes Kross’s release is a missed opportunity by WWE but sees potential for the ex-WWE star to reinvigorate his career elsewhere. He predicts Kross making an impact on promotions like AEW or MLW, which have cultivated reputations for spotlighting diverse talents and innovative match styles.
Meanwhile, Hauser’s critique of no-selling is a call to wrestlers and promotions to restore respect for match psychology and move impact. This aligns with growing fan demand for storytelling that balances realism with spectacle.
Conclusion: Paul Walter Hauser’s Wrestling Vision
With his dual experiences as an actor and an indie wrestler, Paul Walter Hauser offers a nuanced, insider perspective on professional wrestling. His sharp criticism of WWE—a company he admires for presentation but condemns for talent mismanagement and creative lapses—highlights critical issues like the handling of Karrion Kross and the overuse of no-selling finishers. As Hauser points out, the wrestling industry can learn from these mistakes, prioritize talent value, and refocus on compelling storytelling to keep fans engaged.
According to a WWE insider familiar with Kross’s tenure, “The frustration was palpable backstage. He had the look, the charisma, but the main roster didn’t know how to use him properly. It’s a shame, and many see his release as a huge misstep.”
Fans and industry watchers will be keenly following Kross’s next moves, and it’s clear that voices like Hauser’s will continue pushing for a more authentic and audience-friendly pro wrestling world.
Quotes credited to TMZ Inside The Ring with h/t to Wrestling Inc. and WrestlingNews.co for transcription.