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Analyzing LA Knight’s Massive Push From Royal Rumble 2023 to 2024: From Bray Wyatt to Roman Reigns

Published 01/06/2024, 8:09 PM EST

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A five-year, hefty contract that LA Knight signed not long ago solidifies his place as one of WWE’s most prominent performers and prepares him to play an important role in the company’s future.

Over twenty years, LA Knight worked tirelessly in the wrestling industry, even when the crowds were modest. His story shows that you can be successful in your field regardless of your age. Between 2023 and 2024, we will inspect his rise and journey.

The debut of LA Knight in the WWE

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The path to stardom for Knight has been everything but smooth. He began his wrestling career in 2003 as he made a mark in the independent circuit. He persevered despite his brief appearance with WWE in 2013 and subsequent departure after just one year.

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After honing his craft in several companies, Knight returned to WWE’s NXT in 2021 and won the Million Dollar Championship. It was during his rivalry with Bray Wyatt that he attained spectacular success. Knight’s journey has been thrilling! 

A rivalry with Bray Wyatt, aka The Fiend, and his climb to superstardom

After a short-lived disagreement with Ricochet, Knight found himself embroiled in a compelling rivalry with Bray Wyatt in November. LA Knight and Wyatt’s feud ignited through backstage attacks on Knight, which Wyatt initially denied. Knight asserted that Uncle Howdy was Wyatt in disguise, but the tension escalated when Howdy appeared in the entranceway while Wyatt was in the ring. 

Lasting nearly four months, the feud reached its climax at Royal Rumble 2023. Unfortunately, he faced defeat in a Mountain Dew Pitch Black match against Wyatt at the Royal Rumble in January 2023. Remarkably, this turned out to be Wyatt’s last match, as he unexpectedly passed away eight months later at the age of 36.

He said later in an interview, “Well, I feel like that whole thing, that whole interaction for those few months kind of put me on the map a little bit.” Knight expressed that the feud briefly brought him into the spotlight

He further stated that Wyatt played a crucial role in helping him handle any challenge that may come his way. But even after a defeat, how did he get to wrestle against The Tribal Chief?

How did LA Knight find himself alongside Randy Orton and AJ Styles as Roman Reigns’ challenger?

In recent months, despite initial challenges and a heel persona, Knight’s popularity with fans has surged. From earning a spot in the Money in the Bank ladder match to winning the Slim Jim Battle Royal at SummerSlam, Knight has carved a path of success. His transition to a face marked by a victorious feud against The Miz, showcased his resilience. 

Teaming up with John Cena, they secured wins at Payback and Fastlane against Jimmy Uso and Solo Sikoa. After a brief hiatus, Knight returned as a special guest referee in the NXT Championship match, adding another dynamic chapter to his evolving career.

After facing defeat in the Crown Jewel in 2023, Knight expressed his determination to secure a rematch with Roman Reigns by taking on every member of The Bloodline. This quest led him to a triple-threat match against Randy Orton and AJ Styles at SmackDown: New Year’s Revolution on January 5, 2024

Roman Reigns’ Royal Rumble Opponent Gets Busted Open Mid Match on WWE SmackDown

In this, the winner earns the right to challenge Reigns for the Undisputed WWE Universal Championship at Royal Rumble 2024. However, The Bloodline intervened, causing the match to end in a no-contest. In response, SmackDown General Manager Nick Aldis revealed that Reigns would now defend his title in a fatal-four-way match at Royal Rumble, featuring Styles, Orton, and Knight.

When and where will the Royal Rumble 2024 take place and how can fans watch it?

Join us on Saturday, January 27, for the 37th edition of the Royal Rumble, returning to the iconic Tropicana Field in St. Petersburg, Florida. Remember the excitement from the 2021 Royal Rumble where Bianca Belair and Edge won from early entry positions?

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The exact start time has been confirmed, also the previous events began at 8 p.m. ET, with a one-hour Kickoff Show. Experience the thrill of WWE action on a Saturday night! To catch all the action, tune in to Peacock, the exclusive home of WWE Premium Live Events in the United States, including WrestleMania.

Don’t miss out on the 2024 Royal Rumble–the perfect reason to subscribe to Peacock. Witness every exhilarating moment, from surprise entrances to dramatic eliminations, live on January 27. It’s Royal Rumble season–dive into the world of WWE now!

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WATCH THIS STORY:- Logical Reasons Why Edge Will Reunite With Christian To Face The Hardys At AEW All In Just Days After Emotional WWE Exit

What are your thoughts on LA Knight’s meteoric rise? Do you think he can win against Reigns, Orton and Styles this Royal Rumble 2024? Feel free to share your thoughts with us in the comments section below. 

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Written by:

Sheron Singh

878Articles

One take at a time

Oh, let me tell you about myself, I'm Sheron Singh, the WWE aficionado and person behind many of trending WWE stories at EssentiallySports. My journey into the world of suplexes and powerbombs began at the age of 6, thanks to my father and I've been hooked ever since. With a postgraduate degree in clinical psychology, I have the superpower to dissect the emotions both in and outside that squared circle at ES.
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Edited by:

Amal Joyce