A Glimpse Beyond the Character
In professional wrestling, characters are larger-than-life. They breathe fire, intimidate crowds, and dominate arenas filled with thousands of screaming fans. For years, Killer Kross—later known to WWE audiences as Karrion Kross—embodied that archetype perfectly. At 6’4” and 265 pounds, with a cold, menacing glare, devastating suplexes, and an aura that seemed untouchable, he became one of the industry’s most feared figures.
But in Life Is Fighting, we meet Kevin Kesar—the man behind the mask, the human being behind the menace. And what we discover is not a monster, but a thoughtful, vulnerable, and determined man who fought his way through setbacks, heartache, and self-doubt to emerge stronger than ever.
This isn’t just another wrestling autobiography. It’s an honest memoir about perseverance, identity, and love. It’s about how a man who makes his living by portraying brutality in the ring has learned to process fragility, humility, and humanity outside of it.
Wrestling as a Lifelong Battle
From the opening chapters, Kross situates his life within the metaphor of combat. Wrestling, he explains, isn’t just a performance for him—it’s a lens through which he’s lived his entire life. The physicality of catch wrestling and jiu jitsu, the spectacle of sports entertainment, and the constant fight for opportunity all echo his inner struggles.
Kross doesn’t shy away from detailing the brutality of the wrestling industry. He’s traveled the world, fighting in different promotions, proving himself in environments where one mistake could cost not just a match, but a career. His intensity wasn’t just for show; it was survival. The book makes clear that behind every devastating suplex or submission hold was a man hungry to make his mark.
And yet, Life Is Fighting is not a victory lap. It’s a candid account of setbacks: injuries, lost opportunities, moments where the business seemed more cruel than rewarding. He writes openly about his release from WWE, a blow that could have broken many performers. Instead, Kross uses those pages to describe the anger, the fear, and eventually the resilience that carried him through.
Scarlett: More Than a Manager
Fans know Scarlett Bordeaux as Kross’ striking onscreen partner, the voice and presence that amplified his mystique in WWE and beyond. But in Life Is Fighting, she emerges as Elizabeth, his wife and confidante, the person who helped him endure his darkest moments.
The book is as much a love story as it is a wrestling memoir. Scarlett’s presence in Kross’ life is portrayed as an anchor, a reminder that behind the spectacle and chaos of professional wrestling lies a real partnership built on support, sacrifice, and devotion.
Kross writes with unguarded affection about Scarlett’s role in helping him find balance. When self-doubt crept in after his WWE release, it was Scarlett who reminded him of his worth. When opportunities dried up, she helped him keep perspective. Their bond is the emotional backbone of the book, and it elevates Life Is Fighting into something deeper than a wrestling story. It’s about partnership—the kind of partnership that allows someone to keep fighting when the world seems determined to knock them down.
Wrestling With Identity
One of the strongest threads in the book is Kross’ exploration of identity. For years, he was Killer Kross: the menacing, merciless destroyer. Fans feared him. Opponents dreaded him. Promoters saw dollar signs in his aura of danger.
But who was Kevin Kesar?
This question becomes the beating heart of the memoir. After his initial WWE release, Kross describes feeling stripped of identity. Without the character, without the stage, he was forced to confront himself. That period of uncertainty becomes one of the most compelling stretches of the book.
Kross doesn’t try to romanticize the pain. He admits to bouts of depression, to questioning whether he was good enough, to wondering if his career had peaked too soon. His honesty is refreshing in a business that often celebrates bravado over vulnerability. By letting readers into his struggles, Kross makes Life Is Fighting resonate with anyone who has ever had to reinvent themselves after a setback.
Respect From His Peers
The authenticity of Kross’ voice is echoed by the praise of his peers. WWE Grand Slam Champion Kofi Kingston calls Life Is Fighting “a must-read for any fan of the wrestling business.” That endorsement isn’t just a blurb—it’s a reflection of the respect Kross commands in locker rooms. Known for his meticulous preparation and genuine love for wrestling, Kross has earned the admiration of colleagues who recognize that his intensity is matched only by his dedication.
The book also showcases the duality of Kross’ presence. In the ring, his physique and ruthlessness inspire fear. Outside of it, he’s soft-spoken, thoughtful, and deeply reflective. That contrast makes him one of the more fascinating figures in modern wrestling, and Life Is Fighting captures it beautifully.
Style and Structure
Kross writes with deliberate pacing, much like his in-ring style. He doesn’t rush through moments. Instead, he builds atmosphere, drawing the reader into the emotional space of each chapter. Whether he’s recounting the adrenaline of a fight, the despair of rejection, or the quiet comfort of life at home with Scarlett, he allows the narrative to breathe.
The book is filled with heartache, but also humor—self-deprecating anecdotes, reflections on the absurdities of the wrestling business, and small stories that show Kross’ humanity. Those touches prevent the book from becoming too heavy; they balance vulnerability with resilience.
Beyond Wrestling
Ultimately, Life Is Fighting transcends wrestling. Yes, fans will revel in the behind-the-scenes insight. Yes, students of the business will admire the details of training, travel, and in-ring psychology. But the deeper power of the book lies in its universal themes: perseverance, identity, partnership, and the fight to keep moving forward.
For anyone who has faced rejection, who has had to rebuild after failure, or who has relied on loved ones to carry them through difficult times, Kross’ story will feel achingly familiar. The ring may be unique to wrestling, but the battles are ones we all know.
Final Verdict
Life Is Fighting is one of the most important wrestling memoirs in years—not because of the matches it describes, but because of the humanity it reveals. Killer Kross shows us that behind the menace is Kevin Kesar, a man who continues to fight not just in arenas, but in life itself.
This is more than a wrestling book. It’s a human story about resilience, love, and the relentless pursuit of purpose. Whether you’re a lifelong fan of sports entertainment or someone who’s never watched a match, there’s something here for you.
Final Rating: Highly Recommended.
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