The WWE departure of Karrion Kross and Scarlett has sparked mixed reports. One new account claims their high-priced indie bookings are part of a planned storyline, with Paul Heyman in their corner. Kross has insisted his exit was genuine and abrupt.
“Contrary to what people think, it wasn’t a work. I was given 24 hours to accept a new contract, and then it was off the table. I’m a free agent.”
However, Billi Bhatti told the Dirty Sheets Wrestling Informer podcast that Kross deliberately let his contract expire. The idea, he said, was to stir up fan demand and return with a stronger position. Bhatti says this matches conversations he’s had with Disco Inferno.
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“He alluded to the fact that Kross was very calm about his contract situation and that he had things in the pipeline, including acting stuff… and had absolutely no interest in going to AEW. He only wants to wrestle for WWE or he will move into acting.”
According to Bhatti, WWE wanted to keep Kross, but the former champion chose a different path. The plan is to use real-world speculation to drive a future storyline. If fans push hard enough, the belief is WWE will have reason to bring him back.
Paul Heyman’s reported support adds weight to the move. Heyman has spoken highly of Kross, recently comparing his connection with fans to names like Steve Austin and CM Punk.
“Paul Heyman was on side with Kross and Scarlett when pitching this. He’s a big supporter of him… Now this could massively backfire — if there is absolutely zero reaction to this, then this will backfire, and WWE are well within their rights to not hire Karrion Kross back because nothing is in writing.”
Part of the approach involves Kross taking select indie dates, releasing his own videos, and making critical comments about WWE to keep the buzz going. It’s a gamble—if the crowd doesn’t respond, he could be left without a deal. Disco Inferno has said Kross is ready for that possibility, with Hollywood opportunities lined up.
Kross and Scarlett’s first major post-WWE appearance is set for The Big Event NY on November 15. Whether this leads to a WWE return depends on how the fans react.
