Vince McMahon Wouldn’t Have Let Karrion Kross Leave WWE for Surprising Reason

Karrion Kross’s WWE departure was finalized on August 10, 2025, after stalled contract negotiations and a lack of transparency from the company. He was quietly moved to WWE’s alumni section, confirming his free agent status.

Both Kross and Scarlett thanked fans for their support and hinted at future opportunities in wrestling, fueling speculation about appearances in AEW, TNA, or Japan. The release was notable given Kross’s strong fan following and recent main event promotions. WWE officials offered no statement, but the exit sent waves through the wrestling industry, with many awaiting his next move.

Vince McMahon Would’ve Kept Karrion Kross in WWE at All Cost

Speaking on The Masters of Wrestling podcast, legend Mario Mancini highlighted that if Vince McMahon were still running WWE, he wouldn’t have let Karrion Kross go. The ex-WWE boss’ philosophy was to retain hot talent like Kross at all costs, often out of spite and to block rival promotions from benefiting. He’d rather pay big money than risk losing stars to competitors.

Vince McMahon would have given that guy money. Why? Just so nobody else could have him. You’re talking about a guy back in the ’80s that if an indie promotion was hot, and they were running somebody Vince fired and Vince got a hold of their date, he’d go in the day before, so right next to the venue and kill that guy’s show.

That’s how spiteful this guy was. You’re trying to tell me he would have just let this guy go as hot as he is, just so he can go on an indie circuit or another company can pick him up. That’s not the way Vince McMahon runs. No, it’s Vince’s ball, and that’s it. And you can’t play with it. Now, you know, it’s not Vince’s ball anymore.
And they’re they’re killing it. (From 20:13 to 21:13)

Following his exit, Karrion Kross quickly debuted a new theme song titled “Don’t Kross A Killer.” The track features lyrics referencing his WWE journey, his transformation, and freedom, marking a bold statement of his intent for the future. The music video was released on Kross’ YouTube channel.

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