Former WWE standout Karrion Kross has made it clear that despite his earlier flirtations with bare-knuckle fighting, he has no interest in returning to the combat sport now. The multi-faceted athlete, known for his imposing presence in the wrestling ring, previously came close to joining Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship (BKFC) but ultimately chose to focus on his professional wrestling career after re-signing with WWE.
Karrion Kross’s Early Bare-Knuckle Experience and Near BKFC Deal
Before making his name in wrestling, Kross real name Kevin Kesar had a genuine background in fighting, including unsanctioned bare-knuckle bouts during his younger years. In interviews, he recounted how those raw fights shaped his toughness but also left lasting physical impacts. He described the early bare-knuckle fights as brutal and real, even breaking his hand in one, a testament to the unforgiving nature of the sport.
Around three years ago, after his initial release from WWE, Kross nearly signed a multi-fight contract with BKFC. According to Kross, owner Dave Feldman frequently encouraged him to join their ranks, and their personal connection through Kross’s father helped facilitate talks. The deal was “real, real close,” with Kross attending many BKFC events and seriously contemplating the return to fighting. However, just as things appeared to be moving forward, WWE’s Triple H intervened with a call that led to Kross and his wife returning to WWE within a two-week window.
Why Karrion Kross Walked Away from Bare Knuckle Fighting
Although bare-knuckle fighting remained an option, Kross explained that the energy and risk of returning to such a violent sport gave him pause. His decision to focus fully on wrestling indicates that he sees a clearer, more sustainable future in sports entertainment rather than combat sports. A WWE insider revealed, “Karrion respects his fighting roots but understands the physical toll and uncertainty of bare-knuckle fighting. His priority now is longevity and making a legacy in wrestling”.
This perspective aligns with Kross’s mindset of treating wrestling like a lifelong craft rather than a short-term adrenaline-fueled fight career. His disciplined training approach, which he developed early on, helps him channel his aggressive style safely within WWE’s scripted environment.
Karrion Kross’s Wrestling Focus: From NXT Champion to Potential Main Roster Star
Kross’s wrestling pedigree is well recognized. After honing his skills on the independent circuit and in promotions like Lucha Underground and Major League Wrestling, Kross debuted in WWE’s NXT brand with an intense new look and fierce in-ring style. He won the NXT Championship by defeating Keith Lee but had a short reign due to injury. Despite setbacks, WWE’s current leadership, particularly Triple H, has pushed Kross as a top heel prospect, signaling strong confidence in his wrestling future.
Fans and insiders alike are excited to see him fully unleashed back on WWE programming. He has recently made cryptic social media moves that suggest a wrestling return is imminent. According to sources familiar with WWE’s creative direction, “Karrion Kross’s return isn’t a question of if, but when. His unique blend of martial arts toughness and theatrical villainy make him a prized asset”.
Kross’s Life Beyond Wrestling and Fighting
Outside the squared circle, Karrion Kross brings a rich personal background to his character. Of Puerto Rican descent, which he discovered through DNA testing, Kross embraces the diversity it adds to WWE’s roster and fan appeal[4]. His biography and interviews reveal a man who has worked as a bouncer and bodyguard, reflecting real-world toughness and professionalism. These life experiences contribute to his authentic, intimidating persona in wrestling[5].
Moreover, Kross has openly shared his philosophy of resilience and fighting spirit in his public appearances and written works. While he respects combat sports’ realities, his focus now is clearly on building a lasting presence in wrestling, a sport that offers both the physical and performative outlets he thrives in[6].
Conclusion: Karrion Kross’s Future Is Defined By Wrestling, Not Bare Knuckle
While the allure of bare-knuckle fighting nearly enticed Karrion Kross back into the ring post-WWE release, pragmatic decisions and passion for professional wrestling have steered him away from that path. His close brush with BKFC demonstrates the real possibilities he had in combat sports, but WWE remains his main stage. Behind the scenes, insiders confirm that Kross is dedicating himself to becoming a top-tier WWE star with a career that balances intensity and longevity.
Karrion Kross’s journey highlights a rare blend of fighting ferocity and performance art, and it is clear he favors the narrative-driven, character-rich world of wrestling over the bare-knuckle brawl. Fans eager to see his next WWE chapter can anticipate a fighter who has fully committed to mastering his craft inside the squared circle rather than returning to the brutal realm of bare-knuckle combat.