In wrestling, success depends on a wrestler’s connection with fans and in-ring performance. While there are a few other factors, a WWE legend recently addressed the debate over who’s responsible for a wrestler’s rise on his podcast. WWE Hall of Famer Road Dogg stressed that while fans often blame the creative team, it’s the wrestler’s talent and rapport with the audience that truly matters.

LA Knight‘s journey was cited as an example, highlighting how success in wrestling can be “organic,” driven by the wrestler’s ability rather than just creative decisions. 

LA Knight’s “organic” rise to stardom gets a nod from WWE legend

In an episode of the “Oh … You Didn’t Know?” podcast, WWE legend Road Dogg aka Brian James shared his thoughts on the wrestling industry. He highlights the importance of wrestlers taking initiative in their careers. He argued that it’s not always the booking or the writing team that determines a wrestler’s success, but it’s also their own ability to connect with the audience.

Road Dogg expressed his view that critics often blame the booking for the outcome of wrestling storylines. However, he emphasized that it takes effort on the part of the wrestlers to make themselves undeniable. Particularly, LA Knight earned praise for captivating the audience’s attention with his authentic and genuine performances. Knight is now one of WWE’s top babyfaces, earning praise from fans, critics, and WWE officials.

Road Dogg explained, “We’re always so quick to jump on the booking of something. I would argue LA Knight didn’t wait for them to book him and do something. He became undeniable, and all of a sudden, you got to book him. At some point, the bell has to ring, and you have to connect with the viewer. You have to connect with the viewing audience and if you can’t do that don’t blame it on the writers.”

He further added, “Like with LA Knight he’s just stealing the world right now because it’s… it’s organic it’s real. And… and look I always like to say it’s the opposite of… of my…. my only point of reference is… is me in my…. in my uh history it’s the opposite of Rusev Day.” 

Read more- After Being Embarrassed by Roman Reigns on SmackDown, LA Knight Strikes Back

Road Dogg also drew a comparison with the rise of “Rusev Day” in WWE, suggesting that it could have been handled differently. He concluded by highlighting the uniqueness of LA Knight’s success, describing it as “stealing the world” because it’s based on genuine, organic efforts within the wrestling ring. “Rusev Day” stemmed from former WWE star Rusev’s popularity but WWE hesitated in a full-fledged push for the now-AEW star.

Knight’s rise to the top means he is likely in line for a title shot pretty soon.

LA Knight’s path to WWE Crown Jewel title shot

At WWE’s SmackDown season premiere, LA Knight made a strong case for a major matchup at Crown Jewel. John Cena, in a much-anticipated return, suggested a worthy challenger for Roman Reigns and, shortly after, LA Knight entered the scene. Knight didn’t hesitate to confront The Tribal Chief, even tossing Jimmy Uso out of the ring. Later in the night he beat Solo Sikoa in the main event.

His subsequent victory over Solo Sikoa sends a bold message. As per the Wrestling Observer Newsletter reports, “The Reigns angle will likely be shot at Smackdown. Coming off the show, Knight would seem like the best challenger, but they may want to hold that off for a bigger show.” 

As Reigns attacked Knight after his victory over Sikoa, it could mean a clash between the two stars for the title at Crown Jewel in Saudi Arabia. For LA Knight getting a WWE Championship title match would be a massive step toward establishing him as a main event star for the long term.

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