Kross Communication, Part 02

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In-between Karrion Killer Kross’s post-WrestleMania performance and leaving WWE on August 10, there are two other stories to discuss that, while having nothing to do with Kross specifically, would affect his situation by the time August 10 came to pass.

 

In chronological order, first was the release and immediate re-signing of Ron Killings. R-Truth was primarily a comedy character but one that was beloved not just by fans but by his fellow performers. No one knew just how beloved, though, until Killings announced that he would no longer be with WWE after the end of May:

 

 

Reaction was swift and ugly. As fans continually chanted for “Truth” on the following WWE television shows, many of his peers also expressed regret and disbelief that Killings was going away. The reaction from all sides was so swift and ugly that he was brought back a mere six days later to an explosive reaction.

 

Reactions then changed to confusion. Was this the plan all along? Was Killings really let go or was this, as WWE Chief Content Officer Paul Levesque would put it when asked about Killings’s return later that night, “All part of the show, man”?

 

In reality, it was a company recognizing its mistake and correcting course. It is rare that WWE changes its mind on releasing a talent this soon, but the reaction to Killings informed the company that it was wiser to keep Killings on the roster.

 

However, this would not deter a company already known for using real-lifer situations to tell a story prevent it from attempting to do so here to save face. Nor would it prevent them from blurring the lines of reality very soon after, albeit in a much different situation.

 

On the July 12 edition of Saturday Night’s Main event on NBC, Seth Rollins appeared to re-injure his knee in a match with L.A. Knight. Rollins made media appearances informing that he would be on the shelf “for an extended period of time.”

 

However, word had gotten out that not only was Rollins not injured, but that this was “all part of the show, man.”

 

POST Wrestling’s John Pollock revealed he had been informed that Rollins was not injured on July 12 and was planning on participating in a major story involving Rollins winning the World Championship after revealing his injury had been faked. That is exactly what came to pass at SummerSlam on August 2 when Rollins revealed his injury was a ruse and cashed in an immediate World Championship match contract (the proverbial “Money in the Bank”) on his arch-rival, CM Punk. Rollins left SummerSlam as a perfectly healthy World Heavyweight Champion.

 

It's been eight paragraphs and an embedded X post since Karrion Killer Kross has even been mentioned. So what does any of this have to do with his situation?

 

WWE is no stranger to taking advantage of a real-life situation – or even manufacturing one – to further interest in its product, characters and storylines. Two instances of which that have happened within the last 90 days have been detailed here. Pro wrestling fans are accustomed to asking if any given situation is real life or if the fans are being worked because of the lengths that wrestling companies will go to in order to attempt a suspension of disbelief.

 

That same question had been asked of Kross’s situation. Is he really on his way out the door? Is he really underappreciated? Or is the presentation of his character, both online and on television, really just an elaborate story?

 

Kross has gone on record since leaving WWE to detail the contract negotiation that took place and to emphasize that his story is very real. The interest in Kross and his wife, Scarlett, has already demonstrated to be palpable as Kross has engaged a feud with another former WWE performer turned independent superstar, Matt Cardona. The story began in one independent company and a separate one has signed the match. But along the way, Kross had to address whether or not those appearances are part of a larger, more elaborate story.

 

It's wholly possible that Kross could sign another contract with WWE and all of this could retroactively become “all part of the show, man.” But the lesson to take away from Kross’s final months in WWE comes in the form of similar outside factors.

 

Kross himself admitted that his post-WrestleMania performance was just that – a performance. Yet it was one specifically designed to suspend the fans’ disbelief and convince them that his feelings were real. The questioning of reality had already begun with Kross’s own performance.

 

Add to that two other instances where reality was used to advance stories all within the same timeframe. It becomes difficult for fans to believe what the news they read isn’t manufactured to advance the stories being told in this fictional world.

 

And that is part of what Karrion Killer Kross had to deal with. Yes, he beat both Ron Killings and Seth Rollins to the punch, but as those stories grabbed attention, the timeline became immaterial. Fans had been cheering for him at WWE events but the reaction was somewhat muted. Was he really leaving or was this just part of the story, too? It was difficult to tell for sure, and that uncertainty may have affected reactions.

 

The takeaway here is being aware of your environment. Using reality to advance your character or story in pro wrestling is not a bad idea if it’s done correctly. Or if several other people aren’t doing the same thing at the same time. If the environment is one of constant questioning of what’s real and what’s fiction, the effect is diluted and the interest is lessened.

 

How it affected Kross can be discussed in both negative and positive terms. Kross has said that working in WWE is his dream and that’s where he wants to be. As of this writing, he is not there. But he is in high demand across the country as an independent performer and his career is thriving at that level. It’s a matter of perspective.

 

But if his goal was to remain in WWE, that did not happen. One of the reasons for that can be attributed to attempting to convince his fans and those in charge of the company he was performing for that his actions were “all part of the show” when none of them could believe him.

Kross Communication, Part 01

Reprinted from Substack, 08.26.25

Many reading this that follow professional wrestling with some regularity are probably very familiar with the story of Karrion Killer Kross in 2025. For those that aren’t, Wikipedia actually has a decent summary, so I’ll let it do the heavy lifting for a moment:

After the disbandment of The Final Testament, Kross would be involved in backstage segments where he would try and convince various superstars to embrace their dark side, some of whom include Sami Zayn and AJ Styles. After months of being involved in backstage segments, Kross had his first match since February on the April 14 episode of Raw, where he took on Styles in a losing effort.^[90] Kross would go on to appear in Styles’ match against Logan Paul at WrestleMania 41, preventing interference from a member of Paul’s entourage. Kross would attempt to persuade Styles to hit Paul with brass knuckles, to no avail, after which Styles proceeded to lose the match. Kross would appear later on the WrestleMania 41 recap show with Scarlett where he would cut a highly acclaimed promo, expressing frustration with Styles and WWE as a whole as well as not having a match on the card. At the end of the promo, he referenced himself as "Killer Kross" for the first time on WWE programming.^[91] Kross continued to taunt Sami Zayn in backstage segments on Raw, eventually leading to a match against Zayn at Night of Champions, which he lost. During his feud with Zayn, Kross began receiving massive support from fans on social media and at live shows with "We want Kross" being chanted during shows.^[92] On August 2 at SummerSlam, Kross was defeated by Zayn, ending their feud. This would also be Kross' final appearance in WWE.^[93] On August 10, Kross and Scarlett's WWE contracts both expired and were not renewed, ending their three-year second tenure with the company.^[94] After departing from WWE, Kesar revealed that he was only given 24 hours to sign his new contract offer, which didn't include Scarlett re-signing along with him and is ultimately why he chose to depart the company.^[95][96]

 

Second return to independent circuit (2025–present)

Kesar, as Karrion Kross, made his return to GCW on April 17, 2025 at Josh Barnett's Bloodsport XIII, where he defeated J. R. Kratos.^[97] On August 23 at GCW Homecoming, Kesar, as Killer Kross, and Scarlett made their first post-WWE appearance, where they attacked Matt Cardona.^[98]

For the purposes of this specific analysis, we go back to April when Kross gave a performance on Sam Roberts & Megan Morant’s WrestleMania Recap show that did not sound like a performance at all:

There had already been discussion in the fandom that the Karrion Kross fans were seeing on social media wasn’t matching up with what was seen on television. The television character was similar to its social media counterpart, but the latter felt much more genuine. More like the real Karrion Kross. At least that was the perception.

 

As we would learn later, however, this may have been Mistake Number One. While fans and even some media outlets were singing Kross’s praises for his online authenticity, those in charge of the company he worked for at the time weren’t made aware that his post-WrestleMania performance was just that. As he recounted to Canadian sports journalist Ariel Helwani:

I let everybody know, let’s make sure this is somewhat protected from the audience, but let everyone know internally that this is a work because not every department is in lock step communication with one another. So, I told everybody that. Sure enough, not everybody knew that it was a work.

 

A lot of everything that you see goes through the creative process. It goes through a team. I was under the impression that I was doing something improvisational and it was okay. But like I said, sometimes the communication is not in lock step with each other. So no one told them that this was a work.

 

So, they’re under the impression, like a week goes by, that I flipped out. So like, one day I waited for Hunter outside a production meeting. Once it was actually brought to my attention that he was not okay with it, and I explained everything to him. No one told him anything. So, as far as I know, at that point, we were good, but everyone was under the impression, a lot of people thought I just lost my mind. I was just trying to do my job. My job that day was to make people believe, like any other day.

Yes, pro wrestling is scripted most times. It is a very physical performance art that relies heavily on characterization and storytelling. But it is also very much a business. Would you go off on an explosive diatribe about how much your boss and your workplace sucks, and not let your boss and higher-ups in on the fact that it was a joke when it really didn’t sound like one at the time?
 
Effectively, that’s what happened here. Kross angrily disparaged his workplace without telling his workplace that it was part of the performance.
 
There is a term in pro wrestling known as “going into business for yourself.” Basically, it translates into: Prioritizing yourself over what has been planned for you. At a cursory glance, there seems to be nothing wrong with that. Until you realize that pro wrestling requires working with someone else 95% of the time. Whether it’s on a story, a match, a talking segment, you name it. That collaboration is key to making the performance art succeed.
 
Kross, whether he meant to or not, most likely broke that trust with WWE by “going into business for himself” with that segment. I’m convinced that wasn’t his intent. He was performing up to what the show producers wanted in that moment. To hear Kross tell it, it was not his intent to put his interests ahead of what the company had planned for him creatively. But, by Kross’s own admission, it apparently didn’t come across that way when it happened.
 
Not making sure that was the case before going “off-script” is the first lesson to take away from the Karrion Killer Kross story. But it isn’t the only one.
 
To be continued…

Capstone Project

I came out of my Graduate Project Proposal Seminar class last night excited as hell. 

I've been looking to hone in on a project combining pro wrestling, business, and social media since I've been in the masters program.

And there's a good chance that may become writing a guide for aspiring independent wrestlers on how to best use and maximize social media to build their persona and their business.

The credentials are there. I've done seminars on it. 

I served as the first Social Media Marketing teacher at the only *accredited* pro wrestling school *in the world* - a school that still teaches my material to this day.

Now I get to take this experience a step further as a capstone project that will top off my masters degree.

Yeah, I'm excited as hell.

This Feud MUST Continue!

This is your wrestling warning. If you're not into it, hit the back button. Plzkthxbi.

And if this looks like crap, I'm dictating this into my phone so please bear with me.

Apparently, news just broke that Kevin Steen has officially signed with WWE. Not maybe. Not, he looked good in the tryout. Not, once it clears his medical tests and all that jazz. Apparently, it's a done. Deal.

Let the comments about how he shouldn't even be in NXT and the jokes about the random name generator began. I don't care. For me? Starting now, I'm only worried about one thing: if his feud with Sami Zeayn picks up again at some point. Or El Generico. However you wanna look at it.

I'm mostly agreed with Jim Cornette. But his thoughts about the feud between Steen and Generico...that's where I have to agree to disagree with the man. That was, quite literally, a three-year feud that showcase the best of what both of those men could do. Blood, sweat, and tears. A full story, beginning to end. With some of the best matches this decade. And I would love to see it again.

I'm not dumb. I know that it may well not happen. Chris Hero came and went without even touching the main roster, and Sami Callahan has spent a year without even being on NXT television. I'm not declaring this is going to happen, because who the hell knows what his run may or may not produce?

But hot damn, am I going to hope it does somewhere down the line. Please.

Yackety Schmackety

Warning: this is a pro wrestling-centric post. If that's not your thing, by all means feel free to hit the "Back" button above.



If you are a wrestling fan and somehow have absolutely no idea what happened at WrestleMania XXX, same applies to you as well as this your obligatory SPOILER WARNING for you sensitive types. For something that happened live and everybody already knows about except you because analyzing that finale of "How I Met Your Mother" was just too important. Kthxbi



Now then, if you stuck around this long I'm sure you can see by the tags that we're discussing what everybody thinks is the biggest news in history - that being the ending of The Streak at WrestleMania XXX. The Undertaker finally lost. To Brock Lesnar. In a match that, honestly, was good-but-not-great and wasn't that well built at all. There was zero indication this was coming, and anyone who tries to tell you that they predicted it is just a bald-faced liar at this point.



But, yeah, it happened. There's no way of getting around it, no way of denying it, no way of turning back the clock in making it unhappen. For good or ill, it's a done deal.








You don't have to like or agree with it. Hell, I'm not 100% sure I do at this point. (In this arena of theater and entertainment, this is a little big to take in. Haven't quite processed the implications. Still working on that part yet.) There is one thing that some of you should do, however, and that's calm down.



It's one thing to dislike the booking or question why the decision was made. I'm all for that. But to proclaim that this is the "worst booking decision in wrestling history"? That there's nothing but doom and gloom from here on out? That this will ultimately lead to the company going bankrupt?



Get. The hell. Over. Yourselves.



Quit stamping your feet and holding your breath like a petulant child. Quit blaming creative, or Triple-H's ego, or Vince McMahon, or whatever other evil that you think ruined your life. (Because none of those may even be at fault.) Quit pretending you have a damn clue and could possibly have done this any better. (Because if you could, you'd be working for them in that capacity.) And really, quit raging with your little keyboard every single time something does not go your way. Because, quite honestly, now you're just ruining the internet for the rest of us.



My theory (which is based purely on speculation because I have no inside information and I certainly wasn't there when the decision was made)? In training for this match, Mark Calaway came to the heartbreaking realization that his body was not going to last as long as he or the company wanted it to. Maybe he got hurt or maybe he simply felt all of the injuries of time piling up on him. In coming to this realization, he decided that he would "do business" the right way, give his friend the best gift he possibly could, and begin the process of winding down his illustrious career. If that's how it went down, I could not think of a better way for history to have been made.



BREAKINGNEWSEDIT: Lending credence to that theory? This right here.



Again, in this arena of theater and entertainment...in this continuity...this is a big deal. I completely understand that. But it's certainly not so big that wrestling will cease to exist forever. What we saw was not the end of the WWE (although the stock is down several points the morning after it happened? The hell??), or the end of the world, or the sky toppling down on us. What we saw is rare in wrestling anymore - a legitimate surprise that resulted in a true moment in history. What we might have seen is a man who's given so much to this particular form of entertainment choose to give back to his company and to this form of entertainment one more time in very big, spectacular fashion.



Wrestling fans love to bemoan that we don't get any true surprises or memorable moments anymore. At WrestleMania XXX, we got both. In the biggest way anyone could have imagined. Instead of crying and yelling because it didn't go exactly the way I wanted it to, I plan on sitting back and taking this end. I watched wrestling history happen live. And I'm thankful for that.



And with that said...on a completely unrelated note...the #CS100 resumes today on Twitter. Feel free to check that out and thank you very much in advance.

"The Sami Callihan Story" - Conclusion

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The next night on Raw, Miz is asked backstage by Josh Matthews about Callihan's remarks after beating Kingston. Miz responds:

MIZ:

Really? Callihan wants to do this one more time? I nearly crippled him before, then pinned him thanks to him making someone else mad. But you know, Josh? Technically, we each have a win...and neither of those was very decisive, were they?

Miz walks away from Matthews with no more answers than when he started...

Later in the show, The Miz beats David Otunga. Post-match, Callihan comes out to the ring. Instead of attacking Miz, Callihan grabs a microphone and steps in the ring to address Miz face to face:

CALLIHAN:

Don't think I didn't hear you earlier, Miz. And you know, you're right. You haven't really beaten me and I haven't really beaten you either. And that presents a huge problem for me. See, when it comes down to it, Regal had a point. I've been so focused on who's been held back and who's towed the company line that I lost my real mission - to show I belonged here and that even sycophants like you couldn't hold me down. I don't need to hurt you or put you out of action...I need that [pointing at the US Championship]. I need to beat you once and for all and hold a championship that establishes ME as "The Next Big Thing." We both need to settle this and put to rest the question of who's the better man. You and me. Survivor Series. One on one. No Holds Barred. For the United States Championship. If you've got the stomach for it. Champ.

Callihan leaves Miz in the ring - untouched, angry, and confused.

The following week on Raw, The Miz is out to the ring to address Callihan:

MIZ:

Callihan left early last week before I could address his gracious request. But than, that's how you've handled everything since you've shown up, hasn't it? Walking away and attacking people from behind...you're the biggest coward the WWE has ever seen!

Callihan emerges from the back, angry. He stops at the of the ramp, scowling at Miz.

MIZ:

Ah, there's the WWE's favorite troll now. I'll admit, I was almost impressed that you didn't try to hit me from behind last week and that I didn't have to kick you off my ankle like a chihuahua. You can tell the WWE Universe you've changed all you want, but I think you're full of crap.. One thing you're right about - we need this settled. And you think I won't have the guts to meet you in a No Holds Barred match? That's where you're wrong, troll-boy. I've been in my share of wars. "I Quit" matches with John Cena. Battles with Daniel Bryan and Chris Jericho...hell, I sent John Morrison packing after our Falls Count Anywhere match on this show! I've got more guts than you certainly ever will. No Holds Barred for my US Championship at Survivor Series? You're on.

Callihan grins from the ramp as the match is made.

The following week, on Raw, Callihan makes R-Truth tap out to the Stretch Muffler in one on one competition. Afterward, Callihan grabs a microphone:

CALLIHAN:

You don't believe I've changed, Miz? I honestly don't care if you do. All you need to know is your days are numbered as United States Champion. I'll leave you breathing, but I'll leave you beaten and without your precious Championship. And I'll do it on my terms. No disqualifications, no countouts, there has to be a winner. And that winner has to be me because I need this more than I've needed anything. Once I've established myself here and prove that I belong, you can believe me then.

The following week, Miz also scores a decisive victory on Raw, this one over Cody Rhodes. After the match, Miz talks to Josh Matthews backstage:

MIZ:

You know, Callihan, no one doubts your ability. You can go; that's not the question. The reason you haven't proven you belong here because you've attacked guys like me and put us on the shelf like a coward rather than face us head on. All I need to believe, with zero doubt, is that I can beat a troll like you who's nothing but a coward.

Six days later at Survivor Series, Callihan and The Miz engage in final battle for the US Championship in a No Holds Barred match. The near 20-minute encounter is first spent with both wrestling, then breaking down much like their Night of Champions match. However, Calihan seems to escalate the violence only in retaliation; he does not instigate any if the out-of-the-ring brawling or use of weapons first. The Miz, still feeling wronged from Callihan's actions throughout their history, plays the aggressor. At one point, a wrench (used to tighten the turnbuckles, the announcers explain) is pulled from under the ring. Miz and Calliham both try to use the wrench as a blunt-force weapon at different points, but both men are thwarted. Even after Callihan has severely damages the Miz's knee throughout the bout, Callihan still can't get The Miz to submit to the Stretch Muffler. After surviving the Figure-4 from the Miz, Callihan goes for the Stretch Muffler one more time - with the wrench wedged behind his neck and The Miz's knee! The Miz, unable to take any more, finally taps out as Sami Callihan wins the United States Championship.




THE END. FOR NOW.

"The Sami Callihan Story" - Part 7

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Next night on Raw, Renee Young asks Callihan about what happened with Regal post-match the night before. Before Callihan can answer, Kingston interrupts:

KINGSTON:

If I didn't know any better, I'd think William Regal finally beat some sense into you. But, that doesn't excuse the fact that The Miz isn't the only guy you tried to put out twice. I haven't forgotten nor forgiven that at all.

CALLIHAN:

The first time we crossed paths, Kofi, I actually had second thoughts about putting you down. The second time it happened, you were simply collateral damage. I've never been sure whether or not you've gotten your fair due in this company, but none of that ever seems to bother you. You're perfectly happy being a company guy no matter how bad they treat you here. You could be one of the greatest Superstars ever with the talent you have, but apparently you're perfectly content being an also-ran. Maybe I should have ended it when I had the chance.

Kingston punches Callihan and the fight is on! Referees arrive to pull the two apart.

The next week on Raw, the announcement is made that Kofi Kingston and Sami Callihan wil meet at Hell in a Cell. Kofi Kingston defeats Wade Barrett on Raw. After the match, Callihan appears at the top of a ramp with a microphone:

CALLIHAN:

I didn't get to answer you last week since you were so insistent on a fight. I've been trying to spare you because of how you've been treated. But, since it seems you can't let this go, I'll gladly meet you in 13 days at Hell in a Cell!

Callihan drops the microphone and walks away. Kofi is happy for the chance as the announcers question why Callihan chose not to attack as he normally would.

Next week on Raw, Callihan defeats Justin Gabriel by submission with the Muffler. Post-match, Kingston appears and attacks Callihan in the ring. Afterward, Kingston takes a microphone:

KINGSTON:

Ever since you arrived here, Callihan, you've been out of control! I already owe you for what you did to me, but it's bigger than that. Maybe I am a "company guy," ans this "company guy" is gonna stand up and out a stop to this once and for all at Hell in a Cell!

Callihan smiles at Kingston; the announcers note how odd Callihan's behavior is in that he actually seems pleased with what's happened and hasn't been the aggressor...

Six days later, Sami Callihan and Kofi Kingston meet in a regular rules match at Hell in a Cell. In an unusual twist, Kofi plays the aggressor while Callihan is cold and calculating. Callihan eventually defeats Kofi Kingston with the Stretch Muffler. Afterward, Callihan releases the  Muffler and states at Kingston just like he did Regal at Over the Limit. Referees emerge to protect Kingston and prevent another attack. Callihan leaves, but has a message: he stops at the nearest camera and makes the "championship gesture around his waist, yelling "Miz, you're time has come!"




TO BE CONCLUDED...

"The Sami Callihan Story" - Part 6

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The next night on Raw, Josh Matthews is with William Regal backstage. Matthews explains that Regal has asked for this time to speak:

REGAL:

I understand my actions ruined a championship match last night, and for that I need to apologize to the WWE Universe. I am fully aware that my time may not be long for being here and I need to make the most of what I have. That's why I did what I did last night, because there's no way I could let my career come to a crashing halt at the hands of that charlatan, Sami Callihan. What he did to me, and what he has done to others such as The Miz and Kofi Kingston, must be rectified, and I refuse to rest until that has been done. That is why I did what I did last night, and I hope the WWE Universe can understand that. I also implore Vickie Guerrero or whomever I must to grant me a match with Callihan at Over The Limit to put an end to this toerag once and for all.

The following week on Raw, Callihan makes The Great Khali tap out to the stretch Muffler. After the match, Callihan takes the microphone:

CALLIHAN:

You know, once upon a time I respected William Regal. Hell, I nearly idolized him. Having him taking me under his wing and be given the opportunity to learn from one of the masters of the craft was a dream come true. That dream went sour when Regal tried to make me something I'm not. You see, Regal was a bad guy. He was the villain in every sense of the word, and as a kid growing up and watching him on TV, I loved it. However, Regal feels the need to make up for it in his old age and, to do that, he used me. He manipulated me to make up for his shortcomings until I smartened up to what he was doing. I already owed him, but then he went and cost me my chance at the United States Championship, my opportunity to shut The Miz up once and for all,  MY CHANCE AT REDEMPTION! For that, Regal, you pay the ultimate price. Over The Edge? You want to meet me one-on-one? You got it, old man. I only regret I can't put you out of your misery sooner.

Two days later on Main Event, William Regal defeats Wade Barrett in a grueling contest - one that ends with Regal using the ropes for leverage away from. The referees vantage point. Afterward, Regal runs at a prone Barrett and knocks him out with the knee to the head! After the commercial break, Regal talks to Renee Young backstage:

REGAL:

You know, young lady, I truly hated to do that to a fellow countryman. But, I did it to prove a point. Sami Callihan says I used to be a villain? My dear lady, I still am. And if I'm willing to do that to someone I respect that shares the same nationality as I do, can you imagine the beating that toerag Callihan will suffer once I meet him?

The next week on Raw, William Regal and Kofi Kingston take on Sami Callihan and Wade Barrett in tag action. The match ultimately becomes a singles contest between Kingston and Barrett when Callihan and Regal fight to the back almost immediately after the match starts! Kingston defeats Barrett as Calliham and Regal slug it out backstage until referees and officials arrive to separate the two.  Post-commercial, announcers indicate that the two have been ejected from the building by Vickie Guerrero.

Six days later at Over the Limit, the match between Sami Callihan and William Regal becomes a 15-minute war of attrition. As the contest goes on, Callihan seems hesitant to seriously hurt Regal. Callihan wins the match with the Stretch Muffler submission. Post-match, Callihan immediately releases the hold and stands and stares at Regal. Regal limps up to Callihan angrily - and shakes his hand. Regal can be seen telling Callihan, "I knew you had it in you, lad." Regal then limps out of the ring and up the ramp.



TO BE CONTINUED...

"The Sami Callihan Story" - Part 5

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The next night on Raw, one of the matches announced for next week is a US Championship defense as Miz defends against Cody Rhodes after Rhodes defeats Tensai for a title shot. Renee Young gets reaction from The Miz backstage:

MIZ:

You know, Renee, I'll be the first to admit I did something stupid last night and lost my temper. That's an issue I'll have to deal with down the road, but next week, Cody Rhodes is coming for this [pats United States Championship] and I can't afford to look past that. The Callihan troll will have to wait his turn.

Later the same night, Callihan (with a slight but noticeable limp) defeats Santino Marella in short order by submission with the Stretch Muffler. Callihan releases the muffler immediately once the bell rings, then demands a microphone:

CALLIHAN:

Last night, Miz, I proved you can't beat me!  And everyone here saw it, just like they're seeing you running scared and ducking me now! You go ahead and hide behind that United States Championship that you still have because you got yourself disqualified. You go ahead and focus on Cody Rhodes. This "little troll" will wait his turn - but when it comes, I'll be the monster under your bed that'll make every nightmare you've ever had come true.

The following week on Raw, The Miz defeats Cody Rhodes in a close match to retain the united States Championship. We come back from commercial to see replay of what happened on the WWE app: Callihan viciously attacked Miz as he walked back through the curtain after the match. As The Miz is laying, Callihan asks him before walking away:

CALLIHAN:

Should I go after your knee again, Miz, and cripple you for good? Or would taking your US Championship torture you even more?

Next week on Raw, Callihan is on the way to the ring for a match before commercial when he is attacked by Miz! Miz lays out Callihan backstage without uttering a word as we go to commercial.

After the break, Vickie Guerrero and Brad Maddox are with Josh Matthews. Guerrero officially announces that Miz will defend the United States Championship against Sami Callihan in a No Disqualification match at Night of Champions. Guerrero also adds that, since they can't keep their hands off each other, they will be across the ring from each other next week in tag team action.

The next week on Raw, Sami Callihan and Antonio Cesaro face The Miz and R-Truth. The Miz has a hard time not going after Callihan, while Callihan seems focused on the match at hand. The announcers note that Callihan may have finally gotten inside Miz's head. The match ends when Callihan pins Miz after European uppercut/big boot combo while the referee's back is turned. Callihan leaves with Cesaro, laughing at The Miz as Michael Cole wonders aloud if Callihan has The Miz's number.

Six days later at Night of Champions, the match between Callihan and The Miz starts with Callihan out-wrestling The Miz and Miz growing more and more frustrated. After Callihan misses a running boot in the corner, the tables are turned and Miz begins frustrating Callihan by taking control. Seven minutes in,  the match breaks down into a fight as the two take it outside the ring in a wild melee. About 12 minutes, both are in the ring and Callihan, after getting the upper hand with brawling, scores with the running kick! The referee is counting what seems to be an academic pin when the returning William Regal runs down to ringside and pulls the referee out of the ring! Regal attacks Callihan, knocking him out cold with the running knee to the head. Miz, unaware of interference, covers Callihan as the referee comes to and counts the fall. The Miz retains the United States Championship.



TO BE CONTINUED...

"The Sami Callihan Story" - Part 4

Part 1
Part 2
Part 3

The following night on Raw, Callihan walks ahead of Regal to the ring. As they get there, Regal immediately takes a microphone and addresses Callihan:

REGAL:

Since your reprehensible actions last night, I notice you haven’t answered any calls or messages. You haven’t wanted to talk in private, so I’m forced to ask you for an explanation now as to why you hurt Mr. Kingston last night. We were making progress towards turning you away from a path of violence and injuring--

Callihan snatches the microphone from Regal.

CALLIHAN:

No. We were making progress towards me making up for all of your mistakes! I came here to make my own mark and with my own mission. Mr. Regal, I admire everything you’ve done in this business, good and bad. It inspired me to take control of my own life and career and be my own man. It also helped me to see that guys like yourself, Alex Riley, and Zack Ryder made their own way, politics be damned. Kofi Kingston is one of those guys, too - but he decided he’d rather be this company’s puppet rather than be his own man. I wanted to leave him out of it, but he chose to get in the way...

Callihan gets in Regal’s face.

CALLIHAN:

...Just like you chose to take me off of my own path and try to put me on yours. I respect you and everything you’ve done, Mr. Regal, but this is your opportunity to make your own way instead of dragging me down that path. I will no longer follow where you’re going because I have my own way--

Regal now gets in the face of Callihan

REGAL:

You have your own way to make to ruin! You’re sorely undisciplined and you lack any kind of focus towards success! Your judgment of who’s worthy and who’s held everyone down has clouded your judgment to the point where you’ll never make it toward a championship! I’m trying to keep you from failing in your mission of success, which isn’t what your mother or your best friend would--

Callihan suddenly boots Regal in the face, snapping at the mention of those who have passed. He viciously beats Regal down to the mat and, after suplexing Regal over his head, applies the Stretch Muffler to Regal! Backstage officials and referees rush down to the ring to pull Callihan off of Regal before he can permanently injure Regal, but no one can stop Callihan. Regal’s career looks to be coming to an end - until the Miz runs to the ring from backstage! The Miz attacks Callihan, separating him from Regal as he pounds on the man who put him out for two months. Callihan finally retreats with a look of shock on his face that The Miz has returned. Meanwhile, officials and referees tend to Regal while commentators try their best to make sense of this chaotic scene. The sight of Miz screaming at Callihan from the ring fades to black before a commercial break.

The following week on Raw, The Miz emerges to ringside to address the Universe:

MIZ:

Gotta tell you, it feels good to be back, especially since I wasn’t sure there for a second if I would be. After Pigpen - woops, I mean Callihan - got a hold of my knee after Extreme Rules, I spent the entire time from being carried out of this ring to the next day waking up in the hospital wondering if I would ever be here again. I was relieved when the doctor told me that yeah, I was hurt, but that it could have been a lot worse. It was a relief to know I had the means to make it back it to this ring, and seeing that filthy hairball carry out his “crusade” of who’s been “held down”? I couldn’t wait to get back here! You guys are great motivation, but so is seeing Callihan walk around here like he’s earned something.

Callihan walks out from the back and Miz spots him immediately.

MIZ:

Yeah, you heard me you dirty little troll. You walk around here like you’ve earned something, but you haven’t. All you’ve done is hurt people on your way to “ending the era” of the “spoiled superstar.” Well, troll-boy, this is your lucky night. You haven’t earned a damn thing, but I’m still gonna give you a chance to continue your creepy crusade...

Miz holds up the US Title.

MIZ:

...as well as a shot at this. SummerSlam’s coming up sooner than later. This may be a little backwards, but then so’s my whole career! I’m challenging you to a United States Championship match at SummerSlam. Just me and you, Callihan - to see if you’re any good or if you’re all whine and no talent!

The camera cuts to Callihan, who’s nodding and grinning. The announcers confirm that the match is made for SummerSlam.

The following week on Raw, The Miz defeats Damien Sandow in non-title action. After the bout, Callihan rushes the ring and attacks The Miz. The scene is almost a scary replay of the first attack as Callihan nearly destroys Miz before going for the Stretch Muffler. However, referees intervene and are able to stop Callihan from doing any lasting damage. The Miz is left in pain but with no lasting damage this time as Callihan departs, scowling at Miz.

Later the same week on Smackdown, Renee Young catches up with The Miz backstage, who laments:

MIZ:

Is it just me, Renee, or does this troll Callihan never do anything face to face? Every time we turn around, Callihan's trying to put out someone like me or Kofi or Regal! What this shows me is that Callihan can't cut it here because he can't get the job done in the ring when it counts. And if he can't make it here without that, then it's about time someone shows him the door.

Days later on Raw, the roles are reversed. After Callihan defeats Jinder Mahal, The Miz takes his opportunity to run down to ringside and get a piece of Callihan. Referees separate the two after an even exchange, but not even the referees can prevent what becomes a wild melee. Ultimately, Vickie Guerrero and Brad Maddox emerge from the back:

GUERRERO:

Excuse me! EXCUSE ME!! You two already have a match coming up at SummerSlam! Jeopardizing that with this behavior is inexcusable! You two want to get your hands on each other?! You'll have to wait until your match at SummerSlam...because if either one of you lays a finger on the other between now and then, you'll BOTH BE FIRED!

Miz and Callihan both look at Vickie Guerrero with death in their eyes. The hatred in their eyes is even worse when they turn and stare each other down as we fade to commercial.

The following week on Raw, Callihan comes to the ring to give his thoughts on the developments of the prior week and what's to come:

CALLIHAN:

So, Miz wants to make a big deal about whether or not I hit him from behind or confront him face-to-face. Here's a breaking development coming through the newswire, Miz - I don't care. I don't give a damn if we're nose to nose or if I jump you in a parking lot and slam your preety face in a car door. People like you just deserve to be put out of this business and out of our misery. Kofi? He should be above this based just on talent alone, but he's too busy towing the company line. Putting him out is just a mercy killing. Regal? Wanted me to become him at the expense of everything I've sacrificed to get here. But you, Miz...you're still the primary target. For waltzing in here and having everything handed to you, you deserve to be eliminated. And I don't care how I have to get it done. But I'll tell you what - you're so concerned with whether or not I can "get the job done"? Ending your career would be wonderful...but so would taking your United States Championship and proving to a pretty-boy punk like you that I am, at the end of the day, better than you.

The following week on Raw, Miz is asked backstage by Josh Matthews about his match in six days at SummerSlam defending the US Championship against Sami Callihan:

MIZ:

What more do you need to know than what we've all seen, Josh? That degenerate coward's jumped me from behind twice now. The first time it happened, I wasn't 100% sure I'd ever make it back to the WWE Universe again. Only to have him try it again? Why? Because that filthy little troll can't succeed here otherwise, that's why - and I'll prove--

Callihan suddenly stops as the camera swings over to reveal Sami Callihan now in Miz's face. Referees arrive on the scene, ready to separate the two as Callihan speaks:

CALLIHAN:

The first time I left you for dead, it should have stayed that way. But now, I'm glad you made it back. I said it would start with you, and it will in six days. That's when I'll beat you...one on one, face to face., no excuses...and prove I belong here [points to the United States Championship] by taking that.

Referees are imploring Callihan and Miz not to let things escalate as Callihan walks away.

Six days later at SummerSlam, the match between Miz and Callihan is a heated, personal contest. Callihan spends most of the match punishing Miz's knee and taunting him. (At one point, Callihan points and laughs at The Miz as a referee asks Miz if he wants to give up. The announcers point out how "sadistic this degenerate Callihan is.") Finally, Miz mounts a comeback and has the upper hand when Callihan hauls off and spits at Miz, who snaps and completely loses his temper. After pounding on Callihan, Miz locks in the Figure-4 and refuses to let go of the hold despite the referee pleading before counting to 5. The Miz retains the US Championship by disqualification, but it's crystal clear the issue is far from settled.

TO BE CONTINUED...