WWE Hall of Famer Bully Ray, also known as Bubba Ray Dudley, has recommended a significant shift in L.A. Knight’s character following the Last Time Is Now tournament. Although Knight made an impressive run by defeating Zack Ryder, The Miz, and Jey Uso, he ultimately lost to Gunther, submitting to a Cravat—a rare moment where a beloved babyface taps out. Bully Ray voiced his worries about Knight’s future after this loss, highlighting that the character’s tap-out didn’t align with the tough, rebellious image Knight had been portraying.
Speaking on Busted Open, Bully Ray questioned the direction of L.A. Knight, suggesting fans might need to see a new side of the wrestler. He imagined a darker, more aggressive persona behind the scenes—someone capable of bold actions like attacking CM Punk from under a hood. He stressed the significance of this character evolution, noting that iconic babyfaces like Stone Cold Steve Austin and The Rock rarely, if ever, tapped out in matches. The fact that Knight did signifies that the current portrayal might not be resonating, and a fresh approach is crucial to prevent him from fading into mid-card obscurity. Bully Ray emphasized the urgency of change, warning that relying on catchphrases alone during important matches signals a deeper problem with the character’s connection to the audience.
[Credit: WrestleTalk.com]
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Fan Take: This candid critique from a WWE legend underscores the challenges L.A. Knight faces in standing out in a highly competitive roster. For fans, it hints at potentially captivating character reinvention ahead, which could revitalize Knight’s career and inject fresh excitement into WWE’s storytelling landscape.
