WWE’s journey to WrestleMania 42 kicks off with the Royal Rumble, and there’s a strong possibility that one of the company’s leading stars will make a comeback at the upcoming event, the Premium Live Event (PLE), scheduled for January 31, 2026, in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Storylines are heating up for the Royal Rumble, including one featuring a WWE RAW star who is currently out “indefinitely.”
Recently, WWE revealed that LA Knight is “injured,” with Wade Barrett informing viewers on WWE RAW that Knight has dealt with several issues in recent weeks, including a cracked sternum. Following Bronson Reed’s dramatic exit after causing chaos with his car on last week’s show, Knight was also taken off television. While the length of Knight’s absence is unknown, it appears to be part of the storyline rather than a real injury. Knight had advanced to the finals of the “Last Time is Now” tournament but lost to Gunther, who forced John Cena to retire.
Fans have questioned Knight’s booking throughout the year, hoping he would secure a permanent spot in the main event scene. Despite his efforts, Knight has yet to win a world title and was noticeably frustrated after losing to Jey Uso in a battle royal against CM Punk for the World Heavyweight Championship in October. Knight, now 43, joined WWE in 2021, initially wrestling in NXT before moving to the main roster with a new persona. Since Triple H took over creative direction, Knight’s character has evolved into one of WWE’s fan favorites and a former United States Champion.
With his undeniable star power, many fans believe Knight is the wrestler who can pressure WWE to finally crown him a world champion. He has been one of the busiest wrestlers this year, appearing in more matches than any other male wrestler on the roster. Considering his age, WWE is likely to capitalize on his popularity soon, possibly in 2026. According to reports, some backstage personnel found last week’s match with Reed surprisingly negative, sparking speculation about long-term plans for Knight.
Knight reportedly has several more years on his WWE contract, pointing to a potentially big 2026. Sources indicate he’s expected to have a more successful year and WWE is fully aware of his popularity among fans. If Knight stays away from WWE programming until the next PLE, he could have a significant return at the Royal Rumble, making him a possible contender to win the Rumble and establish himself as a top babyface.
Fan Take: This news is crucial for WWE fans as LA Knight’s injury storyline and potential return signal a major shift in WWE’s main event landscape. His rise could bring fresh excitement and new rivalries, making 2026 an exciting year for WWE and its followers.
