What's next for LA Knight after WWE Survivor Series: WarGames

There’s no way to sugar-coat it, Shinsuke Nakamura defeating LA Knight at WWE Survivor Series: WarGames was a massive upset. To say Nakamura was a forgotten talent would be an understatement. On the other side of that coin, LA Knight is (was) one of the hottest acts in WWE. So, what does this title loss mean for the SmackDown star? There are a few different ways things can go.

Does LA Knight become the biggest heel on SmackDown?

SmackDown needs a major heel character. Roman Reigns and The OG Bloodline are fan favorites. Solo Sikoa’s version of The Bloodline are in the thick of that feud, but they don’t feel like a true threat. Perhaps that’s coming in the form of The Rock, but still, his presence is more about Roman, not the rest of the roster. That’s where LA Knight comes into play.

LA Knight is one of those individuals that started out as a heel, but his popularity pushed him down the path of babyface. If there ever was a time and opportunity to course-correct back down the path of “evil,” perhaps now is that time. Knight has all the ability in the world to play the shades of grey perfectly and it will be interesting to see if he steps into that role as SmackDown has a need for someone else in that position.

LA Knight slides down the WWE Power Rankings

There are also thoughts that this defeat to Nakamura points out that Knight is truly falling down the power rankings within WWE. Rewind back to last year at the Money in the Bank, there was a massive groundswell of support to see him be the one to grab the briefcase and eventually become champion. Has all that momentum ended? Perhaps, but only time will tell. Knight has a lot of support from fans, but that will only carry a performer so far. If he’s not the star backstage as the fans see him in front of the camera, the results will soon show.

Would LA Knight benefit from a brief run in WWE NXT?

LA Knight’s rise in WWE started back with his surprise appearance in NXT. While he was there for a short stint, it was clear that fans took to him. That momentum carried him to a 70-day run as the Million Dollar Champion, but perhaps there’s still more for him to do in WWE NXT. Knight would be a great name to get a strong run as NXT Champion, building that brand around his name as it continues to cement itself on CW.