9 months ago
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LA Knight currently stands as one of the top stars in WWE, but his success has come after overcoming significant obstacles. This marks Knight’s second stint in WWE, with his initial run a decade ago ending in disappointment. LA Knight was also willing to join WWE for an insanely low salary.
In case you weren’t aware, LA Knight signed a developmental contract with WWE in 2013 and spent approximately a year in the Performance Center before being released from his contract in August 2014.
Knight made a significant impact in the wrestling world under the name Eli Drake during his tenure in TNA Wrestling. His exceptional promo skills and in-ring performances propelled him to stardom. Ultimately, these achievements played a crucial role in his eventual return to WWE after a few years.
While speaking with ESPN, LA Knight disclosed that he approached WWE for an opportunity in late 2020. Despite initial discussions involving an insanely low offer of $55,000, Knight willingly took a pay cut with the belief that he could leverage it for greater earnings in the future.
“I said, ‘If you’re only going to offer me $55,000,’ which was what it was at the time, ‘that’s a major, major downgrade of my lifestyle right now. I said, ‘But I’m at the ceiling where I’m at right now. I can take the pay cut on the bet that I’m going to turn that into a lot more if that’s all you have to offer me.’ And as soon as I said that, [a WWE official] gets back to me and he’s like, ‘I like that attitude. It’s going to be more than that.'”
LA Knight also survived being cut from WWE multiple times. Knight is set to face Roman Reigns, AJ Styles, and Randy Orton for the Undisputed WWE Universal Championship at the Royal Rumble Premium Live Event on January 27th. It remains to be seen if Knight will end up winning the match this month.
What’s your view on what LA Knight said? Are you glad WWE is finally pushing him properly? Sound off in the comments section below!
