Every 'Next Big Thing' In Wrestling History: Where Are They Now?

4. Karrion Kross

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WWE

With the push of Karrion Kross, Paul Levesque channelled his inner dad-uh. 

In 2020, Kross was Levesque’s “But I really, really think he’s neat” guy. For years, Levesque was savvy enough to promote fashionable stars already beloved by the secondary hipster audience. All Elite Wrestling had usurped NXT as the hipster promotion in 2019. Kross, with his none more metal aesthetic and size, was a spurned Levesque doing something for Levesque. 

Kross drew interest initially, thanks in no small part to Tommaso Ciampa and a remarkable, selfless performance at the first TakeOver: In Your House. 

After that, the push failed, and failed badly. Beyond the extravagant entrance and win/loss record, Kross didn’t take. He was slow, lumbering, not dynamic in the least. His submission applications were loose, his fake intensity transparent. 

Rehired by Levesque in 2022 after a dismal main roster promotion in 2021, Kross is still knocking about, not over, and unable to do much with shortcuts in a multi-man plunder brawl at WrestleMania 40. 

Levesque will persist. Kross is what Levesque thinks a badass looks like and you might need to learn to love him.

Contributor
Contributor

Michael Sidgwick is an editor, writer and podcaster for WhatCulture Wrestling. With over seven years of experience in wrestling analysis, Michael was published in the influential institution that was Power Slam magazine, and specialises in providing insights into All Elite Wrestling - so much so that he wrote a book about the subject. You can order Becoming All Elite: The Rise Of AEW on Amazon. Possessing a deep knowledge also of WWE, WCW, ECW and New Japan Pro Wrestling, Michael’s work has been publicly praised by former AEW World Champions Kenny Omega and MJF, and current Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes. When he isn’t putting your finger on why things are the way they are in the endlessly fascinating world of professional wrestling, Michael wraps his own around a hand grinder to explore the world of specialty coffee. Follow Michael on X (formerly known as Twitter) @MSidgwick for more!