The season premiere of SmackDown brought with it a major development. Roman Reigns, who was last seen in the promotion’s program on August 11, returned after over two months. His comeback coincided with a massive clash that promises a bigger showdown in the near future.
The Head of the Table got into a promo battle with LA Knight, who’s currently riding a massive wave of popularity. The BOK Center in Tulsa, Oklahoma, likely set the stage for a Knight Vs. Reigns bout. On the other hand, Reigns was also left impressed by the 40-year-old.
What did LA Knight do?
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
LA Knight took on Solo Sikoa in the main event of the night and came out trumps. But he was attacked by the Undisputed WWE Universal Champion thereafter. But before all of that took place, Reigns and Knight got into a 1-on-1 promo battle. It was John Cena, however, who started it.
The 16-time world champion set the stage for his Fastlane tag team partner by stepping out of the way and introducing the SmackDown superstar. Knight entered the arena with deafening noise from the spectators, as Reigns looked surprised with the reception.
After the first salvo was fired by Knight, Reigns took over, reminding the wrestler of his current title run, which has exceeded the coveted 1,000-day mark. “I’ve done things that you would never imagine in this business,” The Big Dog said, questioning Knight’s audacity to stand in “his” ring.
LA Knight face-to-face promo with Roman Reigns
Tulsa, Oklahoma
October 13, 2023#YEAHRevolution #SmackDown pic.twitter.com/21gxd75kjo— The YEAH! Revolution (@YEAHRevolution_) October 14, 2023
Unflinching, LA Knight shot back with, “Talking like that is a good way to get yourself referred to in the past tense.” As the cameras panned to Reigns, he looked impressed and even sported a wry smile. Knight also told Reigns he was the fastest rising star in the blue brand’s history.
The promo was cut short with Jimmy Uso ambushing Knight from behind, but he was able to regain his stance and threw the former Undisputed Tag Team Champion out of the ring.
But why is the WWE trying to set up Roman Reigns’ clash with LA Knight? Let’s find out.
Possible reasons WWE is planning LA Knight Vs Roman Reigns at Crown Jewel
Let’s address the proverbial elephant in the room, and possibly get it out of the discussion too. A title change is unlikely. So, despite them butting heads, expect Reigns to hold on to his golds.
That said, why would Triple H and the creative team schedule such a match? Well, both of these stars could benefit from it. A feud with Roman Reigns, is scheduled, gets LA Knight the push his fans have been demanding for long now. There isn’t a bigger player in the WWE at the moment and fighting Reigns puts Knight in the pantheons of top-tier guys.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Going over Knight on November 4 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, will mean WWE have thrown everything at Reigns, only for him to emerge victorious, therefore quelling voices who scoff at his title defense. Knight is a fresh face and if the WWE can continue this for some time, it’ll allow fans to get hooked to this new story.
It’ll also allow creatives to work on pre-existing angles- The Bloodline issue, Cody Rhodes’ completion of story and Dwayne Johnson’s desire to face Roman Reigns.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Watch This Story: Best Moments from AEW Dynamite and WWE NXT
But, these are mostly hypothetical in nature with speculations and are subjected to official announcements from the WWE. That said, what’s your take on the LA Knight promo? Were you impressed as well? Let us know in the comments.