Killer Kross on potentially joining AEW: I think the door has ‘always been open’
Killer Kross doesn’t think the door is closed to him eventually ending up in AEW.
Making a Wednesday appearance on The Ariel Helwani Show, the former Karrion Kross discussed how happy he’s been in his post-WWE career since departing the company in summer 2025. He remains a free agent as he competes on the indies and, though he’s MLW World Heavyweight Champion, has not signed an exclusive contract.
Helwani brought up that he expected to see Kross sign with AEW after leaving WWE. Kross would not directly answer if he’s had talks with Tony Khan but said he has a lot of respect for the AEW boss.
“This is what I will say: I have a tremendous amount of respect for Tony and he knows that,” Kross said. “And I prefer to keep those conversations private out of respect for Tony and myself.”
Helwani asked if there is a door open for Kross to join AEW.
“I think it’s always been open,” Kross responded. “I think it’s always been open.”
Kross stressed that he’s very serious about his commitments and isn’t the type of person who is going to flake on his bookings. But he is open to whatever comes his way if it works with his schedule.
“If everything aligns, I think anything is possible,” Kross said.
Kross praised AEW World Champion MJF and said MJF is someone who he would love to work with.
In November of last year, during his own appearance on Helwani’s show, Khan said he had not spoken with Kross in many years but thought it would be interesting to talk with him again at some point. The two had previously spoken before Kross returned to WWE in 2022.
Is TNA a possibility for Killer Kross? —
Helwani also asked Kross if he’s had conversations with TNA, but Kross again did not directly answer.
“I’ve spoken with many people from all places,” he said. “I’ve been available for conversations with anybody and everybody, and I’ve always kept it that way. There’s no bad blood with me or anybody anywhere. My phone is always on for those conversations. So, that’s how I should put that.”
Under strange circumstances, Kross and his wife Scarlett announced their WWE departures in August 2025. Kross had just competed at SummerSlam and it was initially unclear whether he and Scarlett leaving WWE was real or not. Some thought it was a work to further build up Kross’ #WeWantKross fan movement, but he and Scarlett legitimately were unable to come to terms with WWE on new contracts.
Killer Kross is asked if he has spoken with AEW#HelwaniShow pic.twitter.com/gdeobh47Pp
— Jed I. Goodman © (@jedigoodman) June 10, 2026
Joseph Currier is the lead editor of F4WOnline.com, directing daily news coverage and writing articles on professional wrestling. He is a graduate of the University of Massachusetts, obtaining a journalism degree in 2016. Joseph joined F4W during his time at UMass and has now been writing about the industry for nearly a decade.
In addition to his work with F4W, Joseph has previously contributed to Sports Illustrated's wrestling coverage. He lives in Massachusetts and is a diehard fan of the Boston sports teams and Liverpool Football Club.