Karrion Kross, born Kevin Robert Kesar, has long been a force of nature in professional wrestling, his intense presence and fearsome style stunning fans worldwide.
As of August 10, 2025, the wrestling world buzzed with news of his shift to free agency, marked by WWE quietly moving him to their alumni page after his contract expired.
This turning point offers a perfect moment to dive into the roots of the man behind the menacing persona, exploring the influence of Karrion Kross’s parents, a Puerto Rican wrestling patriarch and a resilient Croatian-Scandinavian mother whose legacies shaped a superstar.
Kross’s story begins in New York City, where he was born on July 19, 1985, to a family with a vibrant, multicultural background.
In a heartfelt post on X in September 2024, Kross shared the depth of his ancestry:
“Pops side is Puerto Rican, Central American, Italian and Greek. Mother’s side is Croatian, Scandinavian and Irish/English/Welsh. We were able to trace a family lineage back to the 7th century over the last 3 decades. Really fascinating to learn about the anthropological migration periods of the world through history.”
Via X
This diverse lineage, stretching from ancient European migrations to modern Latin American roots, gave Kross a unique perspective, blending fiery passion with stoic resilience.
Growing up between New York and Toronto, Canada, Kross absorbed a global tapestry of influences.
His heritage isn’t just a backdrop; it’s a driving force behind his “doomsday” persona, merging the grit of his Scandinavian and Croatian ancestry with the vibrant energy of his Puerto Rican and Italian roots.
This cultural mosaic likely fueled his adaptability, seen in his mastery of catch wrestling and sambo, skills that echo his father’s combat sports legacy.
Karrion Kross Parents
Kross’s father, Ted Concepcion, is a high figure in his own right, a Puerto Rican amateur wrestler turned world-class coach whose influence looms large over Kross’s career.
Ted’s journey in combat sports began on the wrestling mats, where he competed with fierce determination.
Later, he expanded his expertise into jiujitsu, forging friendships with MMA legends like Ricco Rodriguez and Ricardo Pires.
These connections speak to Ted’s deep ties to the fighting world, which he passed down to his son.
As the owner and manager of Team Youshock & Lucha MMA Fitness & Beyond in Las Vegas, Nevada, Ted has spent over 25 years coaching boxers and wrestlers and 15 years training MMA fighters for elite promotions like UFC, Bellator, and Pride.
His resume is staggering: he’s mentored world champions across four sports, coached on the 1988 national boxing team and the 1992 national wrestling team, and holds a rare license to train young athletes.
Ted’s versatility extends beyond combat sports; he’s also coached baseball and football, showing a holistic approach to athletics that emphasizes discipline and heart.
Now living in Las Vegas with his wife, Mary Youshock, whom he became engaged to in September 2019, and their children, Ted remains a pillar of strength.
A North Rockland High School graduate, his coaching philosophy likely shaped Kross’s relentless drive and technical precision, evident in moves like the Doomsday Saito suplex.
Kross has often hinted at his father’s influence, noting in interviews that he considered an MMA career before fully committing to wrestling, a nod to Ted’s world.
Kross’s 2025 book, Life Is Fighting, reflects themes of perseverance and struggle, values undoubtedly instilled by his father’s example as a coach who builds champions from the ground up.
While Ted’s story is one of public achievement, Kross’s mother remains a more private figure, her name undisclosed in public records.
Of Croatian, Scandinavian, Irish, English, and Welsh descent, she provided a nurturing counterbalance to Ted’s intensity.
Kross spent significant time with her during his childhood in New York and Toronto, and her influence shines through in his emotional depth—a contrast to his fearsome in-ring persona.
In August 2024, Kross faced a personal challenge when his mother was diagnosed with stage 2 liver cancer.
He shared the news on X, rallying support from fans and revealing a vulnerable side to the “anti-machine” wrestler.
In a triumphant update on August 26, 2024, Kross announced she was cancer-free, a testament to her strength and the family’s unity.
This ordeal, growing during a severe WWE schedule, underscored the resilience Kross inherited from her.
His love for his mother came through vividly in a Mother’s Day Instagram post: “Love you, Ma, Happy Mother’s Day.“
The playful, dark humor, a hallmark of Kross’s character, reveals a deep bond forged through years of shared moments.
Her recovery from cancer only deepened this connection, mirroring the “life is fighting” ethos Kross embodies both in and out of the ring.
Karrion Kross was Inspired to Enter the Wrestling World by His Supportive Parents
His professional career kicked off on July 25, 2015, at Global Force Wrestling’s Amped tapings, where he debuted as Killer Kross, facing Bobby Roode in the GFW Global Championship tournament quarterfinals.
Though he lost, his impact was undeniable. By 2020, Kross signed with WWE, heralded by cryptic video packages that unveiled his new look: shaved head, goatee, and an aura of impending destruction.
As NXT Champion, Kross’s main roster debut on the July 19, 2021, episode of Raw stunned fans—a quick loss to Jeff Hardy in under two minutes, marking his first pinfall defeat in WWE, despite setbacks, Kross’s run, including leading The Final Testament faction, showcased the tenacity his parents instilled.
Now, as a free agent in 2025, the wrestling world buzzes with possibilities: will he join AEW, dominate the indie scene, or explore Hollywood, where he’s already dabbled in acting and producing?
Karrion Kross’s parents, Ted Concepcion, the coaching titan, and his mother, the quiet warrior, are more than just family; they’re the heartbeat of his journey.
Ted’s combat expertise and relentless drive gave Kross the tools to conquer, while his mother’s resilience taught him to endure.
Whether in the ring, the octagon, or beyond, one thing is sure: the influence of Karrion Kross’s parents will always fuel his fight.
In Case You Didn’t Know
- Kesar is married to fellow professional wrestler Elizabeth Chihaia, better known by her ring name Scarlett Bordeaux.
- Kesar spent parts of his early life in New York and Toronto, Canada.
- Karrion Kross debuted in WWE 2K22 and has appeared in other WWE games.
