LA Knight earned a United States Championship opportunity by defeating Carmelo Hayes and Jacob Fatu on the February 28 episode of SmackDown. The victory sets up a championship match against Shinsuke Nakamura, who took the title from Knight at Survivor Series 2024.
Following his triple threat win, Knight addressed his championship aspirations in a backstage interview. The Megastar emphasized his determination to recapture the title and restore its prominence after what he perceives as Nakamura’s absence from regular television.
You know, sometimes there’s doubts for some people. But me, I don’t know how to doubt. I don’t know how to stop. I don’t know how to quit. I don’t know how to give up, and what do you know, my man? U.S. title ain’t been around too much lately. Why? Because somebody’s hiding in the shadows. I don’t hide in the damn shadows. The Iron Man, I guess you could call me. I did grow up a Cal Ripken guy, so maybe I am the Iron Man. I got a little Tony Stark in me, some would say.
Knight continued by comparing his previous reign to Nakamura’s current one, highlighting his regular title defenses as a point of pride and distinction. His comments directly addressed what he perceives as a visibility problem with the championship under its current holder.
So maybe I am the damn Iron Man. I got to show up every damn week. Every single week I’m here. When I was a US champ, everybody, everybody got a shot. I wasn’t hiding in a damn shadow. So you want to talk about somebody restoring a little faith to Old Glory?
Knight concluded his remarks with confidence about the outcome of his upcoming title match. He framed himself as the only wrestler capable of properly representing the championship and enhancing its prestige.
Old Glory needs a little something restored right now, if I’m quite honest. So with that being the case, there is only one man who can come in, save that title, make that title exactly what it should be and that shine, my man, like nobody else can do with everybody, saying LA Knight. We’re turning three, one, two, three after that BFT. We’re turning it into two time US champ, yeah.
The championship match between Knight and Nakamura continues their rivalry that began last year. Knight’s consistent television presence and vocal confidence have maintained his popularity among fans despite losing the title in November.
WWE has not announced when the United States Championship match will take place. The timing suggests it could potentially occur at an upcoming premium live event or on a future episode of SmackDown.
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