The application of empirical, phenomenological deformation and energy theories of metal fracture in relation to the process of cross-wedge rolling is considered. A distinctive feature of cross-wedge rolling in comparison with other metal pressure treatment processes is the complex stress-strain state in the deformation focus and the possibility of opening the axial cavity. The existing empirical criteria of destruction are given. The scheme of a new calibration test based on crosswedge rolling and the fracture criterion proposed by Zbigniew Pater are considered. It is shown that the Zbigniew Pater’s empirical criterion for the destruction of Zbigniew Pater provides a correct determination of the moment of opening the cavity during cross-wedge rolling. The improved phenomenological deformation theory is based on the theory of fracture developed by V. L. Kolmogorov. It is proposed to evaluate the plasticity of the metal depending on the stress state in the form of two independent invariants of the stress tensor: the average stress and the parameter of the third invariant of the stress tensor. The dependence of the limit value of accumulated deformation, at which destruction occurs, on the stress state is constructed in the form of a plasticity surface. The phenomenological deformation criterion of metal destruction during plastic deformations allows us to determine the moment of opening the cavity during cross-wedge rolling and the plasticity resource of the metal.