Is WWE burying LA Knight by denying him world title opportunities? This question has ignited passionate debate among fans, as the Megastar continues to fall short in his biggest matches despite a surge in popularity and vocal demands for his elevation.
Fans Frustrated as LA Knight Misses Major Wins
Many members of the WWE Universe believe LA Knight has not been given the momentum and recognition he deserves within WWE. Despite his status as one of the most favored competitors, Knight has struggled to secure pivotal victories. Most recently, he was unsuccessful in both the Money In The Bank Ladder Match and the Fatal Fourway in the King Of The Ring tournament, leaving supporters disappointed and sparking conversations that his rising stardom is not being matched by meaningful wins.
This frustration stems from repeated patterns. LA Knight’s crowd reactions rival the top stars in WWE, yet significant breakthroughs, particularly towards a world championship, have eluded him. His loss in high-profile matches only intensifies the outcry, raising concerns that the promotion might be limiting his potential, either by design or circumstance.
Expert Perspectives on WWE’s Use of LA Knight
Wrestling commentator Sam Roberts addressed the central debate surrounding LA Knight’s standing, suggesting the situation may be more nuanced than fans perceive. On his appearance on Notsam Wrestling, Roberts acknowledged the passionate backing for Knight, but also cited the broader phenomenon where the audience equates popularity with immediate championship pushes.
“LA Knight sets things up so beautifully because the narrative online, of course, is that a lot of fans feel that LA Knight is not getting the proper shake. There is a thing I think with a lot of us that we feel like if we’re enthusiastic about a wrestler, they must be the World Champion. Like we were talking about this with Karrion Kross a couple of weeks ago. I am a big fan of Karrion Kross. I want the world for him. I think he should be on TV every week and be a part of major storylines. But the idea of, ‘hey, we like Karrion Kross, let’s give him the Money In The Bank briefcase and make him World Champion.’ R-Truth comes back, we’re all excited, ‘hey, let’s make R-Truth the World Champion.’ LA Knight comes, ‘hey, if you don’t give LA Knight the World Championship, then you’re burying him.’ Not everyone needs to have the World Championship to be in a great position, and that’s the point with LA Knight. [18:23 – 19:24]”
—Sam Roberts, Wrestling Commentator
Roberts’ comments highlight the complex landscape of WWE, where not every popular wrestler can be elevated to the highest tier immediately. He draws comparisons to other personalities like Karrion Kross and R-Truth, both of whom have dedicated fanbases but have yet to receive the ultimate prize. In this light, LA Knight’s situation is presented less as intentional “burial” and more as part of the ebb and flow of wrestling storytelling and booking philosophies.
Speculation About Possible Backstage Challenges
The discussion over LA Knight’s trajectory also centers on speculation of backstage dynamics within WWE. While Knight is described as one of the most acclaimed Superstars on the roster, rumors persist that there may be behind-the-scenes tensions impacting his elevation. These include theories about “backstage heat,” a wrestling term for disputes or disagreements that can influence a wrestler’s push or presentation.
Disco Inferno weighed in on this topic, noting that Knight’s style, often rooted in indie wrestling techniques, could frustrate some WWE producers or agents. The belief is that despite his strong potential and natural charisma, there is a perception that he doesn’t always present himself in the mold of WWE’s established headliners. However, his ability to connect with audiences and maintain his popularity, regardless of booking, suggests his position remains strong, even without a world title reign thus far.
WWE Continues to Focus on Other Major Storylines
While the debate over LA Knight’s position continues, WWE remains occupied with major storylines and talent. Superstars like Seth Rollins, John Cena, and CM Punk are entangled in high-stakes matches, and the company’s programming evolves rapidly with the return of key characters such as Bayley and fresh crossover appearances from personalities like Joe Hendry. SmackDown’s format changes and the frequent rotation of top stars reinforce how competitive the roster has become, making any championship pursuit highly challenging.
The wrestling world is also rife with movement and unexpected outcomes. Confirmed departures, like one WWE star choosing not to return to TNA, and the introduction of former WCW mainstays into TNA Wrestling highlight the unpredictable business environment. These developments, paired with injuries affecting former WWE talent’s post-release debuts and the possibility of controversial interferences in headline bouts, keep the landscape fluid.
What’s Next for LA Knight and WWE?
The heated reaction from fans over LA Knight’s lack of a world title reign demonstrates his impact within WWE’s contemporary scene. His consistent popularity and ability to provoke strong emotions highlight his value, regardless of his championship status. The debate surrounding his “burial” is unlikely to fade, especially as the WWE Universe remains invested in seeing whether the Megastar will finally achieve his moment at the pinnacle.
As WWE balances legacy stars like John Cena and CM Punk, compelling figures like Seth Rollins, and rising names such as LA Knight, the company’s creative direction will face ongoing scrutiny. Whether LA Knight’s journey ends with a world title or remains a testament to enduring popularity without gold, his story will continue to resonate with fans and shape the broader conversation about opportunity and recognition in professional wrestling.
