This year’s WWE SummerSlam on August 2-3 at MetLife Stadium will mark a historic first as a two-night event. Despite being a fan favorite, LA Knight is notably absent from the card, and this absence is not due to injury but other factors affecting his role within WWE. This LA Knight WWE SummerSlam absence has sparked much speculation among fans and analysts alike.
Uncertain Storyline Direction After Initial High-Profile Wins
LA Knight recently achieved a major victory against Seth Rollins on Saturday Night’s Main Event, but shortly afterward, he was eliminated in the Gauntlet match on RAW by Bron Breakker. Following these events, Knight did not participate in the recent show, suggesting he might be intentionally sidelined. After his feud with Rollins ended, WWE did not provide Knight with a clear storyline or major opponent, leaving his character without a solid direction heading into SummerSlam.
The loss to Bron Breakker appeared strategic, signaling WWE’s intent to write Knight off TV temporarily. Since Knight was not going into the Gauntlet match as a contender for the United States or other key titles, his elimination was swift and decisive, underlining his reduced presence in the buildup to SummerSlam.
Potential Scheduling Conflicts and Opponent Availability
WWE may be reserving LA Knight for a larger role at the upcoming Clash in Paris event, given that there was no clear opponent arranged for him at SummerSlam. Meanwhile, other competitors such as Bron Breakker and Bronson Reed are likely to face Roman Reigns and Jey Uso at SummerSlam, which further limits match opportunities for Knight at the event.
Seth Rollins’s recent injury complicated plans as well. Had Rollins been healthy, Knight might have been positioned to support Roman Reigns and Jey Uso against Rollins’s faction. With Rollins sidelined, WWE seems to have adjusted plans, reducing Knight’s visibility and participation on television, which has contributed to his absence at SummerSlam.
Possible Reinvention of LA Knight’s Character After SummerSlam
Another key reason behind Knight’s WWE SummerSlam absence could be WWE’s intent to repackage him as a heel character. Knight originally debuted as a villain in NXT and initially played a heel manager role for the ‘Maximum Male Models’ stable on the main roster, but he quickly turned babyface. Since then, he has primarily been pushed as a face, often losing important matches, including three consecutive Money in the Bank contests.
Fans appear to have grown tired of Knight’s babyface run, which has featured few significant victories aside from his recent win over Seth Rollins. A heel turn could refresh his character and renew fan interest, particularly if WWE reintroduces him after SummerSlam in a more antagonistic role. This change could set up fresh rivalries with top babyfaces like Roman Reigns and Jey Uso on RAW.
Given Knight’s age and experience, a well-executed heel persona could elevate his status and storylines, making his eventual return after SummerSlam particularly impactful.
What LA Knight’s Absence Could Mean for WWE’s Future Plans
LA Knight’s absence from this pivotal WWE event is significant because it suggests the company is reevaluating how best to utilize his talent. Without a clear role at SummerSlam, WWE might be positioning him for a more dramatic and potentially game-changing return. If Knight’s character shift to a heel is executed well, it could lead to high-profile feuds and renewed viewer excitement. Fans will likely watch for his next moves post-SummerSlam to see how this evolving storyline shapes WWE’s landscape later in the year.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. How much is La Knight paid?
A. LA Knight makes around $150,000 annually with WWE. This pay shows his growing importance in the company.
