LA Knight instead of Max Dupri is the perfect star for SmackDown

Fans of LA Knight should celebrate because their guy is back. After weeks on weeks of being known as Max Dupri on the main roster, he’s finally set to make his return to the LA Knight moniker that those familiar with his work love. Those unfamiliar with Knight’s previous work should get ready to get on the bandwagon because SmackDown is getting a performer that could easily be a main event champion.

Since Triple H’s return, he’s continued to welcome back names that Vince McMahon pushed out for one reason or another. Individuals like Johnny Gargano, Dakota Kai, and Candice LeRae continue to grab the attention of fans looking to get back into WWE. The additions are working in a sense as much of the reception and perception of the WWE product has improved and been met with positive reviews.

SmackDown has seen its own returns, in Karrion Kross and Braun Strowman, but the excitement around them hasn’t been as palpable. Even as Strowman continues to have engaging matches that draw in millions of viewers. This is what makes Knight a special “rebirth” of sorts at a time when SmackDown needs it the most.

The debate around who will be the man to defeat Roman Reigns continues to rage with candidates like Cody Rhodes, Jey Uso, and Bron Breakker all getting votes. No one is making the argument about Knight being the guy to pick up that big win, as he hasn’t been elevated to such levels. But he could be someone that could have a very entertaining run with the championship in a post-Reigns era.

Knight is a performer that fits perfectly into the world of “sports entertainment.” While viewers may not get the five-star classics that individuals in other companies may be known for, Knight performs well as a character that draws fans in and puts on matches that keep their attention from bell to bell. He had strong work while a part of the NXT brand, but even look beyond that to his work in IMPACT Wrestling and NWA as additional examples of who LA Knight is as a performer. WWE is the perfect place for him and it’s time for fans to fully see why that was the reception when he first popped up in NXT.

Fans continue to push for some new names at the top of the card for WWE. It’s a needed improvement because Roman Reigns can’t be champion forever. LA Knight’s return to what made him special and interesting for the WWE product is a move in the right direction and fans are getting a very entertaining performer added to the SmackDown roster.