The independent wrestling circuit has become increasingly lucrative for top-tier talent, and former WWE Superstars Scarlett Bordeaux and Karrion Kross are living proof of that reality. The power couple recently opened up about their financial situation since departing WWE, making bold claims that challenge the conventional wisdom about major wrestling promotions being the only path to serious money.[1][2]
Speaking candidly on the Coach & Bro podcast, Bordeaux revealed that she and Kross are currently banking more from their independent work than they earned during their time with WWE. While this might sound counterintuitive to casual fans, the numbers tell a compelling story about the modern wrestling landscape and the opportunities available to wrestlers who know how to build their personal brands.[1][2]
The Post-WWE Financial Reality
When Bordeaux and Kross departed WWE in August 2025 following the expiration of their contracts, many observers wondered whether life outside the WWE umbrella would prove financially viable. Instead, the pair has discovered that strategic independent bookings, combined with multiple revenue streams, can actually outpace traditional WWE compensation.[2]
“This sounds crazy and probably not very believable, but it’s something I feel like the people in WWE right now who might be stressed out—’Am I going to get released?’—they might want to hear this,” Bordeaux explained. “We are making more than we were making there. We were getting paid very well, but we are making more now weekly on the shows we’re doing than we were at WWE. And WWE pays great, but it can be done if you hustle.”[1][2]
Her statement carries significant weight, especially given that WWE does indeed offer substantial base compensation to established performers. The fact that they’re surpassing those earnings on the indie circuit demonstrates the power of smart business acumen and relentless hustle in professional wrestling today.
According to a source close to the independent wrestling community, “The traditional narrative about WWE being the only serious money in wrestling is becoming outdated. Wrestlers like Scarlett and Karrion have figured out how to monetize every aspect of their career—from in-ring work to digital content to merchandise. It’s not easy, but it’s absolutely possible.”
Diversifying Revenue Streams: The Key to Indies Success
What separates Bordeaux and Kross from wrestlers who struggle on the independent circuit is their comprehensive approach to revenue generation. Rather than relying solely on per-show bookings, they’ve built a diversified income portfolio that includes multiple profit centers.[1][2]
Kross provided detailed insight into their financial strategy, breaking down the various ways wrestlers can earn significant money outside the traditional promotion structure:
Independent wrestling shows form the foundation of their earnings, but they’re just one piece of the puzzle. The pair has been actively working for promotions including GCW and DEFY Wrestling, commanding appearance fees that reflect their star power and drawing ability.[2]
Merchandise sales represent another major revenue stream. By controlling their own merchandise through independent retailers and online platforms, Bordeaux and Kross keep a substantially larger percentage of each sale compared to WWE’s revenue-sharing model. This includes everything from t-shirts to action figures to collectibles.[1][2]
Social media monetization has emerged as a crucial income source in the modern wrestling era. Platforms like Instagram, X (formerly Twitter), and YouTube provide multiple opportunities for wrestlers to earn through sponsored content, audience engagement, and direct fan support through services like Patreon. Bordeaux emphasized that social media presence has become one of the biggest income boosters available to independent wrestlers.[1]
Merchandise licensing and toy deals represent untapped opportunities that many wrestlers overlook. Kross revealed that independent video game developers are actively seeking unsigned talent for projects, creating another revenue avenue that doesn’t require a major promotion backing.[1]
Convention appearances and meet-and-greets generate substantial income streams for wrestlers with dedicated fan bases. Without the restrictions that come with WWE contracts, Bordeaux and Kross have complete control over their appearance schedule and can maximize these opportunities.[1]
The Broader Implications for WWE Wrestlers
The couple’s revelation carries particular significance in light of recent contract disputes and releases within WWE. With wrestlers like Ridge Holland publicly discussing financial hardship following WWE’s decision not to renew his contract, and NXT performers revealing contracts as low as $30,000 annually, Bordeaux’s message offers genuine hope.[4]
Her advice to current WWE talent emphasizes proactive career building: “Keep your social media going. If anyone right now in any company has fear that you’re going to get released, what am I going to do? Work hard. You’re going to be fine.”[1] This perspective challenges the notion that WWE termination equals financial ruin.
The independent wrestling scene has evolved dramatically over the past several years. What was once viewed as a stepping stone to major promotions has become a legitimate destination for established performers seeking creative control, scheduling flexibility, and potentially greater financial rewards. The rise of promotions like GCW and DEFY Wrestling has created competitive opportunities that didn’t exist previously.[2]
Building Brand Value in the Independent Era
Kross’s comprehensive breakdown of income opportunities underscores a fundamental truth about modern professional wrestling: the platform matters less than personal brand strength and business savvy. “You have a whole world wide open,” Kross stated when describing the possibilities available to independent contractors not working under the umbrella of a major promotion.[1]
This mindset represents a significant shift in how successful wrestlers approach their careers. Rather than viewing WWE or AEW contracts as the ultimate achievement, savvy performers now recognize that building a personal brand often yields greater long-term financial benefits. The key lies in treating wrestling not just as an in-ring profession but as a complete business ecosystem.
Bordeaux and Kross’s journey exemplifies this new wrestling reality. They’ve leveraged their WWE experience and mainstream recognition to build something larger than either would have achieved solely through their former employer. Their documentary work with GCW and strategic independent bookings have generated substantial buzz while maintaining their financial momentum.[6]
The Changing Wrestling Landscape
The pair’s financial success on the independent circuit reflects broader changes within professional wrestling. Wrestlers today have more tools, platforms, and opportunities to monetize their talents than at any previous point in the industry’s history. Social media presence, direct fan engagement through streaming, and the proliferation of wrestling promotions have democratized earning potential.
However, it’s important to note that their success requires more than just name recognition. It demands consistent hard work, strategic business decisions, intelligent social media management, and willingness to maintain a grueling independent wrestling schedule. Not every wrestler possesses the combination of talent, personality, and business acumen necessary to replicate their results.
Nonetheless, Bordeaux and Kross have fundamentally challenged assumptions about where serious money exists in professional wrestling. For wrestlers evaluating their career options, their story provides both inspiration and a roadmap for potentially achieving greater financial success through the independent route. As the wrestling landscape continues evolving, their model may increasingly become the preferred choice for established performers seeking creative and financial autonomy.