LA Knight has finally reached the peak of his career after a 20-year journey in professional wrestling. His biggest opportunity to date comes at WWE Fastlane where he teams up with the legendary John Cena.
“I have been at this for so long,” said Knight, 40. “That’s the craziest part. It feels like an overnight success, but it actually took 20 years to get here. It’s a strange juxtaposition. I still have this lingering feeling that someone could take it all away.”
“I’m used to facing rejection and having to push through. It’s always been about creating my own opportunities. Even now, with bigger chances, I can’t relax.”
Knight’s role in the upcoming match is unique. He will team up with Cena, a world champion with a record number of championship reigns and a successful Hollywood career. Together, they will face Solo Sikoa and Jimmy Uso, members of The Bloodline stable, one of the most important stables in WWE history. Knight’s unwavering dedication has brought him to this point, but self-doubt can still creep in after such a long and challenging journey.
“In a strange way, I sometimes feel like I don’t belong here,” Knight admitted. “If I look back just a year ago, it’s been an incredible turnaround.”
“I struggle to let myself savor this moment. Maybe in 10 years, when I reflect on it. But right now, I’m solely focused on making sure everything is perfect. It’s hard for me to step back and appreciate it. Occasionally, I’ll have that thought, but it quickly fades.”
Knight’s success was foretold by William Alvin Moody, also known as Paul Bearer, a WWE Hall of Famer and manager of The Undertaker and Kane. Moody’s final television appearance was managing Knight in an independent promotion called Championship Wrestling from Florida. In his last moments, Moody left Knight a letter of encouragement. Knight feels honored to live up to his friend’s expectations.
“Part of the message was that he loved me and believed I would achieve great things,” Knight recalled. “It was insane that he thought of me in that moment.”
“Knowing that someone I grew up watching was thinking of me was incredible. It meant a lot. I don’t want to make it about myself, but it’s a testament to the respect and friendship I had earned in the business.”
It’s clear that Knight carries a chip on his shoulder, fueled by his passion and the countless rejections he has faced. Headlining Fastlane is a significant achievement for someone who was released from his WWE NXT contract in 2014 and was stuck with a male modeling manager gimmick earlier this year. However, Knight remains hungry for more.
“I don’t think I’ll ever be satisfied,” Knight confessed. “I have a habit of analyzing every detail. Obviously, my goal is to be at the top. There are many obstacles, but I’ve always wanted to be there.”
“If you’re not aiming to be the WWE champion, to be the face of the company and mentioned among the greats, then you’re not close to that goal. Maybe I’ll get there. Maybe I won’t.”
