Wrestling enthusiasts around the globe can never predict the ever-evolving dynamics of the sports entertainment industry. There’s a constant sense of anticipation. Which wrestler is making a debut? Who’s making a comeback? The recent whirlwind of rumors and speculations has been around the formidable Sami Callihan, whose contract with Impact Wrestling recently culminated after a commendable six-year journey.
This news was enough to pique the interest of “WWE SmackDown” sensation, Karrion Kross, who was swift to beckon Callihan back to the WWE realm. Memories of their past collaborations seem to fuel Kross’s fervor, as he candidly tweeted, “I held this title proudly Sami. You always brought out the most vicious side of me- which always took me to my next level. I heard you’re a free agent now. Let me return the favor and open a door for you that you once opened for me.”
For fans newer to the intricate web of wrestling history, Sami Callihan wasn’t always just the star of Impact Wrestling. There was a time he graced the WWE stage under the moniker of Solomon Crowe. His tenure with the WWE NXT roster from 2013 to 2015 saw him tangle with numerous formidable WWE stars. His in-ring encounters with the likes of Xavier Woods, Kevin Owens, Chad Gable, and Baron Corbin added significant chapters to his professional story.
While Callihan’s NXT journey might not have been the stuff of legends, it played a pivotal role in shaping his wrestling persona. The zenith of his career came at Impact Wrestling, where he clinched the top honor, marking his territory as a dominant force in the wrestling world.
However, every story has its twists. While Kross is wholeheartedly vouching for Callihan’s WWE comeback, a shadow of competition looms. Jon Moxley, the AEW dynamo and a former ally of Callihan, seems keen on bringing his former “Switchblade Conspiracy” partner to the AEW fold. They had earlier etched their names in wrestling folklore by holding the wXw Tag Team Titles for a staggering 300 days. Moxley’s desire is further echoed by another AEW superstar, Swerve Strickland, who is equally vocal about wanting Callihan in AEW. With such rich history and camaraderie at stake, WWE’s proposition faces a stiff challenge.
The intriguing part of this entire scenario is the blend of competition and nostalgia. Karrion Kross’s words radiate genuine respect and gratitude towards Callihan. He reminisced about their past, suggesting that they both played instrumental roles in each other’s careers. The balance of competition and mutual respect paints a vivid picture of the wrestling industry’s dynamics.
Switching gears, Karrion Kross recently dispelled another topic that has been the talk of the wrestling community. In 2019, eyebrows were raised when Kross called out the Hollywood sensation and WWE legend Batista, post his match at a Bloodsport 2 event.
In 2019, amidst the high-octane matches and plot twists, a particular incident garnered more than its fair share of attention – Karrion Kross’s bold callout to the titan of both wrestling and Hollywood: Batista.
It was a moment that made every wrestling aficionado sit up and take notice. The setting? The aftermath of the Bloodsport 2 event. Fresh off his showdown with Nick Gage, Karrion Kross, with adrenaline still coursing through his veins, decided it was the opportune moment to challenge another. And not just anyone. He chose a man who had conquered the squared circle, hung up his wrestling boots, and made a mark in the cinematic world of Hollywood. That man was Batista.
This was not just a mere callout. This was a gauntlet being thrown at the feet of a legend. It was audacious, gutsy, and to many, downright unthinkable. After all, Batista was no longer a regular face in the wrestling circuit by then, having ventured into Hollywood with significant roles in blockbuster franchises like “Guardians of the Galaxy”. His stardom had reached a different stratosphere. Yet, here was Kross, demanding a confrontation.
The wrestling community buzzed. Forums, social media platforms, and fan pages lit up with speculation. Was there a legitimate beef between Kross and Batista? Was this an attempt by Kross to catapult himself further into wrestling prominence by aligning his name with one of the industry’s most recognizable figures? Or was it just a heat-of-the-moment proclamation?
As whispers of a potential feud filled the air, the rumor mills went into overdrive. There were those who believed that the callout was indicative of underlying tensions between the two powerhouses. The very idea of a clash between the brute force of Karrion Kross and the seasoned prowess of Batista was enough to send fans into a tizzy. The potential storyline, the face-offs, and the high-stakes drama — it was a dream scenario.
However, as with all gripping tales, there’s always more than meets the eye. While the world was building castles in the air of a potential feud, Kross decided to set the record straight.
On an episode of “Insight with Chris Van Vliet”, Kross addressed the elephant in the room. As it turns out, the callout was less about animosity and more about seizing an opportunity. Kross revealed that Batista was, in fact, in the same building during the Bloodsport 2 event. With the Hollywood heavyweight so close, Kross had hoped that Batista might just take the bait and indulge in a confrontation.
This revelation provided a whole new perspective on the situation. It wasn’t a long-standing feud or personal vendetta. It was a moment crafted by Kross, perhaps hoping to stir the waters and see if the big fish would bite. In the unpredictable world of wrestling, where storylines can twist and turn at the drop of a hat, Kross’s gamble wasn’t unfounded. But one can only fantasize about the sheer magnitude of the moment had Batista decided to step up to the challenge.
