LA Knight is the man to rebuild the SmackDown midcard

The last time the United States Championship felt like it was an important title, you'd likely have to go back to when Seth Rollins won it from Bobby Lashley back in November 2022. Some may argue even before that. The moment Austin Theory won the title, it was understood what WWE was trying to do -- build a new top heel for the future. It just never hit and even though he held that title for 257 days in his second reign before losing it to Rey Mysterio, it never felt like an important title.

Mysterio didn't do the title any justice either, and it got seemingly got worse once Logan Paul took it from Mysterio, which ended up being a 273-day reign. Prior to this all happening, Damian Priest, Finn Balor, and Sheamus all held the belt and it still feels like the title has been missing something. While these are all great wrestlers with great characters, the title has felt like it's been missing something -- until now.

LA Knight is the man the rebuild the Smackdown midcard

As an advocate for organic growth, it is tough to argue against how much LA Knight has elevated his superstar status in the wrestling world over the past couple years. While Raw was trying their hardest to rebuild the US Championship, Knight was being called up the main roster as Max Dupri as the leader of the Maximum Male Models -- yes, I tried to forget this, but you can't appreciate the development Knight has showcased in order to escape that dreadful period during his WWE career. He has completely recuperated himself, and in two years' time become one of the top babyfaces in the company.

The WWE Universe has been singing the praises of Knight for quite some time, wanting him to win the Royal Rumble, and don't forget the initial disappointment from the fans when Damian Priest snagged the Money In The Bank briefcase last year in London. Everyone was certain it had to be Knight's time. This was also not long after feuding with the Tribal Chief Roman Reigns for the Undisputed WWE Universal Championship and coming up short. After his failed attempt with Reigns, WWE creative cooled off from Knight for whatever reason, but he never lost his momentum. Every time Knight's music hit, the crowd went crazy and chimes in with the "Yeah" chants.

It has been a long time coming, and after having such a hated champion in Paul, Knight is the perfect man to help rebuild the legacy and prestige of the midcard title scene on Smackdown. Whether you believe he is a carb and copy of The Rock and Stone Cold Steve Austin, one can't argue the fact that he is a megastar. This is also a great way to prepare him for when he wins the WWE title and is relied upon to carry a brand. After it is all said and done, Knight's current reign as the United States Champion should have everybody saying, "LA KNIGHT, yeah!"