WWE Is Misusing 1 Superstar Who Looked Destined To Contend In 2024 & He Deserves A Bigger Shot

Not every sure-fire bet in WWEplays out like it seems they will. The anals of wrestling history are, in fact, littered with examples of flash-in-the-pan pushes that ended up burning out quickly, despite the best laid plans. Drew McIntyre may be a firm fixture now, but his initial push led to one of recent memory's most notorious exits. And he's far from the only one: there's Vladimir Kozlov, Sin Cara, The Kat, Rikishi... the wheel of fortune doesn't care for pedigree.

Some of those cases are more notorious than others, and arguably the most frustrating examples - as with Rikishi, notably - crowd reception doesn't translate into the sustained success it deserves. Right now, that feels like a question for LA Knight's current booking, particularly in contrast with fellow fan-favorite Jey Uso's Royal Rumble win. Mere months ago, Knight looked set for a push to the top of the ladder, but frustration at his booking has been persistent, and the promise of 2024 is in danger of fading.

Knight, a smooth-talking, cock-sure blueprint of a WWE Superstar was in NXT for almost two years, and that seemed odd at the time, given he was already an accomplished star in the squared circle. In fact, Knight was rightly considered a can't-miss - a bona fide superstar in the making. However, that proved to be a longer journey than it probably should have been. In many ways, however, it was an indicator of what was to come, as 'The Superstar' seemed to be perpetually waiting for his turn to shine. Even after the promise of success tightened up in 2024, WWE's booking of Knight has frustratingly cooled. So what's next?

Where Does LA Knight Stand In WWE Today?

Superstar Has Been Bogged Down By Some Pointless Feuds

Early in his career, Knight got a lot of television experience working for Championship Wrestling From Hollywood. He also had a short stint with NXT during that time, under his real name and the moniker 'Slate Randall'. But it was during his time in TNA - performing as Eli Drake - that he really started to fine-tune his precocious persona, even if his risecame during a downturn for the company.

He spent an extended amount of time in NXT, before the re-christened LA Knight was finally given his well-deserved spot on the main roster. The audience reaction should have been an indication of what a viable investment he would be for the promotion. Crowds took to chanting his catchphrases along with him, and he quickly looked like he was a surefire, future WWE Champion.

When he finally made it to Raw he was relegated to a different persona, 'Max Dupree', and acted more as a manager than an in-ring performer. After the fans made it clear they didn't approve, he reverted to his much cooler character of LA Knight, and since then, it's fair to say he's been on something of a roller-coaster ride.

But now, for the 42-year-old veteran, things seemed to be on a yo-yo. He was mired in a strange (and failed) angle with the late Bray Wyatt, and later, Uncle Howdy and The Wyatt Sicks. Often times, the audience was never sure about his character, despite their massive cheers, he was often portrayed as a heel.

He's gained some prominent victories, but he always seems to fall short against the upper echelon of the WWE Universe. Perhaps that's why it feels like he's never been given the chance to carve out a legendary story of his own. At least, not yet.

How Will He Finally Reach The Top Of The Mountain?

Knight Has The Star Power To Be WWE Champion

While this could all just be an anomaly, Knight has had a lot of stops and starts in his tenure with WWE. The promotion will give him a nudge or two here and there, but they never back him with a steady push. That never became more evident as 2024 came to a close.

Knight has recently been entangled with Shinsuke Nakamura, which (quite frankly) is a step-down on the card. With all due respect to Nakamura, he's not a serious world title contender anymore. So, for Knight to be embroiled in a feud with him does little to no good for The Superstar's wrestling resume. Now, it's as if he's been leap-frogged by higher-profile contenders like CM Punk, Solo Sikoa, Drew McIntyre, Jey Uso, and Kevin Owens in terms of his positioning with the promotion.

So, 2025 could be a career-defining year for Knight, lest he get caught in a mid-card vortex that lasts for years until he fades away. He has the look, the talent, and the gimmick to be the face of WWE eventually. He's already becoming recognizable to mainstream audiences, and he's one of the promotion's spokesmen for the legendary Slim Jim ads. (And anytime you can follow an icon like 'The Macho Man' Randy Savage, it's a sure sign that you have some clout.)

While a Royal Rumble win was always unlikely, Knight could take the Money in the Bank briefcase this summer. The normal intrigue surrounding the cash-in aside, the thought of Knight having it in his hands is fascinating. Especially considering his penchant for surprise and his character being one who is portrayed as fast on his feet. That might be the perfect springboard to launch him to the top.

Hopefully, WWE puts LA Knight on a rocket ship to the top at some point this year. If not, they take the chance of swinging and missing on what should be an easy home run. And you'd have to be a real 'dummy' to let that happen.