LA Knight, a widely popular WWE babyface known for his strong fan support during the past two years, appears poised to undergo a major character change. Despite earning the United States Championship and gaining global recognition, Knight has yet to secure a world championship. This growing dissatisfaction may prompt him to turn heel on Monday Night RAW by launching a harsh attack on CM Punk, who recently interfered in Knight’s championship match.
Interference by CM Punk Disrupts Knight’s World Heavyweight Title Opportunity
Last week, LA Knight faced Seth Rollins for the World Heavyweight Championship on RAW and was performing exceptionally well, coming close to winning the title. However, CM Punk interrupted the match with an ambush on Rollins, causing the referee to end the contest by disqualification. This interference unintentionally cost Knight a chance at the championship and is likely to spark intense frustration and anger toward Punk.
Potential Jealousy and Resentment Toward CM Punk’s Prominence
CM Punk remains one of WWE’s most beloved fan favorites, and his return in 2023 placed him consistently in top storylines, a position that many wrestlers have to work years to reach. Knight’s growing envy of Punk’s status and prominence may contribute to a bitter attitude. Knight could see the constant spotlight on Punk as a barrier to his own ascent, intensifying his desire to break away from his current babyface role.
Need for a Defining Feud to Elevate LA Knight’s Career
While Knight has been part of memorable moments and held the United States Championship, he has not yet engaged in a truly landmark rivalry. A feud with a high-profile wrestler like CM Punk could offer the career-defining storyline Knight needs. WWE’s creative leadership, particularly Triple H, may see targeting Punk as the perfect way to thrust Knight into the main event scene and further his rise.
Feeling Overshadowed in WWE’s Current Hierarchy
Having spent the last year on SmackDown, delivering strong performances, Knight has nevertheless struggled to secure a central role. His involvement has sometimes felt secondary to the dominant storylines featuring Roman Reigns, CM Punk, and The Vision. Such positioning likely fuels Knight’s frustration and desire for a more aggressive path to the top.
Turning Heel as a Means to Pursue the World Heavyweight Championship
At 42 years old, LA Knight may feel that maintaining his babyface character has limited his chances of achieving world champion status. The longing to capture WWE’s top title could push him into embracing a darker persona, using a heel turn as a strategic move. By attacking Punk, who is also a contender in the title race, Knight would declare his shift in mindset and set the stage for a ruthless campaign aimed at the championship.
Implications of a Heel Turn for LA Knight’s Future in WWE
Should LA Knight execute a heel turn by assaulting CM Punk on RAW, it could represent a turning point in his WWE career. The attack would not only ignite a compelling feud but also position Knight as a more dangerous and unpredictable competitor. This transformation may allow him to carve out a distinct identity and renew his push toward becoming a world champion, altering his trajectory within the company.
