Karrion Kross

Kevin Kesar competes on the SmackDown brand alongside his real-life wife Scarlett Bordeaux under the ring name Karrion Kross.
Karrion Kross in a file photo (Image credits: Twitter)

Kevin Kesar was born on July 19, 1985. He is an American professional wrestler presently contracted to WWE, where he competes on the SmackDown brand alongside his real-life wife Scarlett Bordeaux under the ring name Karrion Kross. is an American professional wrestler who now works for WWE as Karrion Kross on the SmackDown brand with his real-life wife Scarlett Bordeaux.

Prior to joining WWE, Kesar worked for Impact Wrestling, Lucha Libre AAA Worldwide (AAA), Major League Wrestling (MLW), and other independent organizations under the ring aliases Kevin Kross and Killer Kross. He was a part of the MAD and La Facción Ingobernable stables in AAA. He also starred as The White Rabbit, the leader of Paul London's Rabbit Tribe stable, in season four of AAA's American endeavor Lucha Underground.

NameKevin Kesar
D.O.BJuly 19, 1985
Height6 ft 4 in (1.93 m)
Weight120 kg
OccupationProfessional wrestler
Professional Debut2014
Ring nameKarrion Kross
WifeScarlett Bordeaux

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Global Force Wrestling

Kesar made his Global Force Wrestling debut as Killer Kross on July 24, 2015, at the GFW Amped taping, losing to Bobby Roode in the quarterfinal round of the GFW Global Championship tournament. During the GFW Amped taping on August 21, Kross faced Joey Ryan in a losing effort. Kross met Brian Myers and Kongo Kong in a three-way number one contenders bout for the GFW Global Championship on October 23, which Kong won.

Lucha Underground

Kevin Kross wrestled several dark matches for Lucha Underground between 2015 and 2016. Kross made his promotion debut on December 13, 2015, defeating Vinny Massaro in a dark match. On July 11, 2018, Kross returned as The White Rabbit, handing Paul London his wooden scepter and ordering him to murder Mascarita Sagrada in cold blood for bringing the Rabbit Tribe to his secret hideaway.

Lucha Libre AAA Worldwid

On March 19, 2017, he made his AAA debut as Kevin Kross at Rey de Reyes, assisting Johnny Mundo in winning the AAA Mega Championship, AAA Latin American Championship, and AAA World Cruiserweight Championship. On April 12, he made his ring debut, teaming with Johnny Mundo and Taya to beat Argenis, Ayako Hamada, and El Hijo del Fantasma in a six-man tag team match. Kross wrestled in a steel cage triple threat match against El Hijo del Fantasma and El Texano Jr. on June 4 at Verano de Escándalo, which ended in a no contest as both Fantasma and Texano Jr. fled the cage at the same moment.

Kross returned to AAA on April 20, 2018, joining forces with Juventud Guerrera and Teddy Hart to assault Dr. Wagner Jr. and Hernandez. MAD was the moniker given to the trio. Kross partnered with Los Mercenarios (Texano Jr. and Taurus) to battle Psycho Clown, Cody Rhodes, and the debuting Cain Velasquez at Triplemana XXVII on August 3, 2019. Kross’ team was defeated. Kross joined Rush’s new La Facción Ingobernable stable on December 14 during Guerra de Titanes.

IMPACT Wrestling

Killer Kross made his debut in IMPACT Wrestling in 2018 and quickly gained attention with his unique and menacing character. He was known for his intense in-ring style, combining power moves with technical prowess. Kross had several high-profile feuds and competed against top talents in the promotion.

During his time in IMPACT Wrestling, Killer Kross was involved in storylines with wrestlers such as Eddie Edwards, Johnny Impact (now known as John Morrison), and Brian Cage. He had notable matches and segments that showcased his skills and charisma. His contract was supposed to expire in December 2019, but the corporation has the option to extend it for another year, according to reports. Kross was released from his contract with Impact Wrestling in December.

WWE NXT Career

Entering the hallowed grounds of NXT on that fateful May 6, 2020, a date etched in the annals of wrestling history, Karrion Kross embarked on a journey of chaos and dominance. Like a tempest unleashed upon the squared circle, he left an indelible mark on the NXT Championship scene, forever altering the course of its tumultuous narrative.

The stars aligned on that sweltering August 22, 2020, as Karrion Kross stared into the eyes of destiny. A clash of titans ensued at NXT TakeOver: XXX, as he clashed with the mighty Keith Lee, a formidable force in his own right. In a symphony of raw power and calculated precision, Karrion Kross emerged victorious, his coronation as the new NXT Champion an emphatic proclamation of his ascendance.

But alas, the gods of fate toyed with their fragile puppets, as a shoulder injury cast a shadow over Karrion Kross’s triumphant reign. The cruel hand of adversity forced him to relinquish the coveted title, leaving a void in his wake. Yet, the fire within Karrion Kross could not be extinguished, and the embers of his passion continued to smolder, awaiting the day he would reclaim what was rightfully his.

Emerging from the depths of darkness, Karrion Kross, like a phoenix reborn, returned to the black and gold brand in the spring of 2021. The wheels of fate turned once again, as he crossed paths with the enigmatic Finn Bálor. On that fateful July 27, 2021, the NXT Universe bore witness to a clash of titans, a battle for supremacy that reverberated through the corridors of time. In a symphony of bone-crushing strikes and unyielding will, Karrion Kross emerged victorious, reclaiming the NXT Championship and solidifying his reign as the harbinger of destruction.

But let us not forget the glories that preceded this triumphant return. During his initial foray into the unforgiving world of NXT, Karrion Kross forged an unparalleled path of devastation and annihilation. The echoes of his undefeated streak reverberated through the halls, leaving a trail of fallen warriors in its wake. Tommaso Ciampa, a man whose resilience was legendary, crumbled under the weight of Karrion Kross’s fury. Damian Priest, a force to be reckoned with, met his match in the chaotic storm that was Karrion Kross.

And oh, the spectacles that unfolded at the grand stage of NXT TakeOver. The echoes of battle still resound, etched into the memories of all who bore witness. A clash of wills at NXT TakeOver: In Your House, where Karrion Kross emerged triumphant against Tommaso Ciampa, leaving an indelible mark on the tapestry of time. A monumental title defense at NXT TakeOver: Stand & Deliver, where the tenacious Finn Bálor threw caution to the wind, only to succumb to the unyielding might of Karrion Kross.

Feuds ignited, and rivalries kindled, as Karrion Kross’s path intertwined with the fates of his contemporaries. Tommaso Ciampa, a battle-scarred warrior, stood as an embodiment of resilience, locking horns with Karrion Kross in an explosive collision of ferocity. Finn Bálor, a resolute enigma, clashed with Karrion Kross, their destinies entwined in a dance of pain and chaos. Adam Cole, a cunning strategist, found himself entangled in a web of malevolence spun by Karrion Kross.

In the realm of NXT, Karrion Kross reigned as a harbinger of destruction, a malevolent force that knew no bounds. His path, marked by triumphs and trials, captivated the hearts and minds of wrestling enthusiasts worldwide. As the curtains drew to a close on his tenure, the legacy of Karrion Kross remained etched in the annals of NXT history, a testament to his unrivaled prowess and insatiable hunger for dominance.

Karrion Kross in main roster

Kesar, repeating his Karrion Kross character, made a surprise return to WWE with Scarlett on the August 5, 2022 episode of SmackDown, assaulting Drew McIntyre at the close of the program and officially joining the SmackDown brand in the process. McIntyre challenged Kross to a strap match at Extreme Rules on the September 23 edition of SmackDown, which he accepted. On October 8, Kross beat McIntyre with the Kross Hammer after Scarlett interfered.

Kross was scheduled to compete in a fatal four-way to determine the number one contender for the Intercontinental Championship on SmackDown following Extreme Rules; however, as the show aired, it was revealed that Kross was involved in a car accident and while receiving help, he was attacked by McIntyre, rendering him unable to compete. Kross was replaced by Rey Mysterio, who won the subsequent four-way. Kross lost to McIntyre in a steel cage match at Crown Jewel on November 5 when McIntyre escaped the cage before he did, therefore ending their rivalry.

Kross began a feud with Rey Mysterio in December 2022. Kross was defeated by Rey in a roll-up pin on the January 27 edition of SmackDown. Kross entered his first Royal Rumble match at #7 the next night but was eliminated by McIntyre.Kross beat Rey on the February 24 edition of SmackDown when Dominik Mysterio interfered. Kross made an appearance on the March 3 edition of SmackDown while Sheamus, Drew McIntyre, and other wrestlers were in the ring.

Later, he assaulted the former and stated that he will compete in a Fatal Five Way fight with old opponents Drew McIntyre, Sheamus, LA Knight, and Kofi Kingston to qualify for a fight with Gunther for the Intercontinental championship at WrestleMania 39. Kross lost the match the next week on SmackDown. Kross and Scarlett were selected to the SmackDown brand as part of the 2023 WWE Draught.

Championships and Accomplishments

  • Cauliflower Alley Club
    Rising Star Award (2018)
  • Future Stars of Wrestling
    FSW Heavyweight Championship (1 time)
    FSW Mecca Championship (1 time)
  • Impact Wrestling
    Impact Year-End Awards for One to Watch in 2019 (2018)
  • Maverick Pro Wrestling
    MPW Championship (2 times)
  • Modern Vintage Wrestling
    MVW Heavyweight Championship (1 time)
  • Masters of Ring Entertainment
    MORE Wrestling World Championship (1 time)
  • Pro Wrestling Illustrated
    Ranked No. 16 of the top 500 singles wrestlers in the PWI 500 in 2021
  • Ring Warriors
    Ring Warriors Grand Championship (1 time)
  • Stand Alone Wrestling
    PWAD Championship (1 time)
  • The Wrestling Revolver
    REVOLVER Championship (1 time)
  • WWE
    NXT Championship (2 times)