LA Knight’s career hangs in the balance as he faces a mystery opponent next week in the John Cena “Last Time Is Now Tournament.” While Knight’s challenger remains unknown, the outcome seems all but certain
— and not in his favor.
When WWE announced the tournament to determine Cena’s final opponent for Saturday Night’s Main Event on Dec. 13, it promised surprises, including potential entrants from outside the company. Some fans have speculated that TNA stars like Joe Hendry — who believed he might face Cena during his farewell tour — could be involved.
It’s unlikely that a surprise entrant would appear just as a “one and done.” For someone like Hendry, sharing the ring with Cena or delivering a breakout performance could catapult him to new prominence.
That’s exactly what puts Knight at risk. If the mystery opponent is being set up for a push, Knight may once again serve as a stepping stone — extending his slide down the card.
Knight’s WWE status has been under scrutiny for months, with ESPN even questioning when he’d win again during a past slump. His decision to mock Jey Uso with a fan sign during the Oct. 27 episode of Raw fueled rumors that he was in WWE’s doghouse. However, Sean Ross Sapp of Fightful Select recently stated he doesn’t believe Knight is in any trouble over the incident.
Rumors also suggest Knight could join this year’s War Games match at Survivor Series. If true, that would place him in a marquee position at WWE’s annual fall classic.
Yet, it’s tough to imagine Knight in a key role at Survivor Series if he loses to his mystery opponent. Additionally, Gunther has been rumored as Cena’s final opponent, which could leave Knight’s fate — along with 14 other stars — largely sealed.
Still, a win or two in the tournament, even against a surprise entrant, could keep “The Megastar” in the upper card for the time being.
But falling to an unknown would further damage Knight’s credibility, suggesting that management doesn’t see him as world championship material — no matter how loud the crowd chants his name.
