For LA Knight, the question of “what if” is becoming a pressing matter of “what else?” Despite maintaining incredible and sustained popularity with the WWE audience for nearly two years, the path to a top championship seems perpetually blocked. This growing disconnect between fan support and main event status raises a critical question that Knight himself may need to pose directly to Triple H: what more is there to do?
The latest, and perhaps most significant, setback occurred at Money in the Bank, where Knight failed to win the ladder match for the third consecutive year. For a superstar who has consistently generated some of the loudest reactions on any show, this loss felt less like a story point and more like a definitive statement on his current ceiling within the company. He has proven he has all the tools and fan backing, yet the ultimate prize remains elusive.
His current storyline involvement only deepens this paradox. On the June 20 edition of SmackDown, Knight was central to the show’s narrative, engaging with Seth Rollins and Paul Heyman before being ambushed by Bronson Reed and Bron Breakker. While he is being positioned against top-tier talent, the role is often that of the valiant but overwhelmed hero.
The angle on SmackDown culminated in a vicious post-match assault. After Breakker’s interference caused a disqualification in his match against Reed, Knight was subjected to a brutal beatdown, including a spear from Breakker and three Tsunami splashes from Reed. The segment, which was purely for storyline purposes, effectively built heat for his rivals but once again left Knight laid out, a workhorse absorbing punishment rather than breaking through to the next level.
This creative direction is further complicated by his recent appearances on WWE RAW. While his involvement across both brands has fueled speculation about a permanent move, Dave Meltzer of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter clarified there are no concrete plans for a switch. Knight is being utilized on both shows due to a loosely enforced brand split, but this flexibility has not yet translated into a definitive new direction or a promised megastar push.
Knight has seemingly done everything in his power. He moves merchandise, gets thunderous ovations, and carries major television segments. Yet, with another year passing without a signature, career-defining victory, it appears the time has come for a crucial conversation with management to determine what, if anything, will finally turn his undeniable popularity into a championship reign. Sources