Copyright newsweek
Former WWE stars Karrion Kross and Scarlett spoke about an exciting development in their careers after leaving the prominent professional wrestling company. The duo famously parted ways with WWE earlier this year amid a failed contract negotiation, leaving many upset fans wondering what went wrong with WWE’s handling of the talented pair. The story made headlines as Kross and Scarlett discussed confusion over how WWE presented their contract situations to them, including a surprising 24-hour deadline to make a decision. While Kross, real name Kevin Cesar, indicated he asked for clarification on how they determined the specific figures used as the basis for his salary offer, he never received that information. That led to Kross not signing a contract, and he and Scarlett left to pursue other endeavors. That includes appearances in the independent wrestling scene and at conventions, among other ventures. The real-life couple appeared on Jonathan Coachman and Vince Russo’s new podcast “The Coach & Bro” on the Behind the Turnbuckle Studios YouTube channel. During the discussion, they spoke about how their careers are going since leaving WWE. Read more: Former WWE Champion Gives Strong Pick for AEW National Championship Winner DORTMUND, GERMANY – NOVEMBER 01: Karrion Kross poses during the WWE Live Show at Westfalenhalle on November 1, 2022, in Dortmund, Germany. (Photo by Marc Pfitzenreuter/Getty Images) Coachman, also known as “Coach” when he was with WWE, asked them how inspiring it is to hear fans excited to see them appear at other promotions’ events. “Of course. This sounds crazy, and it might not seem believable, but it’s something I feel like the people in WWE who might be stressed out, ‘Am I going to get released?’ They might want to hear this. We are making more than we were making there, and we were getting paid very well, but we are making more now weekly on the shows we’re doing than we were at WWE,” Scarlett revealed. “WWE pays great, but it can be done if you hustle,” Scarlett said in the podcast interview, with Kross agreeing. The couple indicated that there are more ways to earn money beyond just hustling to get paid by independent wrestling promotions. “You have the shows. You have independent merchandising. You have toys. There’s independent video games being developed that a lot of people don’t know about they’re looking for unsigned talent for. There’s the conventions,” Kross said. Kross also mentioned that when they traveled to various locations, including other countries, for events, they would use those as opportunities to network. “You just can’t wait for it to come to you. You have to go after it. You have to stay organized,” Scarlett said, adding, “You have to work hard. You have to reach out to people.” WWE fans last saw Karrion Kross and Scarlett in Kross’ match against Sami Zayn at SummerSlam 2025. Following that came their headline-making contract situation and their departure for other work. That includes a return to Major League Wrestling (MLW), where he’ll participate as Killer Kross in their MLW x Don Gato Live Special in Charleston, South Carolina, on Nov. 20 in a prominent match against another former WWE star, Matt Riddle. More WWE news: WWE Star Maxxine Dupri Gets Brutally Honest About Rhea Ripley Match Bianca Belair Gets Potential WWE Return Update Amid Injury Absence Former WWE Champ Picks Rising Star as John Cena’s Final Opponent For more about WWE and professional wrestling, visit Newsweek Sports.
