WWE Fastlane is coming up soon, but WWE has a problem. One of their most popular wrestlers is unlikely to participate because of their bad health. LA Knight, one of the hottest stars in the WWE constellation, has been sidelined due to illness. It did shake up the carefully laid plans for SmackDown and Fastlane 2023. 

Knight’s absence from the recent WWE SmackDown episode due to a positive COVID-19 test has sent shockwaves through the wrestling community, leading to significant changes in the upcoming WWE events. Here are the four major alterations that Triple H and the WWE creative team have had to make in the wake of this unexpected development.

LA Knight’s COVID conundrum rocks SmackDown and Fastlane 2023 plans

Knight was all set to be a pivotal part of a key storyline on Friday Night SmackDown, but destiny had other plans. On September 22, just before the episode’s taping, Knight tested positive for COVID-19, a diagnosis that compelled him to promptly leave the building. As a result, he didn’t make a screen appearance, leaving fans eagerly awaiting his involvement in the main event segment. The anticipation had been building for weeks, with Knight and Paul Heyman engaged in a heated segment backstage on SmackDown.

Two weeks back, LA Knight brushed off Heyman with a cold reception. Last week, Heyman retaliated with a scathing verbal assault on Knight, implying he was a mere flash in the pan. This week marks the third consecutive week of mounting speculation surrounding their ongoing interactions. Knight was booked in a segment with Heyman again this week.

But there’s more to the story. John Cena was supposed to team up with LA Knight to face Jimmy Uso and Solo Sikoa of The Bloodline at Fastlane 2023. However, Cena ended up in the main event spotlight and signed a contract for the match. But a surprise attack on Cena’s partner, AJ Styles, backstage changed everything, leaving Cena outnumbered in the ring.

According to PW Insider reports, LA Knight was earmarked as the surprise savior to help Cena in his match against The Bloodline toward the show’s conclusion. Additionally, a dark tag team match featuring Knight and Cena was on the cards. Instead, Montez Ford of The Street Profits took on Cena in the dark match.

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LA Knight’s partnership had been teased since Cena’s two-month run on SmackDown was announced, sparking immense speculation among fans. WWE creatives had big plans for LA Knight with a ‘mega push,’ but will those plans still come to fruition? 

WWE was planning a mega push but will it get derailed because of this health scare?

According to the “Wrestling Observer Newsletter,” Knight’s strong merchandise sales and top segments convinced WWE to give him a “mega push.” He’s also won over WWE’s sponsors, like Slim Jim and Mountain Dew, showcasing his value.

Knight has also impressed WWE’s sponsors and business partners. He won the Slim Jim Battle Royale at WWE SummerSlam 2023. It makes him the face of WWE’s partnership with the company. 

Recent reports hint at a new long-term contract and a potential top role as a “babyface” on “SmackDown.” The future looks promising for Knight, as WWE recognizes his enduring popularity.

As LA Knight focuses on his recovery, the WWE universe is left wondering who will step up to join Cena in his quest to take down the formidable Bloodline at Fastlane 2023. The wrestling world will be holding its breath as the latest updates from the show continue to roll in, all while sending their best wishes to LA Knight for a swift return to action.

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What are your thoughts regarding the sudden change? Do you think that LA Knight will get the ‘mega push’ soon? Let us know in the comments below.