Karrion Kross and Scarlett departed from WWE last week. Kross informed Ariel Helwani earlier this week that WWE did extend a new contract offer to him, but he did not share further details and received only 24 hours to accept it. When Kross chose not to accept within that timeframe, WWE rescinded the offer. He also mentioned that Scarlett was not presented with a new contract offer and that he communicated with a WWE representative instead of Triple H during the negotiation process.
According to Dave Meltzer in the latest Wrestling Observer Newsletter, the prevailing belief is that the situation is genuine and not a storyline. However, one contact from the independent scene still thinks it could be a work, especially considering the high prices Kross and Scarlett are asking for. Meltzer also pointed out that WWE continues to sell Karrion Kross merchandise at full price, which is unusual since they typically mark down items for talents who are no longer with the company. Many individuals within WWE believe that both Kross and Scarlett will eventually return, regardless of whether the situation is real or staged.
Dave Meltzer also noted that WWE has become very secretive about certain storylines, including the recent injury angle involving Seth Rollins. As a result, only a small group of people would know the true nature of the situation, especially if it were indeed a storyline. He also mentioned that the circumstances seem confusing because WWE has recently promoted Karrion Kross and Scarlett as mysterious characters. It would be unusual if they weren't intending to sign them to new deals or if they offered them a poor contract.
Meltzer found it peculiar that Kross would publicly discuss contract negotiations on the Ariel Helwani Show if he truly wanted to return to WWE, as airing grievances like that could make such a return less likely.
He further pointed out that if this situation were a storyline, Kross and Scarlett could still engage in activities such as selling their own merchandise online and making independent appearances. These actions would help enhance the realism of the storyline.
According to an update from Fightful Select, while Kross and Scarlett are charging a higher fee for bookings, this is typical for talents coming off WWE television. It's uncommon for a wrestler who just participated in a WWE Premium Live Event two weeks ago to suddenly become available. Kross and Scarlett have already been booked and promoted for several conventions scheduled in the upcoming month. The report also states that rumors suggesting WWE higher-ups were uncertain about whether the situation is a work are unfounded, as all executives were informed via email about Kross’s contract expiring.
