Life Is Fighting

by Kevin Robert Kesar

Get a rare glimpse into the mind of Karrion Kross, the 6'4", 265-pound powerhouse known for his ferocity in the ring but admired for his thoughtful perseverance outside of it. This book is packed with heartache, humor, and invaluable lessons, revealing the real man behind the menacing exterior and his relentless journey to the top of sports entertainment.

Karrion Kross’s physique — a hulking 6'4", 265 pounds — and the unbridled intensity in his eyes is enough on its own to inspire fear in opponents. Factor in his unique combination of precision and abject ruthlessness, and it becomes clear that anyone stepping in the ring with Kross is in immediate danger. A master of catch wrestling and sambo, Kross has done battle around the world. He boasts an array of devastating suplexes, including his dreaded Doomsday Saito. And if that’s not enough, he’s more than happy to put opponents to sleep with the Kross Jacket.

For all his menacing exterior, the human being behind the character — whose real name is Kevin Kesar — is a soft-spoken, highly thoughtful individual with a powerful story. Recognized by peers for his exceptional love for his profession, Kesar endured numerous setbacks on the way to achieving his dream. Along with his wife, Elizabeth — known in WWE as Scarlett — he has repeatedly found the fortitude to bounce back stronger, personally and professionally. This book is full of fascinating stories, heartache, humor, and even some advice for those with similar aspirations. Readers will be immersed into Kesar’s unique mindset as he pulls back the curtain on what the journey (and the fight) to the top of sports entertainment is really like.

Genres: Biography, Nonfiction, Audiobook, Memoir, Sports

280 pages, Paperback

First published August 5, 2025

About the author

Kevin Robert Kesar is a professional wrestler. A performer, actor, martial artist, and producer of the short film Blue Evening, he’s entertained and competed worldwide for more than a decade. Although he resides in Orlando, he’s seen many worlds and offers very intimate and personal stories through his multicultural background as a proud New York–born traveler.

Reviews

[Oliver Bateman · Rating 5 out of 5]

make sure you snag the audiobook of this, with kesar (kross) reading it. this will hammer home why this guy is one of the top 2-3 promo men in the biz. honestly, after hearing this, you will wonder why he ISN'T even better than he is. kesar is a genuine s-tier talent, between the ropes and on the mic.

the book would not be an enjoyable experience without the audio aspect. it jumps around, there's a lot of self-help/motivation stuff that would seem silly *but for* how kesar elevates the material. the sections on his wrestling and nightclub/security careers are interesting, but quite thin (admittedly, his wrestling career is short, but there's so much more he could and has said across various interviews). i've worked on these books and i'd simply have given the guy the recorder and had him riff on every significant match.

the book also reveals kesar's achilles heel: he has spent years perfecting a "time supervillain" gimmick, with witch accompaniment (elizabeth/scarlet) that is less entertaining than he is in actual off-the-cuff interviews, doing various voices (he doesn't do the jesse ventura impression he does so well, but he does an excellent christopher walken) in this book, etc. it is certainly a carefully-designed gimmick, perfect in every detail, but it's incredibly corny (and clearly influenced by elizabeth, whom he obviously loves dearly (for very understandable reasons!!!) but who just isn't as good as he is, nowhere close, but he also says in the book that he doesn't care, he'll work where he can work if he can do his thing...and it appears that he is). if ever anyone simply needed to go full-on stone cold steve austin (and could pull it off), but the northeastern version, it would be kesar (and he was leaning into a bit of that toward the end of his last wwe run).

recommended, but only in the audio version. it's a remarkable portrait of a performer who has everything - the girl, the look, the moveset, the charisma...everything, that is, except it. because (seemingly) he doesn't want it!

[Matt Wilson · Rating 5 out of 5]

NOTE: I received an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.  

I had known of Killer Kross but didn't know his story or even watched any of his wrestling matches.  This book gives a lot of backstory so you can get to know Kevin, the person.  From his early days working out at a boxing gym, to being security for celebrities to his rise in WWE, you get to really know what makes him tick. 

In the book, he talks about going to concerts or shows in the Toronto area in the 90s and it has me wondering if we ever attended any of the same shows.  

I'd recommend this book to any wrestling fan, or even someone that enjoys reading biographical stories.  Kevin provides insight into why his wrestling character is the way he is.  

A decent read overall, I read through this book quicker than I have been able to read some lately. 

[Tanya · Rating 3 out of 5]

Kross has lived an interesting life. From learning martial arts and grappling from his father as a kid, to a career as a bouncer to finally making his way into wrestling where he met the love of his life. Life is Fighting is written in a non-linear, stream of conscience style. I enjoyed learning more about him and his life since I already find him interesting.
Kross seems like a really humble, grateful guy and that's cool. There's no real gossip and the names he does drop are people who have helped him along the way and/or friends he made. He offers his insight and advice on the wrestling business and just life in general. I wish there was a bit more in here about his time in TNA and what it's like to communicate with ghosts. Both are mentioned briefly, though TNA is never mentioned by name.
I would recommend this to fans of Killer/Karrion Kross, wrestling fans and people who like biographies.
I received a free copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

[Dan · Rating 4 out of 5]

My thanks to NetGalley and ECW Press for an advance copy of this new book that is both a biography and a meditation on the lessons and experiences that have shaped the writer, expanding his mind, honing his body, and how this culminated in a job he enjoys, along with a wife that is his greatest achievement.

I have never been much for sports, not my thing in the slightest. I have a hard time even pretending to care, though with my extended family I have had a lot of experience. Professional wrestling on the other hand, I have enjoyed since first seeing it on my grandparents black and white tv, their other tv was broken at the time. I was in awe. This was like watching a comic book come to life, huge men battling for honor, glory, or just meaness in front of a crowd of jubilantly rabid fans. I know the ending is predetermined, but this is not to take away from the physicality, or the pose, or the verbal chops of these wrestlers. And for those who say it is fake, well it is not. As a brother who was jumped on from couches, a bunk bed, and a jungle gym once can attest, it hurts quite a bit. The pain is equal to both wrestlers. Some moves hurt the person giving the move as much as the person taking it. There is trust that one won't hurt the other, I am giving you my body, give it back like you found it. I have read many books on wrestling, biographies, histories of territories, books against wrestling. This is one of the first that really makes a person understand the siren song of martial arts, and wrestling. Why one does this, and why one is willing to pay many costs. All while really expertly told. Life Is Fighting by Kevin Robert Kesar, known better by his WWE name Karrion Kross, tells of his life, his struggles, misadventures, and lessons learned on his way to finding out who he wants to be, and where it might take him.

Kevin Robert Kesar was born in New York City to a father who loved martial arts and amateur wrestling. Kesar split his time between the Big Apple and Toronto Canada, where his father worked, learning an appreciation for the martial arts, and picking up many different styles as he grew. Kesar was also a professional wrestling fan, one who you can tell loved to bring others in and show them the majesty, and the physicality of the sport, something that stuck with him, and made him dream. Kesar was working out when he was offered a chance to do a little MMA, which turned out to be a bare-knuckle fight that made Fight Club look like Star Wars. Kesar had always been physical, but knew that being physical came with a cost Kesar has spent much of his time working on these ideas, probably as much as he was worked on his appearance. Bouncing, bodyguarding and other things gave him stories to tell, but wrestling it seems has given him far more. A chance to hone his craft, to work out his thoughts on action and violence. A place in the WWE, and his wife, who one can tell he is totally in love with.

Not the book I expected. One gets a sense of this wrestling books, hard scrabble upbringing, training incidents, bad matches, good matches, fame, and maybe a slow fade out. Oh and lots of stories about wrestlers being jerks and settling scores. This book has really none of that, and yet has a whole lot more. Kesar talks about the act of hitting people, what it feels like, and what it leaves behind. The book is rather stream of conscious which really adds to the storytelling, though the occasional date would be nice. There are some funny stories, one in particular I still laugh about now. A wonderful set of episodes about meeting his wife, and their wedding. Also there is a a little bit of WWE is the greatest, which one can understand. However if one wants breakdowns of matches, one is reading the wrong book. This is a look at the career and the costs, not individual moments. A career that I am intrigued to follow.

Kesar is a very good writer with an interesting approach to his book, and an openness that is rare. I quite enjoyed it, though in a different way than I expected, but makes me interested to see what might be next for Mr. Kesar.

[Evan R · Rating 2 out of 5]

I hate to be the first < 3 star rating, so I want to justify it. To preface, I think Kevin as a performer is fascinating - I think he comes off as very well-spoken in interviews, has a compelling wrestling character, so I picked up this book after watching his self-produced documentaries on Youtube, wanting to learn more about the man behind the character.

However, I came out of this book disappointed. First off, it really could've used a co-author to help with editing and structuring, it bounces all over the place in tone and between different incidents / stages in his life. It seems like an attempt at a "conversational" style, but just didn't hit for me. I also was waiting to see what unique perspectives and insight he had gained through his life, but that came sparingly. He talks about a particularly crazy incident at a nightclub where he was running security, some "Roadhouse" IRL type insanity: and that fit exactly what I look for in autobiographies in terms of unique perspective offered by the author, that informs their lived experience to this day. He implies that there are a significant amount of similar stories, but instead, this book spends a lot of time on his overall philosophies, none of which are that insightful and, for better or worse depending on your POV, sound straight out of early 2010s JRE episodes. Regardless, he seems like a genuinely good guy, and someone with true lifelong obsession with the art of pro wrestling. I enjoyed his candor when it came to how he felt about his first run in WWE, and how passionate he is about the character he has created / portrays in wrestling.

Something I noticed though, for all the talk of fighting in the book - he doesn't ever talk about losing a fight lol! I mean, he's clearly a badass guy so maybe he hasn't ever lost a legitimate fight? However, he talks about the Shamrock System early on in the book, and I feel like it would've been an interesting framework or motif to structure some of these incidents around. Every incident he mentions in the book always had him coming out on top over someone clearly weaker than him (generally bullies / untrained people who "had it coming"), aka a lot of "minuses". I'd love to know who were his "pluses", who humbled him? If we're drawing a parallel to life and fighting (per the book title), then where do losses fit in? Seems like an essential aspect to cover, even if you were laying dudes out twice your size in your first fight as a 17-year-old bare-knuckle boxer.

Anyways, at the time of this review, Kevin is currently no longer employed with WWE (though I could see him getting a new contract soon and making a return later this year / 2026), but even though I wasn't a fan of this book, I'm still interested to see what he does next, and would give his next book a go if/when he writes it.

[Tony Farinella · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have mixed feelings on this book. On one hand, I found Karrion Kross to be a fascinating, well-spoken, and intelligent individual. He's self-aware and tells detailed stories of his fighting background, his past anger issues, and he's someone who is clearly well-read and a deep thinker.

However, this is NOT a great wrestling book. Many people reading this book are going into it looking for stories about his pro-wrestling career, and he tells some stories, but he doesn't tell most or all of them. I felt like he was holding back when it came to his wrestling career. Wrestling fans are likely to be disappointed by this.

As a self-help book, it's a good read. I found his perspective on life to be refreshing, and he is clearly looking to do something different with his memoir. Different is good, and I liked the fact he brought you into his life as an angry young adult. Individual chapters were compelling, well-written, and they pulled me as a reader.

As the book gets into the past 10-15 years of his life, the book is short on details and information. I read someone compare his book to Jon Moxley's (which I hated), and Karrion Kross is smarter, more well-adjusted, and likable than Moxley. Moxley's book was an incoherent mess. Kross' book tends to jump all over the place, but there is a rhyme and a reason to it. This book is never boring, but I also felt like he was purposely saving more for a future book down the line.

I was looking forward to reading the next great wrestling book as Kross is someone I find interesting and someone I'd love to grab a coffee with and talk pro-wrestling, horror movies, and life with. He's got a lot of ideas, but not all of them work in this book.

As a self-help book, I enjoyed it. As a wrestling book, I was disappointed.

3.5 Stars

[Kristin P · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an interesting read. Part autobiography, part self-help book or maybe guidance manual. I have read quite a few books by professional wrestlers, but usually they are basic chronological autobiographies written by ghostwriters with a few work out and diet tips at the end. Life is Fighting is much more than that. It takes you through Kesar’s life based on events and the lessons he learned from them and the questions he still ponders about them. It asks questions of you and makes you think about the events and crossroads in your own life. But most of all it expresses the knowledge that we choose to be a better person every day in the smallest ways and those small choices add up to make us the person we want to be. Kesar demonstrates levels of intention, intelligence and introspection. The non-wrestling fan would be surprised at he’s much more than a professional wrestler. This is simply the path his intelligence, creativity, and physicality meet on. He could’ve chosen any fighting sport, and any artistic medium.
The recurring theme of internal and external struggle, how in the past he could’ve handled situations better, and how he has now turned the art of fighting into a mastery of conflict resolution are truly fascinating.
As someone who also spent their young adult years under the yolk of anger, I was truly pulled in by the parallels of how that emotion affected us similarly, and how now in the middle of our lives, we have learned how to balance those emotions and those actions.
Again, I have read multiple books by professional wrestlers, and one thing I have noticed is the difficulty they may have with separating the persona from the person. Kesar has no such difficulty. It’s very clear he is authentic, and he is a man of principle. Those are the lives worth reading about.

[Bob · Rating 5 out of 5]

What surprised me most about Life Is Fighting is how much heart beats beneath the intimidating presence of Karrion Kross. In the ring, he’s all ferocity, towering, brutal, methodical, but on the page, Kevin Robert Kesar reveals himself as a man defined less by dominance than by resilience, reflection, and an unwavering love for his craft.

This isn’t just a “wrestler’s memoir” packed with career highlights (though there are plenty of those, and they’re thrilling to read). It’s also an exploration of identity: the tension between the character of Karrion Kross and the thoughtful, soft-spoken human being behind the persona. Kesar writes candidly about the grind of the industry, the setbacks that could have broken him, and the mental toughness required to keep standing when everything seems stacked against you. His partnership with Elizabeth (Scarlett) shines throughout the book as a steady force, making the story as much about love and loyalty as it is about ambition.

What I appreciated most was the balance. There’s humor and grit, wisdom and vulnerability, moments of jaw-dropping behind-the-scenes insight, and moments that linger because they cut straight to the human core of perseverance. Kesar never slips into empty bravado; instead, he offers a rare look at the emotional cost of chasing a dream in a punishing profession, and the lessons he’s carried from the mat into life itself.

Life Is Fighting is a powerful reminder that toughness isn’t just about how hard you hit, it’s about how deeply you endure, adapt, and grow. Whether you’re a wrestling fan or simply someone who respects stories of grit and grace, this book lands with impact.

[Jesse Lugo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Life is fighting is an amazing book. From the beginning to end, the stories that KILLER KROSS(Kevin) tells is extremely thought provoking,engaging and sometimes downright hilarious. Being a big fan of killer kross from his in ring work the man really knows how to tell great stories and the audible definitely added to the experience. It was amazing hearing not only his wrestling stories but how he dealt with thing’s personality, all these stories really shaped the man he is today,the man is really smart when it comes to the wrestling business and through this I was able to learn more and more about the business . I don’t usually read books like this but killer kross has always been intriguing to me, and venturing into this type of genre has opened my eyes abit. A lot of chapters really hit home and opened my eyes and as I’ve said already KILLER KROSS is a fantastic writer and storyteller I NEED a second book and I hope that we get it.If your not a wrestling fan or if you are there’s a lot to take away from this book there’s a lot to enjoy and I think it is a book that everyone can enjoy.

[Scott Schubert · Rating 4 out of 5]

I had the opportunity to read an advanced copy of *Life Is Fighting* by Kevin Robert Kesar, thanks to ECW Press and NetGalley. This memoir explores the life of professional wrestler Karrion Kross, revealing a deeply empathetic and thoughtful man behind the intense in-ring persona. As a fan, I appreciated the honest look at both the good and challenging sides of the wrestling world, as well as the personal stories that shaped him.

The book felt a bit scattered at times—blending elements of memoir, self-help, and spirituality—but that also added to its unique voice. What stood out most to me were Kevin’s reflections on connecting with people who are often overlooked. Those moments gave the book heart and depth, and they really resonated. Overall, it was an inspiring read that gave me a deeper appreciation for the man behind the character.

[Mihnea Gheorghiță · Rating 4 out of 5]

Go in expecting never-before-heard WWE gossip or the disgruntled ramblings of an "unemployed" former star and you'll be very, very disappointed.

Kevin's story is one that puts knowledge of self and hard work first. It's like a shot of espresso and Red Bull on a Monday morning when it's you against the world. And I'm quite sure that's the way he intended it to be, cover to cover.

There's great stories of inspiration from inside and outside of the squared circle, the journey of a fan-turned-superstar and heaps of grattitude for those encountered along the way.

All in all, a light and enjoyable read for those who want to see what's behind the human beings who put their bodies (and mental health) on the line for our entertainment.

[Manda Marigold · Rating 5 out of 5]

This memoir gives a deep dive into Karrion Kross' life, tracing his journey through Catch Wrestling, Sambo, and other combat sports before he found his place in the world of professional wrestling. He also shares how WWE became his escape from the harsh realities of NYC. The book explores his evolution as a wrestler, with a focus on character work and storytelling in the ring.

Overall, I absolutely loved this book! It’s candid, engaging, and perfect for pro-wrestling fans. Karrion’s character work is top-tier, and the way Kevin and Karrion are intertwined yet distinct versions of himself is fascinating. The narration was animated, making the read energetic and fun. What a ride!

[Jeff · Rating 5 out of 5]

On Par With Foley and Jericho RE: Best Written Wrestling Memoirs. Admittedly, my favorite memory involving Kross as a wrestling fan, one I actually repeat occassionally, was actually something his opponent said to him a few years ago. He was in a feud in NXT as the NXT Champion with the former NXT Champiom, Adam Cole (now working for rival promotion AEW) when Cole said to Kross "This brand has done everything in their power to make *you* feel special. You got the cool music, you got the lights, you got the fog machine, you got the girl. You know what they do to make Adam Cole feel special? They ring the freakin' bell." This was during the COVID, "Thunderdome" era of WWE/ NXT, when Kross had a shaved head and was tearing through any and all competitors - a period he does in fact discuss over the course of this book.

I actually read the book on Wrestlemania 41 weekend in April 2025, specifically on Wrestlemania Sunday - when Kross wasn't on the card, but would ultimately have a "run-in" during the AJ Styles/ Logan Paul match... and then go on to cut what is likely the defining promo of his main roster career after the event, in a 3 minute video that has already gone viral this week with many calling for now WWE Hall of Famer Paul "Triple H" Levesque, Head of Creative for WWE, to give Kross a push the likes of which he hasn't really seen since that run he was on when Cole made the comment above.

I mean, I already had the memoir of a current WWE Superstar in my hand on Wrestlemania Weekend, I needed something to do before the show started up Sunday night, this book is sub-300 pages and thus a relatively quick read... so... yeah.

And y'all, it really was an excellent look into the life of Kevin Kesar, both long before the Kross character ever came into being - and even a fair amount of how Kesar created Kross - and at least some about his new career as Killer/ Karrion Kross. Indeed, most of the text is actually spent on his pre-WWE days - while there is *some* discussion of his WWE colleagues, the singular most common one discussed is his now-wife, known by her government name of Elizabeth but known to wrestling fans as the character Scarlett, a witch who both empowers and is powered by Kross' brutal warrior.

Those looking for a lot of behind the scenes name dropping are going to be sorely disappointed. Kesar keeps the book focused on himself, even when discussing Elizabeth/ Scarlett. Even when others are in the scene, such as when he is meeting Elizabeth those first few times before they really started dating, or when he finally gets the call from WWE, or even when he and Elizabeth get married on an Alaskan glacier after having both been recently "let go" from WWE (and before they were both ultimately brought back), throughout the tale we see much more of Kesar than anyone else... as s memoir should be, to an extent, but also not as perhaps some fans reading wrestling memoirs specificlaly would necessarily like as much.

Instead we get all of Kesar - at least as much as he is willing to discuss publicly, even/ especially in book form. We see his early days as a kid watching wrestling and knowing even then that he wanted to do that "someday". We see his beginnings in what turned out to be a very "unsanctioned" dive bar bare knuckle fight. We see his first career as a bouncer and later professional bodyguard, in Vegas and beyond - again, without any name dropping and with quite a bit of channeling Patrick Swayze in Road House, specifically as it relates to professionalism, treating people well, and "being nice".

And then... a scene that ultimately reads much as the church scene from the original Kingsmen movie played out. I don't want to go into too many details and spoil the scene, but this scene will very likely be one of the most memorable scenes in the entire book for readers, perhaps even above and beyond even his wedding (which, as he mentioned in the text, he did put pictures of on Instagram, and they truly were absolutely stunning) or anything he has done to date (as of the writing of the book) in WWE. This scene is *BEYOND* bonkers, and it really shows Kesar in all of his abilities outside of WWE.

Overall a very easily read and very approachable book about a guy that even guys that consider themselves dangerous likely would at minimum pay extra attention to if they saw him on the street, and yet the text shows that Kesar's mind is at least as skillful as anything he can make his large, muscular body do. A guy who is much more easily approached here, at the standoff distance of a book, than he ever is staring into a camera with that fire in his eyes. Kesar takes pains to make sure the reader understands that he knows 100% that Kross is a character, and that outside of WWE work, Kross prefers to be known as "Kevin" - even among friends he works with. Yet he also does a damn good job of showing that while Kross may be borderline (or even well beyond borderline) psychotic, Kevin is a very sane - yet also still quite dangerous, when he needs to be - man. One who is, despite his appearances (both intentional and not, at times), as much a philosopher as a fighter - and thus proves to be as adept at writing as he is at fighting... and breaking bats. (Check his Instagram for that last. ;) )

Very much recommended.

[melissa prunella · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have been listening or reading books written by wrestlers lately and this this one was so much more then about wresting. I took it as a motivational book. I really enjoyed Kross' outlook on life. I was glad I listened instead of reading because it was very entertaining hearing him tell me the story.

[Tim Luckett · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kevin Kesar aka Karrion Kross is a fascinating individual. From watching him on WWE programming you can tell he had more to say and give to the WWE. It's shame they let him and Scarlett go. Kevin tells stories of his life and of his philosophy that anyone can use in their lives. I am inspired from reading this amazing book.

[Ryan Masse · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cover to cover, Life is Fighting is a highly motivational and inspiring read. Seldomly have I found myself audibly laughing, or tearing up when reading. However , Kevin’s vulnerability and witty style makes for a highly enjoyable read for both wrestling fans and people on a personal growth and self discovery journey.

[Conrad · Rating 4 out of 5]

I picked up a signed copy. I haven't watched much of Karrion/Killer Kross, but I enjoyed his stage show and the physicality he had in the performances I saw. He has some very good life advice and great stories. I had no clue he did bareknuckle boxing and discussed signing a 3 fight deal with BKFC after he was first cut from WWE.

[Martycoffey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great writing style and philosophies etc and a fascinating life. This dude deserves more than he's gotten so far. He should be everyone's favorite wrestler and the face of this current generation. Here's hoping...

[SheaLeigh Wooten · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am a fan of Karrion Kross, now I'm also a fan of Kevin Robert Kesar. I enjoyed reading about his life. He's been through alot and his outlook on life is inspiring. I cant wait for his next book. I know he has so much more to tell.

[Nash Bridges · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's a definitely must read for those who love wrestling (like all the workings of it) & those who just need some encouragement to keep going in this life.

It's honestly beautifully written & I'm thankful I took the time to read it and got to know him better as a person

[Efrain Hernandez · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book could have been better. I believe Kevin is where he belongs in real life for the time being. He has a bad temper that he needs to control. Being politically correct doesn’t give you permission to start arguments. Being woke is not a pass to fight people. Kevin needs to learn self-control!

[Dustin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read in a day! Wow so good! Can’t wait to start my time as a Killer Kross fan!

[steve grossman · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is not your typical wrestling book. It’s the story of an inspiring life. Kudos, Mr. Kesar, and thank you.

[Tyler Moore-Austen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Honestly adored this book so much. My love for Kevin and Elizabeth has only got stronger after reading this

[Austin Plourde · Rating 5 out of 5]

Still sad WWE did not re sign him