Karrion Kross, once a dominant force in NXT, has faced a tumultuous journey since his main roster debut. At SummerSlam 2025, Kross faced Sami Zayn and, in a surprising turn of events, was defeated. This outcome sparked significant backlash from fans and former wrestlers alike, with many questioning the logic behind Kross's booking. Matt Morgan, a veteran of the wrestling industry, publicly criticized WWE's decision to have Kross lose, arguing that it undermines his character and potential.
Morgan's critique was not just about the match outcome; he emphasized that Kross deserves better treatment given his talent and the fan support he has garnered. In a tweet, Morgan stated, “Karrion Kross has been mismanaged since his debut on the main roster. Losing at SummerSlam was another mistake in a series of missteps” .
Karrion Kross's loss at SummerSlam raises questions about his future in WWE. Fans have rallied behind Kross, expressing their support through social media and live event attendance. However, consistent losses can severely impact a wrestler's momentum and public perception. Morgan’s concerns reflect a broader sentiment within the wrestling community: that WWE needs to prioritize long-term storytelling and character development over short-term booking decisions.
Moreover, Kross's situation is emblematic of a larger trend in WWE where talented wrestlers often find themselves underutilized or mismanaged. This not only affects the wrestlers' careers but also the overall quality of WWE programming, which relies on compelling storylines and character arcs to engage fans.
Adding fuel to the fire, Morgan also criticized WWE's pricing strategy, particularly the $29.99 price tag for their events. He argued that such pricing can alienate fans, especially when they perceive a lack of quality in the product being offered. The expectation for value is high when fans are paying premium prices, and if the content does not meet those expectations, it can lead to dissatisfaction and disengagement.
The $29.99 pricing model has been a topic of discussion among wrestling fans. While some argue that it allows for greater accessibility to live events, others feel that the quality of matches and storylines must justify the cost. Morgan's comments suggest that WWE needs to reassess its pricing strategy in light of the product it delivers. If fans are unhappy with the booking of stars like Karrion Kross, they may be less willing to pay for events.