LA Knight hasn’t always had a smooth-running professional life. Before becoming a top card in WWE, Knight struggled financially and professionally. Although he worked mostly on his wrestling skills to establish himself as a notable wrestler in the industry, Knight took up several commercial acting offers as well, to sustain his wallet. One of his small gigs also included a guest appearance on the people-favorite American sitcom, Brooklyn 99.

Since Shaun Ricker never returned to the show again in any other episodes, we can confidently call him a ‘guest star’. This happened long before his name was soaring through the skies in the pro wrestling industry.

LA Knight’s life back in the day as an ‘extra’

During his struggling days as a wrestler, Knight had taken up several short roles. He even had a commercial with the luxury car brand Audi. But his acting career was not restricted to commercials only. Much like John Cena, Knight probably also wanted to become a fine actor. However, the producers of Brooklyn 99 had other ideas in mind.

When the wrestler was approached for the role, he had been recently released from WWE. The episode that he was needed for was Season 2 Episode 17. The team that had reached out to him gave him the role and even told him about the name of the character.

But after he got to the set and was playing out his role, things panned out differently. Speaking on After the Bell with Corey Graves and Kevin Patrick, Knight recalled the moment and said, “Shortly after I got released the first time, back to LA, that’s where I got the role in Brooklyn 99. They gave me a trailer and a name for my character. I thought, ‘Oh, this is going to be a meaty role, my name is Mario, I’m getting married,’ then I just stood there. I don’t know why they named the character, they didn’t mention my name, I didn’t say anything.”

The writers were trying to show a flashback scene to when Terry Crews’ character became a ‘marriage officiant’. So, in the scene, Knight, who was ‘Eli Drake’ at the time, was a bodybuilder in Terry’s memory, getting married inside the gym.

Although he has become a superstar, potentially ready to wrestle for the Undisputed Universal Championship, he still recalls his struggling days to humble himself.

More of LA Knight’s struggling days

During his days as a part-time actor, Knight saw the offer for an agency. After he read a script that they offered him, he was quickly selected for a role. This time around, he didn’t have to speak much either, but instead, had to prove his acting skills using just his body.

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The commercial, being shot for a local casino, required him to act as a masseuse and do some ‘chopping gestures’ at a client. He followed suit and made a quick ‘800 bucks’, as he recalled it. Now, looking back at these days, Knight must realize how far he has come.

Did you recognize Knight during his B99 guest appearance while watching the episode? Let us know in the comments below.

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