Wrestling Star kross Reflects on Past WWE Deal, Prioritizing Principles Over Pay
A crucial lesson in navigating professional opportunities is recognizing warning signs.That’s the core takeaway from recent comments made by wrestling star Kross,who openly discussed a past experience with a major wrestling association and the principles that guided his subsequent decisions.
He recounted being offered a contract in 2021 to join the main roster, but with a critically important caveat. Kross specifically inquired about the inclusion of Scarlett, a key part of his presentation and storyline. He was assured she would follow, but ultimately, she wasn’t brought on board.
Afterward, both Kross and Scarlett were released by the end of the year, with the company citing pandemic-related budget cuts. This experience left a lasting impression.
Kross powerfully illustrated the situation with a literary analogy, referencing the tale of Ahab and the siren. “Ahab signed the contract and he went out to sea, they never signed the siren, they kept her sitting at home and they turned Ahab into a f a,” he explained. “so Ahab wasn’t going to fall for that again. Because he’s f read the book.”
This analogy underscores a critical point: a deal isn’t truly valuable if it compromises your core values or disregards essential elements of your work. It’s a lesson he clearly took to heart.
For Kross, the issue wasn’t simply about Scarlett’s inclusion. It was about the devaluation of his entire presentation and the message it sent about his past efforts and future potential. “Money is f worthless when it’s not attached to principles,” he stated.
He chose to prioritize integrity over immediate financial gain. Kross explained he’d rather earn less while upholding his principles than accept a situation where his previous work and future contributions felt irrelevant. “My story, my life story, is not irrelevant,” he emphasized.
Following his release in August, Kross has successfully transitioned to the independent wrestling scene. He’s found consistent work and is set to return to Major League Wrestling (MLW) next month.
I’ve found that many creatives face similar dilemmas – the temptation to compromise for a paycheck versus staying true to their vision.Here’s what works best: always identify your non-negotiables before entering negotiations.
Consider these points when evaluating any offer:
* Is your core team or vision supported?
* Does the opportunity respect your past work?
* Are your principles aligned with the organization’s values?
* What are the potential consequences of accepting versus declining?
Ultimately, Kross’s story serves as a powerful reminder that true success isn’t solely measured in dollars and cents. It’s about maintaining your integrity, valuing your contributions, and building a career that aligns with your principles.
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