WWE has repeatedly faced backlash over its reluctance to elevate wrestlers when fan enthusiasm peaks, and veteran Konnan identifies this as an ongoing issue affecting multiple talents, including LA Knight. On his Keepin’ It 100 podcast, Konnan expanded the discussion from Jey Uso’s inconsistent momentum to the missed chances involving LA Knight and Drew McIntyre, both of whom generated strong crowd reactions that WWE did not fully capitalize on. According to Konnan, these performers deserved a more decisive rise far earlier in their careers.
Konnan Highlights Delayed Pushes for LA Knight and Drew McIntyre
Addressing LA Knight’s stalled progression, Konnan stated,
“I think they’ve done the same thing, they haven’t brought him down to his level — but like LA Knight, they should have pulled the trigger on this guy a long time ago.”
He continued regarding McIntyre by saying,
“Drew McIntyre, they should have pulled the trigger on him a long time ago, but they haven’t.”
These remarks aired just before McIntyre finally secured the Undisputed WWE Championship on SmackDown, a victory many fans considered overdue given his history of interrupted pushes and brief title runs.
LA Knight’s Momentum Falters Without a Main Event Breakthrough
While Drew McIntyre has now achieved major championship success, LA Knight remains in wrestling’s midcard despite widespread fan support. Though Knight earned two United States Championship reigns, his rise stalled before he could claim a significant main event role, resulting in a loss of momentum on WWE’s Raw. This delay frustrates fans and industry insiders alike, who see a recurring pattern where WWE hesitates to fully commit to organically popular wrestlers until their peak buzz diminishes.
Implications of WWE’s Hesitation and What Lies Ahead
Konnan’s criticism underscores a broader concern that WWE consistently mishandles the timing of its talent pushes, diminishing the potential impact of performers like LA Knight and Drew McIntyre. The ongoing delay to Knight’s ascent amid richly enthusiastic crowds could limit his future opportunities and affect WWE’s ability to leverage homegrown fan favorites effectively. The company’s next steps regarding Knight’s position could prove pivotal for both his career and WWE’s reputation among its audience.
