In wrestling, the presence of top babyfaces is essential to any show. WWE gained massive popularity in the ’80s with Hulkamania and later during the Attitude Era with “Stone Cold” Steve Austin. John Cena’s nearing retirement highlights how he supported the company through tough times, and now Cody Rhodes holds the role of WWE’s top babyface. Fans often influence who rises to prominence, evident in movements like the Yes Movement and Kofimania. One of today’s biggest stars, LA Knight, repeatedly achieves success in WWE but often stumbles during critical moments.
It’s becoming clear that Triple H and TKO don’t view LA Knight as the ideal corporate face, despite him signing a new WWE contract last year—one he might have negotiated better terms for elsewhere, such as AEW, not because AEW is similar but precisely because it is different.
LA Knight, previously known as Eli Drake in TNA and NWA, instantly captivated fans upon debuting in NXT. His charisma and “That’s right!” catchphrase, combined with a promo style reminiscent of Steve Austin and The Rock, made him feel like a throwback wrestler fit for modern times. Although Vince McMahon once jeopardized his career by repackaging him as Max Dupri, Triple H revived Knight’s momentum. Knight gained popularity quickly and was poised to challenge Roman Reigns for the world title. Fans expected him to lose but hoped this would kickstart his ascent to the main event. Instead, despite multiple pushes, WWE has consistently held him back, with his U.S. Championship reign being his most notable accomplishment.
Fan frustration over Knight’s treatment has escalated, especially after his loss to Gunther at the Last Time Is Now tournament and a brutal attack by Vision on RAW, with many fans expressing confusion and disappointment on social media. Knight’s popularity is undeniable, yet WWE doesn’t seem to recognize his value.
Regarding Knight’s future, Fightful Select reported that despite fan outrage, he recently renewed his WWE contract and isn’t set to become a free agent anytime soon. Many see this as another example of WWE under TKO failing to connect with fans—similar to the releasing of R-Truth—by mishandling a popular talent. Unless WWE is purposefully positioning Knight as an underdog, similar to Daniel Bryan, this strategy makes little sense. However, it’s unlikely a bigger storyline is in play; WWE may simply not view 43-year-old Knight as main event material.
If Knight were to move to AEW, he would likely thrive. With his looks, charisma, and promo skills, he embodies the ideal sports entertainer. However, WWE is brimming with talents like Bron Breaker and Oba Femi, leaving little room for Knight. AEW, on the other hand, could benefit from Knight’s storytelling abilities, as it tends to emphasize fast wrestling but lacks strong narrators. While his old-school style may seem out of place in AEW’s roster, it would provide the fresh dynamic the promotion needs. Despite speculation, Knight is unlikely to jump ship due to his WWE contract, but if he did, AEW could be the perfect platform for him to reach superstar status. His potential remains untapped in WWE, which risks losing a major asset if they let him go.
Fan Take: LA Knight’s ongoing underutilization is a glaring example of WWE’s disconnect with its audience and talent management. For fans, it’s a reminder that true star power can flourish if given the right environment—something that could reshape the wrestling landscape if WWE fails to recognize Knight’s value.
