Max Dupri, previously known as LA Knight, is a rising WWE superstar. He was also a former world champion in Impact Wrestling, where he performed as Eli Drake. In February 2021, Dupri signed with WWE. He made his first appearance as the LA Knight at the Vengeance Day event.
On the most recent episode of Friday Night SmackDown, during a backstage segment with Adam Pearce, LA Knight introduced himself as Max Dupri. Moreover, Dupri added that he is the CEO of his Maximum Male Models agency and he is in search of a future generational WWE superstar who can headline WrestleMania and Paris Fashion Week begins now.
Say hello to Max Dupri!#SmackDown pic.twitter.com/Epy0PFiDjJ
— WWE (@WWE) May 21, 2022
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
LA Knight recently competed at Stand and Deliver last month, when he was defeated by Gunther. Weeks later, he began managing Mansoor and Mace in dark bouts on the SmackDown brand, while also running Knight Model Management.
Fans react to LA Knight changing his name to Max Dupri
Following the segment and the introduction of his new name, Dupri created quite a stir on social media. Reacting to this one WWE fan said he believed it was another McMahon’s crazy idea.
Although he believes, Max Dupri made him sound like Rene Dupree and Maxwell Jacob Friedman.
Wow! Way to go! Another Vince's wacky ideas. LA Knight is better.
Max Dupri made me sound like Rene Dupree and Maxwell Jacob Friedman. https://t.co/2wzNHaMoRS
— Rodolfo Hernandez (@rodolfohdz2419) May 21, 2022
One admirer loved the Knight’s new name. He said, “Max Dupri is actually an upgrade.”
LA Knight is a terrible ring name. Max Dupri is actually an upgrade.
— Kim Geist (@KimGeist_) May 21, 2022
Reacting to this one WWE fan mentioned he is extremely excited to watch Dupri in the future. He said, “Can’t wait for Max Dupri.”
Can't wait for Max Dupri.
— SouljahSingh (@souljahsingh) May 21, 2022
In addition, when one WWE fan heard Max Dupri, he immediately thought of Rene Dupri.
Why is it when I heard “Max Dupri” this who came to mind 😂😂🤷♂️
Y’all don’t remember Rene Dupree @WWE #WWE #SmackDown pic.twitter.com/O8PdBToxmQ
— A Free Wrestling Mind (@FreeWrestleMind) May 21, 2022
LA Knight was known for his charismatic persona, mentioning this one fan said, It makes no difference to him whether he’s LA Knight or Max Dupri. Since he has a really charismatic personality.
I don't care if he's LA Knight or Max Dupri. This guy is very charismatic. Can't wait to see him on Smackdown.
— I Am Veech (@Hoosierfan515) May 21, 2022
While many fans appreciated LA Knight’s new name, one fan disagrees, arguing Max Dupri sounds cheap to him.
Honestly don't understand why anyone can't keep their name from NXT? LA Knight wasn't the best name but it grew on me. Max Dupri sounds so cheap.
— Benjamin Trecroci (@btron3030) May 21, 2022
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
While one fan was unhappy since WWE had previously made him Male Model Manager and now they had changed his name as well.
Wtf? LA Knight is now MAX FREAKIN DUPRI? Why? Bad enough they made him a freakin male model manager. Now they change his name too? #UnecessaryStupidity #WhyGodWhy #Smackdown
— PaulB (@ControllerNinja) May 21, 2022
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
What are your opinions on LA Knight’s new name, Max Dupri? Let us know in the comment section below.
Watch This Story: WWE Superstars With The Highest Number of WrestleMania Matches
