In 2023, LA Knight climbed the WWE ladder, from leading the Maximum Male Models to headlining a premium live event for the Undisputed WWE Universal Championship against Roman Reigns. This has been a meteoric rise, shining a spotlight on someone who no one anticipated being in this position in WWE.
Despite uncertainness about how long his popularity with fans and this push will last, Knight has been sustaining it leading into Royal Rumble season. It potentially positions him for big things in 2024.
WWE legends are also taking notice of the leader of the “Yeah!” movement. including Hulk Hogan. The Hall-of-Famer told MrSantiZap he enjoys Knight’s “cadence” and the “old school in him” (h/t Fightful for transcription).
The new guy on the scene, LA Knight, I’d love to get in there with him. He’s getting way too big, way too fast, he’s a rising superstar and I love the guy to death. I love watching him on TV. LA Knight, there is a lot of old school in him. He goes in there, he grinds, and he stays on it. His cadence is what attracted me. ‘Let me tell you something, brother.’ ‘Let me talk to ya.’ Same thing. It’s the same cadence, same vibe, and he’s got it down. He learned quick, he’s a quick study, and the application, the way he nails things, his placement in the ring, his timing is impeccable. Heck of an athlete, good looking kid. Built like a Greek God, it’s all coming his way, and he’s very consistent. I haven’t met him, but he seems like a really good person.
It’s high praise from someone who once dominated WWE with his look and microphone work, as well. Knight still has a ways to go before becoming an industry icon, but his work reflects an old way that is more entertainment-based rather than focused on in-ring work, so Hogan might have a point.