Killer Kross is looking forward to giving back to fans in an even more meaningful way.
Kross recently spoke with WrestleZone Managing Editor Bill Pritchard ahead of his appearance at MLW Battle Riot VIII. During the conversation, Kross said he’s approaching his return to MLW, and this chapter of his career overall, as a time where he can finally try some ideas he couldn’t do when he was still in WWE.
Kross noted that he’s been open about some of his ideas just not fitting with that format, which is fine. However, now that he’s striking out on his own, he has the chance to bring some of it to life.
“I’m very big on getting direct feedback from fans. Sometimes I’ll stick around after the show. I’ll show up early. I might even come out during intermission,” Killer Kross explained. “I’m also at Comic Cons all over the country every single month. I don’t rush people through my line like a conveyor belt. I’ll sit and talk with people for as long as I want. Sometimes they apologize and say, ‘I didn’t mean to take up so much of your time.’ And I tell them, ‘Are you kidding me? I left my house so you could have access to me. You can talk for as long as you want.’
“When I do that, I get real feedback about what people want to see from me as a performer. Online feedback is fine, but it’s a mixed bag. We all know that,” Kross clarified. “It’s different when people are driving across state lines, waiting in line, and spending their time to see you. That’s genuine feedback.”
Killer Kross wants to get back to telling long-form stories in matches
Because of that feedback, Kross is looking forward to executing some of those ideas during events like MLW’s Battle Riot. The match is a battle royal-style format, but eliminations can take place via pinfall, submission, and by going over the top rope, and there are no disqualifications.
“I feel like I’m walking in to fight 2,000 people. I’m the guy with the sword, completely alone, and there’s an army rushing in. It’s a long shot, but if I can pull this off and win, I earn a shot at the MLW World Heavyweight Championship. I’m not trying to think too far ahead, but I would like to become champion again,” Killer Kross said. “Those are the most compelling stories to tell, to be able to plant a flag somewhere and put in your best work.
“That’s what I want to do next. I want to get back to long-format matches. Since August, I’ve been able to connect with people in the ring again. You can connect through promos and vignettes, but it’s absolutely imperative to connect in the ring while you’re wrestling,” he added. “I wanted to prove that, and I did it right away when I went to DEFY. That was the first place I went back to. Then, WrestlePro in Jersey, House of Glory, GCW, and MLW. I could keep going. For Battle Riot, my goal is to create fun, violent, unpredictable, and innovative ways to connect with the audience. That’s the plan.”
Paul London, Killer Kross’s former Rabbit Tribe stablemate in Lucha Underground, is also confirmed for the Battle Riot match. Upon noting the potential of a mini-reunion between the two, Kross said he relished in that idea.
“[I] love that. Look, if I’m still in there when Paul’s in there, we’re going to get up to some sh*t.”
MLW Battle Riot VIII takes place on January 29, 2026, at Osceola Heritage Park’s Events Center in Kissimmee, Florida. The event will also stream on the MLW YouTube channel and beIN Sports.
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