WWE

RAW Superstar Scores Major Victory in Non-WWE Competition

Karrion Kross defeats JR Kratos via submission at Josh Barnett's Bloodsport XIII event days before WrestleMania 41.

Leonardo Cunha
RAW Superstar Scores Major Victory in Non-WWE Competition

A WWE performer has found success outside the company’s programming just before wrestling’s biggest weekend of the year.

Karrion Kross secured a victory at Josh Barnett’s Bloodsport XIII by defeating JR Kratos with a submission maneuver. Kross applied a sleeper hold on the mat to force his opponent to surrender, adding another win to his record at the shoot-style wrestling event.

The victory improves Karrion Kross’ overall Bloodsport record to 2-1, demonstrating his effectiveness in the more realistic combat sport presentation that characterizes these events. His opponent, JR Kratos, now stands at 4-4 in Bloodsport competition following the loss.

This triumph comes during WrestleMania week, though Karrion Kross currently does not have a scheduled match at WrestleMania 41 in Las Vegas. While not appearing on wrestling’s showcase event, Kross has maintained visibility through his recent in-ring performance against AJ Styles on Raw, which reportedly received positive feedback.

Bloodsport events feature a unique presentation that blends professional wrestling with mixed martial arts elements, taking place in a ring without ropes and emphasizing strikes and submissions. The event serves as part of the broader wrestling festivities surrounding WrestleMania weekend.