Add as a preferred source on Google LA Knight has once again become a major topic backstage in WWE, especially after his early exit from the King of the Ring tournament.
On the June 12 edition of Friday Night SmackDown, Knight was defeated by Jey Uso in a Fatal 4-Way Match that also included Finn Bálor and Royce Keys. The result sent Jey to the tournament semifinals, but the most talked-about detail was that Knight was the one chosen to take the pin.
On a recent edition of Behind The Turnbuckle Studios, former WWE commentator Jonathan Coachman said he believes Knight has “heat” with WWE management.
“For whatever reason, he has heat with the office, as we used to say. They know they have to use him. They need him on the mic, but they don’t want him to get any bigger than he already is. And this is the result.”
Coachman also questioned why WWE would put one of the most popular names on the roster in that position, especially in a tournament where the winner earns a title shot at SummerSlam.
The situation has gained even more attention because, according to recent rumors, LA Knight’s name had reportedly been discussed internally as one of the options to win King of the Ring before WWE changed its creative plans.
On this week’s Monday Night RAW, Knight addressed his loss again, saying he did not come home as a king or a champion, but that with or without the crown, the game was still his. Shortly afterward, he was pulled back into The Bloodline story, getting attacked by Jacob Fatu after an argument with Jey and Jimmy Uso.
So far, there has been no confirmation that Knight is actually dealing with real issues with WWE management. Still, his current spot on television, combined with his tournament loss and the rumors of changed plans, has fueled the perception that WWE remains reluctant to push him all the way to the top.