{{short description|American professional wrestler (born 1982)|bot=PearBOT 5}} {{Use mdy dates|date=May 2021}} {{Infobox professional wrestler |name = LA Knight |image = LA Knight RR24 (2) (headshot).jpg |image_size = |caption = Knight in 2024 |birth_name = Shaun Edward Ricker |birth_date = {{Birth date and age|1982|11|1}} |birth_place = Hagerstown, Maryland, U.S. |names = Deuce<br />Dick Rick<br />Dick Rick Leykis<br />El Hijo de Trump<br />Eli Drake<br />'''LA Knight'''<br />Max Dupri<br />Shaun Ricker<br />Slate Randall |height = 6 ft 1 in<ref name=espn>{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/wwe/story/_/id/34918696/wwe-profile-page-la-knight|title=WWE Profile Page - LA Knight|website=ESPN|date=November 2022 |access-date=January 26, 2023|archive-date=January 27, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230127195040/https://www.espn.com/wwe/story/_/id/34918696/wwe-profile-page-la-knight|url-status=live}}</ref> |weight = 240 lb<ref name=espn/> |billed = Baltimore, Maryland<br />Hagerstown, Maryland<br />'''Los Angeles, California''' |trainer = Cody Hawk |debut = February 15, 2003 |retired = |spouse = }} '''Shaun Edward Ricker''' (born November 1, 1982) is an American professional wrestler. He is signed to WWE under the ring name '''LA Knight''', where he performs on the Raw brand.
Ricker began his professional wrestling career on the independent circuit in 2003 and joined the NWA-affiliated CWFH in 2010. He signed with WWE in 2013 and performed as an enhancement talent under the ring name '''Slate Randall''' until being released in 2014. After adopting the ring name '''Eli Drake''', he signed with TNA in 2015 and became a one-time TNA World Champion, one-time TNA King of the Mountain Champion, one-time TNA World Tag Team Champion (with Scott Steiner), and a two-time Feast or Fired winner.
Ricker rejoined NWA in 2019, becoming a one-time NWA World Tag Team Champion (with James Storm). He re-signed with WWE in 2021, took the ring name '''LA Knight''', and became a one-time Million Dollar Champion. He was then repackaged as '''Max Dupri''', the manager of Maximum Male Models, in 2022; upon reverting to the LA Knight character a few months later, he began gaining popularity and became a two-time WWE United States Champion.
Outside of wrestling, Ricker appeared on the reality television series ''The Hero'' and the comedy series ''Brooklyn Nine-Nine''. He provided motion capture for other WWE wrestlers for the ''WWE 2K'' video game series and voiced a fictional character in ''WWE 2K22''.
== Early life == Shaun Edward Ricker<ref name="herald">{{Cite web |last=Schelle |first=Crystal |date=June 5, 2013 |title=Holding out for 'The Hero' |url=https://www.heraldmailmedia.com/story/news/local/2013/06/05/holding-out-for-the-hero/117092532/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230512004133/https://www.heraldmailmedia.com/story/news/local/2013/06/05/holding-out-for-the-hero/117092532/ |archive-date=May 12, 2023 |access-date=May 11, 2023 |website=The Herald-Mail |publisher=Herald-Mail Media |quote=Hagerstown native Shaun Ricker believes he might be the next American hero.}}</ref> was born in Hagerstown, Maryland, on November 1, 1982.<ref>{{cite web |date=1 November 2022 |title=LA Knight |url=https://www.espn.com/wwe/story/_/id/34918696/wwe-profile-page-la-knight |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231013105632/https://www.espn.com/wwe/story/_/id/34918696/wwe-profile-page-la-knight |archive-date=October 13, 2023 |access-date=10 November 2023 |publisher=ESPN}}</ref><ref name="ottawa">{{Cite web |last=Baines |first=Tim |date=October 21, 2017 |title=From shy kid to wrestling champ, Eli Drake makes an Impact |url=https://ottawacitizen.com/sports/local-sports/eli-drake-has-an-impact-as-wrestling-champion |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171102001759/https://ottawacitizen.com/sports/local-sports/eli-drake-has-an-impact-as-wrestling-champion |archive-date=November 2, 2017 |access-date=May 12, 2023 |website=Ottawa Citizen |publisher=Postmedia Network}}</ref> He has two older siblings and started watching professional wrestling at the age of three.<ref name="ottawa" /><ref name="orlando">{{Cite web |last=Reddick |first=Jay |date=January 7, 2018 |title=Impact Wrestling's Eli Drake longs to tell stories, not do flips |url=https://www.orlandosentinel.com/2018/01/07/impact-wrestlings-eli-drake-longs-to-tell-stories-not-do-flips/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230512004733/https://www.orlandosentinel.com/2018/01/07/impact-wrestlings-eli-drake-longs-to-tell-stories-not-do-flips/ |archive-date=May 12, 2023 |access-date=May 11, 2023 |website=Orlando Sentinel |publisher=Tribune Publishing}}</ref> He graduated from North Hagerstown High School, where he played in the school's band and participated in track and field.<ref name="key">{{Cite web |last=Greene |first=Julie E. |date=December 23, 2023 |title=Hagerstown native, WWE superstar LA Knight, receives key to city |url=https://www.heraldmailmedia.com/picture-gallery/news/local/2023/12/23/yeah-hagerstown-welcomes-native-son-shaun-ricker-wwe-professional-wrestler-la-knight/72022063007/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240118081449/https://www.heraldmailmedia.com/picture-gallery/news/local/2023/12/23/yeah-hagerstown-welcomes-native-son-shaun-ricker-wwe-professional-wrestler-la-knight/72022063007/ |archive-date=January 18, 2024 |access-date=June 12, 2024 |website=The Herald-Mail |publisher=Herald-Mail Media}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Lambert |first=Jeremy |date=2023-12-20 |title=LA Knight To Receive Key To The City Of Hagerstown, MD |url=https://www.fightful.com/wrestling/la-knight-receive-key-city-hagerstown-md/ |access-date=2025-09-16 |website=Fightful |language=en-US}}</ref>
==Professional wrestling career== === Early career (2003–2010) === Ricker moved to Cincinnati, Ohio and began training at the age of 20 on March 17, 2003, supporting himself with work at a lumber mill and a Ruby Tuesday restaurant.<ref name="ottawa"/> He began working regularly for the Heartland Wrestling Association (HWA) later that year under the ring name '''Deuce'''.<ref name="orlando"/><ref name="oww">{{Cite web |title=Eli Drake profile |url=https://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/profile/shaun-ricker/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200701014016/https://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/profile/shaun-ricker/ |archive-date=July 1, 2020 |access-date=May 11, 2023 |publisher=Online World of Wrestling}}</ref> On November 9, 2004, Deuce won the HWA Television Championship, and dropped it on January 4, 2005.<ref name="hwa">{{Cite web |title=Heartland Wrestling Association Television Title |url=http://www.wrestling-titles.com/us/oh/hwa/hwa-tv.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061121181452/http://www.wrestling-titles.com/us/oh/hwa/hwa-tv.html |archive-date=November 21, 2006 |access-date=June 24, 2023 |publisher=Wrestling Titles}}</ref>
=== National Wrestling Alliance (2009–2012) === thumb|right|Ricker wrestling as Slate Randall in February 2014|230x230px
==== NWA Championship Wrestling from Hollywood (2010–2013) ==== In December 2010, Ricker moved to work for NWA Championship Wrestling from Hollywood. He joined forces with Brian Cage, forming The Natural Selection tag team and winning the NWA Heritage Tag Team Championship from The RockNES Monsters on December 8.<ref name="cwfh">{{cite web |title=NWA/CWFH Heritage Tag Team Title (California) |url=http://www.wrestling-titles.com/us/ca/s/cwfh/nwa-herit-t.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140427105000/http://www.wrestling-titles.com/us/ca/s/cwfh/nwa-herit-t.html |archive-date=April 27, 2014 |access-date=July 15, 2013 |website= |publisher=Wrestling Titles}}</ref> After holding the titles for over 200 days, The Natural Selection lost them to The Tribe when Cage missed the event, causing the match to become a handicap match.<ref name="cwfh"/> Ricker then feuded with Cage for several months, staying even on victories until he defeated Cage to end their feud in late 2012.<ref name="oww"/>
On December 24, Ricker unsuccessfully challenged Adam Pearce for the NWA Worlds Heavyweight Championship.<ref name="oww" /> However, he won the Percy Pringle III Cup, where the winner earned a shot at any championship at any time and place.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Jeremies |first=Adam |title=What is the PP3 Cup Tournament? |url=https://www.hollywoodwrestling.com/what-is-the-pp3-cup-tournament/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230511235504/https://www.hollywoodwrestling.com/what-is-the-pp3-cup-tournament/ |archive-date=May 11, 2023 |access-date=May 11, 2023 |publisher=Championship Wrestling from Hollywood}}</ref> On May 5, 2013, Ricker won the 30-Man Red Carpet Rumble for the CWFH Heritage Heavyweight Championship in homage to his late friend and manager Percy Pringle.<ref name="carpet">{{Cite web |last=Ronquillo |first=Steven |date=May 6, 2013 |title=5/5 Championship Wrestling from Hollywood 'Red Carpet Rumble' live report |url=https://www.pwinsider.com/article/77360/55-championship-wrestling-from-hollywood-red-carpet-rumble-live-report.html?p=1 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130512002849/https://www.pwinsider.com/article/77360/55-championship-wrestling-from-hollywood-red-carpet-rumble-live-report.html?p=1 |archive-date=May 12, 2013 |access-date=May 11, 2023 |website=PWInsider}}</ref> That same night, he successfully defended the title against Ryan Taylor.<ref name="carpet"/>
Ricker would lose the championship to Scorpio Sky in a Loser Leaves Hollywood match later that night; this match was scheduled to air on June 2, on tape delay, but was never aired due to the controversial finish.<ref name="carpet"/> After the cameras went off, Ricker got on the microphone and thanked all of the fans for coming out, saying it would be the last time he would be seen in a ring for Championship Wrestling from Hollywood. All of the wrestlers came out from the back and gave Ricker a standing ovation. However, he made one more final television appearance, defeating Sky's fellow Experience members Big Duke and Xtian Cole.<ref name="oww"/>
===WWE (2013–2014)=== In May 2013, it was reported that Ricker and other independent wrestlers were undergoing the medical tests required to be signed by WWE before reporting to the WWE Performance Center.<ref name="orlando"/><ref>{{Cite web |last=Pena |first=Daniel |date=May 16, 2013 |title=WWE Signs Independent Wrestler To Developmental Contract, Over Twenty More Signings To Come? |url=https://www.wrestlinginc.com/news/2013/05/wwe-signs-independent-wrestler-to-developmental-contract-562740/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230512003733/https://www.wrestlinginc.com/news/2013/05/wwe-signs-independent-wrestler-to-developmental-contract-562740/ |archive-date=May 12, 2023 |access-date=May 11, 2023 |website=Wrestling Inc.}}</ref> He had previously performed sporadically in WWE over the years, starting with an appearance under the name '''Dick Rick''', where he teamed with Jon Moxley in a losing effort against Big Show in a dark handicap match in May 2006.<ref name="ottawa"/> He later teamed with Gene Snitsky in a losing effort against Cryme Tyme (JTG and Shad Gaspard) on ''ECW'' in 2008<ref name="ottawa" /> and played a security guard during a segment featuring CM Punk and Kevin Nash on ''Raw'' in August 2011.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Nemer |first=Paul |date=August 15, 2011 |title=Raw Results – 8/15/11 |url=https://www.wrestleview.com/wwe-raw-results/25972-raw-results-8-15-11/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180618203604/https://www.wrestleview.com/wwe-raw-results/25972-raw-results-8-15-11/ |archive-date=June 18, 2018 |access-date=May 11, 2023 |publisher=WrestleView.com}}</ref>
Upon signing with WWE, Ricker was given the ring name '''Slate Randall''' and made his debut by defeating Yoshi Tatsu in a dark match during an October 2013 taping of ''NXT''.<ref name="oww"/> Following that victory, he competed as a jobber for NXT, losing to names such as Baron Corbin, Mojo Rawley, and Mason Ryan.<ref name="oww"/> He was released from his WWE contract on August 1, 2014.<ref>{{cite web |last=Johnson |first=Mike |date=August 1, 2014 |title=Five WWE releases |url=https://pwinsider.com/article/87292/five-wwe-releases.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140804121406/http://www.pwinsider.com/article/87292/five-wwe-releases.html |archive-date=August 4, 2014 |access-date=August 1, 2014 |website=PWInsider}}</ref>
===Return to the independent circuit (2014–2019)=== After his release from WWE, Ricker returned to wrestling on the independent circuit and began competing under the ring name '''Eli Drake'''. On September 5, at Full Impact Pro's ''Fallout'', he participated in a trios tournament along with Mason Ryan and Michael Tarver, but they were defeated by the Full Impact Puerto Ricans (Lince Dorado, Jay Cruz, and Jay Rios) in the semifinals.<ref>{{cite web |last=Trionfo |first=Richard |date=September 5, 2014 |title=FIP Fallout 2014 iPPV report: which team would survive the tournament of six man tag teams? |url=http://www.pwinsider.com/article/88071/fip-fallout-2014-ippv-report-which-team-would-survive-the-tournament-of-six-man-tag-teams.html?p=1 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141106014659/http://www.pwinsider.com/article/88071/fip-fallout-2014-ippv-report-which-team-would-survive-the-tournament-of-six-man-tag-teams.html?p=1 |archive-date=November 6, 2014 |access-date=December 12, 2014 |website=PWInsider}}</ref> On November 21, Ricker defeated Kenny King at FSW Luck of the Draw.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Kreikenbohm |first=Philip |title=FSW Luck Of The Draw results |url=https://www.cagematch.net//?id=1&nr=120678 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200328033521/https://www.cagematch.net//?id=1&nr=120678 |archive-date=March 28, 2020 |access-date=January 30, 2020 |website=Cagematch.net}}</ref>
On May 11, 2019, Drake lost a fatal four-way match at a Maverick Pro Wrestling event.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Bryant |first=Steve |date=May 12, 2019 |title=Maverick Pro - 11 May 2019 - Results |url=https://socaluncensored.com/2019/05/11/maverick-pro-11-may-2019-results/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190517051952/https://socaluncensored.com/2019/05/11/maverick-pro-11-may-2019-results/ |archive-date=May 17, 2019 |access-date=May 17, 2019 |website=SoCalUncensored.com}}</ref> He made his debut for World Wrestling Council in Puerto Rico at WWC Aniversario on August 17, wrestling Carlito Colon.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Lambert |first=Jeremy |date=August 2, 2019 |title=Wrestling News, Scott Dawson Tease, Gangrel At WWE PC, Raw Commercial Breaks, More |url=https://www.fightful.com/wrestling/fight-size-update-scott-dawson-tease-gangrel-wwe-pc-raw-commercial-breaks-more |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190802185735/https://www.fightful.com/wrestling/fight-size-update-scott-dawson-tease-gangrel-wwe-pc-raw-commercial-breaks-more |archive-date=August 2, 2019 |access-date=August 2, 2019 |website=Fightful}}</ref>
===Total Nonstop Action Wrestling / Impact Wrestling (2015–2019)=== ====The Rising (2015–2016)==== On February 16, 2015, Drake participated in TNA One Night Only's TNA Gut Check tournament, defeating Crazzy Steve to qualify for a five-way elimination match won by Tevita Fifita.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Johnson |first=Mike |date=February 17, 2015 |title=TNA GutCheck One Night Only PPV spoilers |url=https://www.pwinsider.com/article/91671/tna-gutcheck-one-night-only-ppv-spoilers.html?p=1 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150725021849/https://www.pwinsider.com/article/91671/tna-gutcheck-one-night-only-ppv-spoilers.html?p=1 |archive-date=July 25, 2015 |access-date=May 12, 2023 |website=PWInsider}}</ref> On the March 27 episode of ''Impact Wrestling'', he joined Drew Galloway and Micah to form The Rising, defeating The Beat Down Clan in his debut.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Boutwell |first=Josh |date=March 28, 2015 |title=TNA Impact Wrestling Results – 3/27/15 (Six Sides of Steel) |url=https://www.wrestleview.com/tna-wrestling-results/tna-impact-results/53782-tna-impact-wrestling-results-3-27-15-six-sides-of-steel/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160326141650/https://www.wrestleview.com/tna-wrestling-results/tna-impact-results/53782-tna-impact-wrestling-results-3-27-15-six-sides-of-steel/ |archive-date=March 26, 2016 |access-date=May 12, 2023 |publisher=WrestleView.com}}</ref> On the July 1 episode of ''Impact Wrestling'', The Beat Down Clan defeated The Rising in a 4-on-3 handicap match, forcing The Rising to dissolve.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Martin |first=Adam |date=July 2, 2015 |title=TNA Impact Wrestling Results – 7/1/15 (New TNA Champion) |url=https://www.wrestleview.com/tna-wrestling-results/tna-impact-results/55096-tna-impact-wrestling-results-7-1-15-new-tna-champion/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160331201537/https://www.wrestleview.com/tna-wrestling-results/tna-impact-results/55096-tna-impact-wrestling-results-7-1-15-new-tna-champion/ |archive-date=March 31, 2016 |access-date=May 12, 2023 |publisher=WrestleView.com}}</ref>
On the July 15 episode of ''Impact Wrestling'', Drake turned heel when he cost Galloway a match against TNA World Heavyweight Champion Ethan Carter III.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Boutwell |first=Josh |date=July 16, 2015 |title=TNA Impact Wrestling Results – 7/15/15 (Bully Ray returns!) |url=https://www.wrestleview.com/tna-wrestling-results/tna-impact-results/55311-tna-impact-wrestling-results-7-15-15-bully-ray-returns/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160330071137/https://www.wrestleview.com/tna-wrestling-results/tna-impact-results/55311-tna-impact-wrestling-results-7-15-15-bully-ray-returns/ |archive-date=March 30, 2016 |access-date=May 12, 2023 |publisher=WrestleView.com}}</ref> Drake defeated Galloway at No Surrender on August 5 but lost a No Disqualification rematch on August 19 at Turning Point.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Peeples |first=Jeremy |date=August 6, 2015 |title=TNA Impact August 5 TV results & recap: EC3 vs. Matt Hardy battle in a TLC match |url=https://www.f4wonline.com/news/impact-wrestling/tna-impact-august-5-tv-results-recap-ec3-vs-matt-hardy-battle-tlc-match-155861 |access-date=October 15, 2022 |website=Wrestling Observer Newsletter |archive-date=October 15, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221015211800/https://www.f4wonline.com/news/impact-wrestling/tna-impact-august-5-tv-results-recap-ec3-vs-matt-hardy-battle-tlc-match-155861 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Peeples |first=Jeremy |date=August 20, 2015 |title=TNA Impact TV results & recap (August 19): EC3 vs. PJ Black World title match |url=https://www.f4wonline.com/news/impact-wrestling/tna-impact-tv-results-recap-august-19-ec3-vs-pj-black-world-title-match-158571 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221126135103/https://www.f4wonline.com/news/impact-wrestling/tna-impact-tv-results-recap-august-19-ec3-vs-pj-black-world-title-match-158571 |archive-date=November 26, 2022 |access-date=May 12, 2023 |website=Wrestling Observer Newsletter}}</ref> At Bound for Glory on October 4, Drake competed in the Bound For Gold Gauntlet, which was won by Tyrus.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Boutwell |first=Josh |date=October 5, 2015 |title=TNA Bound for Glory PPV Results – 10/4/15 (New Champion) |url=https://www.wrestleview.com/tna-wrestling-results/tna-bound-for-glory/56438-tna-bound-for-glory-ppv-results-10-4-15-live-from-charlotte/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160717015420/https://www.wrestleview.com/tna-wrestling-results/tna-bound-for-glory/56438-tna-bound-for-glory-ppv-results-10-4-15-live-from-charlotte/ |archive-date=July 17, 2016 |access-date=May 12, 2023 |publisher=WrestleView.com}}</ref> He then participated in the TNA World Title Series as a member of group Future 4, along with Jessie Godderz, Micah and Crimson, advancing in the round of 16 along with Godderz, where he lost in the round of 16 to Mahabali Shera, being eliminated from the tournament.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Martin |first=Adam |date=December 3, 2015 |title=TNA Impact Wrestling Results – 12/2/15 (Climb to Round of 8) |url=https://www.wrestleview.com/tna-wrestling-results/tna-impact-results/57042-tna-impact-wrestling-results-12-2-15-climb-to-round-of-8/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160330022146/https://www.wrestleview.com/tna-wrestling-results/tna-impact-results/57042-tna-impact-wrestling-results-12-2-15-climb-to-round-of-8/ |archive-date=March 30, 2016 |access-date=May 12, 2023 |publisher=WrestleView.com}}</ref> At TNA One Night Only: Live! on January 8, 2016, Drake and Godderz competed in a 3-Way TNA World Tag Team Championship match, which The Wolves won.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Csonka |first=Larry |date=January 8, 2016 |title=Csonka's TNA One Night Only: Live Review 1.08.16 |url=https://411mania.com/wrestling/csonkas-tna-one-night-only-live-review-1-08-16/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160820061524/https://411mania.com/wrestling/csonkas-tna-one-night-only-live-review-1-08-16/ |archive-date=August 20, 2016 |access-date=May 12, 2023 |website=411Mania}}</ref>
On January 26, 2016, Drake won the Feast or Fired match and the briefcase that contained a title shot for the future TNA King Of The Mountain Championship.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Boutwell |first=Josh |date=January 27, 2016 |title=TNA Impact Wrestling Results – 1/26/16 (Hardy Boyz Implode) |url=https://www.wrestleview.com/tna-wrestling-results/tna-impact-results/57578-tna-impact-wrestling-results-1-26-16-hardy-boyz-implode/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160229083138/https://www.wrestleview.com/tna-wrestling-results/tna-impact-results/57578-tna-impact-wrestling-results-1-26-16-hardy-boyz-implode/ |archive-date=February 29, 2016 |access-date=May 12, 2023 |publisher=WrestleView.com}}</ref> On the February 9 episode of ''Impact Wrestling'', Drake was attacked by Grado, who had been fired after his Feast or Fired briefcase contained the pink slip. Later that night, Drake interrupted him backstage, telling him "he better shut up about whatever he thinks he knows" and attacked Grado again, having him escorted out of the building through the tunnel.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Boutwell |first=Josh |date=February 10, 2016 |title=TNA Impact Wrestling Results – 2/9/16 (Angle vs. Galloway II) |url=https://www.wrestleview.com/tna-wrestling-results/tna-impact-results/57723-tna-impact-wrestling-results-2-9-16-angle-drew-ii/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160314175100/https://www.wrestleview.com/tna-wrestling-results/tna-impact-results/57723-tna-impact-wrestling-results-2-9-16-angle-drew-ii/ |archive-date=March 14, 2016 |access-date=May 12, 2023 |publisher=WrestleView.com}}</ref> On the following episode of ''Impact Wrestling'', Drake lost to Grado, who was masked as Odarg the Great.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Boutwell |first=Josh |date=February 17, 2016 |title=TNA Impact Wrestling Results – 2/16/16 (Monsters Ball) |url=https://www.wrestleview.com/tna-wrestling-results/tna-impact-results/57804-tna-impact-wrestling-results-2-16-16-monsters-ball/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160814224533/https://www.wrestleview.com/tna-wrestling-results/tna-impact-results/57804-tna-impact-wrestling-results-2-16-16-monsters-ball/ |archive-date=August 14, 2016 |access-date=May 12, 2023 |publisher=WrestleView.com}}</ref> On the March 15 episode of ''Impact Wrestling'', he faced Grado in a ladder match with Grado's career on the line, but was defeated.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Boutwell |first=Josh |date=March 16, 2016 |title=TNA Impact Wrestling Results – 3/15/16 (The Era of Galloway) |url=https://www.wrestleview.com/tna-wrestling-results/tna-impact-results/59215-tna-impact-wrestling-results-3-15-16-the-era-of-galloway-begins/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160619041902/https://www.wrestleview.com/tna-wrestling-results/tna-impact-results/59215-tna-impact-wrestling-results-3-15-16-the-era-of-galloway-begins/ |archive-date=June 19, 2016 |access-date=May 12, 2023 |publisher=WrestleView.com}}</ref>
====Fact of Life and Namer of Dummies (2016–2017)==== [[File:Eli Drake & Chris Adonis attacks DeAngelo Williams at Slammiversary XV.jpg|thumb|right|300px|Drake (left) formed an alliance with Chris Adonis in 2017]] On the May 31 episode of ''Impact on Pop'', Drake cashed in his Feast or Fired briefcase for his shot at the TNA King of the Mountain Championship, defeating Bram, who was just viciously attacked by Lashley, winning his first title in TNA.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Martin |first=Adam |date=April 24, 2016 |title=SPOILERS: 4/23 TNA Impact Wrestling taping results from Orlando, Florida to air on Pop TV beginning in May |url=https://www.wrestleview.com/tna-news/61037-spoilers-423-tna-impact-wrestling-taping-results-orlando-florida-air-pop-tv-beginning-may/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200329100951/https://www.wrestleview.com/tna-news/61037-spoilers-423-tna-impact-wrestling-taping-results-orlando-florida-air-pop-tv-beginning-may/ |archive-date=March 29, 2020 |access-date=January 30, 2020 |publisher=WrestleView.com}}</ref> He successfully defended the title against Bram on June 12 at Slammiversary.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Caldwell |first=James |date=June 12, 2016 |title=6/12 TNA Slammiversary PPV Results – CALDWELL'S Complete Report |url=https://www.pwtorch.com/site/2016/06/12/tnaslammfinalresults/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161022180813/https://www.pwtorch.com/site/2016/06/12/tnaslammfinalresults/ |archive-date=October 22, 2016 |access-date=May 12, 2023 |website=Pro Wrestling Torch |publisher=TDH Communications Inc.}}</ref> On the June 28 episode of ''Impact Wrestling'', Drake hosted a ''Fact of Life'' segment, inviting James Storm as his guest and insulting him; Storm eventually hit Drake with the Last Call, igniting a feud between the two.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Boutwell |first=Josh |date=June 29, 2016 |title=TNA Impact Wrestling Results – 6/28/16 (Lashley retains TNA Championship in triple threat, Bennett defends X Division Title) |url=https://www.wrestleview.com/tna-wrestling-results/tna-impact-results/63681-tna-impact-wrestling-results-62816-lashley-retains-tna-championship-triple-threat-bennett-defends-x-division-title/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160704081210/https://www.wrestleview.com/tna-wrestling-results/tna-impact-results/63681-tna-impact-wrestling-results-62816-lashley-retains-tna-championship-triple-threat-bennett-defends-x-division-title/ |archive-date=July 4, 2016 |access-date=May 12, 2023 |publisher=WrestleView.com}}</ref> On the July 5 episode of ''Impact Wrestling'', Drake defended the King of the Mountain Championship against Storm, but intentionally disqualified himself to save the title.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Boutwell |first=Josh |date=July 5, 2016 |title=TNA Impact Wrestling Results – 7/5/16 (Matt Hardy vs. Jeff Hardy headlines in a Final Deletion match) |url=https://www.wrestleview.com/tna-wrestling-results/tna-impact-results/63997-tna-impact-wrestling-results-7516-matt-hardy-vs-jeff-hardy-headlines-final-deletion-match/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160709200745/https://www.wrestleview.com/tna-wrestling-results/tna-impact-results/63997-tna-impact-wrestling-results-7516-matt-hardy-vs-jeff-hardy-headlines-final-deletion-match/ |archive-date=July 9, 2016 |access-date=May 12, 2023 |publisher=WrestleView.com}}</ref> On the August 4 episode of ''Impact Wrestling'', Drake lost the championship to Storm.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Martin |first=Adam |date=August 5, 2016 |title=TNA Impact Wrestling Results – 8/4/16 (EC3 vs. Mike Bennett to determine Bound for Glory Playoffs) |url=https://www.wrestleview.com/tna-wrestling-results/tna-impact-results/65371-tna-impact-wrestling-results-8416-ec3-vs-mike-bennett-determine-bound-glory-playoffs-winner/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160809155025/https://www.wrestleview.com/tna-wrestling-results/tna-impact-results/65371-tna-impact-wrestling-results-8416-ec3-vs-mike-bennett-determine-bound-glory-playoffs-winner/ |archive-date=August 9, 2016 |access-date=May 12, 2023 |publisher=WrestleView.com}}</ref> He entered the Impact Grand Championship tournament, defeating Godderz in the first round but lost to Aron Rex in the semi-finals.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Bocook |first=Gerald |date=September 9, 2016 |title=TNA Impact Wrestling Results – 9/8/16 (#DELETEorDECAY, Billy Corgan makes major announcement) |url=https://www.wrestleview.com/tna-wrestling-results/tna-impact-results/66816-tna-impact-wrestling-results-9816-deleteordecay-billy-corgan-makes-major-announcement/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160915084749/https://www.wrestleview.com/tna-wrestling-results/tna-impact-results/66816-tna-impact-wrestling-results-9816-deleteordecay-billy-corgan-makes-major-announcement/ |archive-date=September 15, 2016 |access-date=May 12, 2023 |publisher=WrestleView.com}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Martin |first=Adam |date=September 22, 2016 |title=TNA Impact Wrestling Results – 9/22/16 (EC3 and Moose vs. Lashley and Bennett, Cody Rhodes debuts) |url=https://www.wrestleview.com/tna-wrestling-results/tna-impact-results/67364-tna-impact-wrestling-results-92216-ec3-moose-vs-lashley-bennett-cody-rhodes-debuts/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160926121627/https://www.wrestleview.com/tna-wrestling-results/tna-impact-results/67364-tna-impact-wrestling-results-92216-ec3-moose-vs-lashley-bennett-cody-rhodes-debuts/ |archive-date=September 26, 2016 |access-date=May 12, 2023 |publisher=WrestleView.com}}</ref>
At Bound for Glory on October 2, Drake won the Bound for Gold Gauntlet by last eliminating Tyrus.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Namako |first=Jason |date=October 2, 2016 |title=TNA Bound For Glory Results – 10/2/16 (Live from Orlando, Lashley vs. EC3, debut of Cody Rhodes) |url=https://www.wrestleview.com/tna-wrestling-results/tna-bound-for-glory/67705-tna-bound-glory-results-10216-live-orlando-lashley-vs-ec3-debut-cody-rhodes/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161011042357/https://www.wrestleview.com/tna-wrestling-results/tna-bound-for-glory/67705-tna-bound-glory-results-10216-live-orlando-lashley-vs-ec3-debut-cody-rhodes/ |archive-date=October 11, 2016 |access-date=May 12, 2023 |publisher=WrestleView.com}}</ref> After this, Drake started a feud against Ethan Carter III.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Bocook |first=Gerald |date=October 7, 2016 |title=TNA Impact Wrestling Results – 10/6/16 (Eddie Edwards beats Lashley to become the new TNA Champion) |url=https://www.wrestleview.com/tna-wrestling-results/tna-impact-results/67962-tna-impact-wrestling-results-10616-eddie-edwards-beats-lashley-become-new-tna-champion/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161013164454/https://www.wrestleview.com/tna-wrestling-results/tna-impact-results/67962-tna-impact-wrestling-results-10616-eddie-edwards-beats-lashley-become-new-tna-champion/ |archive-date=October 13, 2016 |access-date=May 12, 2023 |publisher=WrestleView.com}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Csonka |first=Larry |date=October 27, 2016 |title=Csonka's TNA Impact Review 10.27.16 |url=https://411mania.com/wrestling/csonkas-tna-impact-review-10-27-16/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161029105337/https://411mania.com/wrestling/csonkas-tna-impact-review-10-27-16/ |archive-date=October 29, 2016 |access-date=May 12, 2023 |website=411Mania}}</ref> On the November 10 episode of ''Impact Wrestling'', Drake cashed in his Bound for Gold opportunity, but failed to win the TNA World Heavyweight Championship from Eddie Edwards.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Bocook |first=Gerald |date=November 11, 2016 |title=TNA Impact Wrestling Results – 11/10/16 (Eddie Edwards vs. Eli Drake for TNA Title, The DCC revealed) |url=https://www.wrestleview.com/tna-wrestling-results/tna-impact-results/69441-tna-impact-wrestling-results-111016-eddie-edwards-vs-eli-drake-tna-title-dcc-reveals-identities/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161118232805/https://www.wrestleview.com/tna-wrestling-results/tna-impact-results/69441-tna-impact-wrestling-results-111016-eddie-edwards-vs-eli-drake-tna-title-dcc-reveals-identities/ |archive-date=November 18, 2016 |access-date=May 12, 2023 |publisher=WrestleView.com}}</ref> On the November 24 episode of ''Impact Wrestling'', Drake faced EC3 in a title shot vs. voice match where if Ethan lost, he would lose his heavyweight title shot, and if Drake lost, he would not be able to talk for the rest of 2016; EC3 won by submission.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Csonka |first=Larry |date=November 24, 2016 |title=Csonka's TNA Impact Review 11.24.16 |url=https://411mania.com/wrestling/csonkas-tna-impact-review-11-24-16/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161126171604/https://411mania.com/wrestling/csonkas-tna-impact-review-11-24-16/ |archive-date=November 26, 2016 |access-date=May 12, 2023 |publisher=411Mania}}</ref>
At One Night Only: Live! on January 6, 2017, Drake and Tyrus unsuccessfully challenged The Broken Hardys for the TNA World Tag Team Championship.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Csonka |first=Larry |date=January 6, 2017 |title=Csonka's TNA One Night Only LIVE! January Review 1.06.17 |url=https://411mania.com/wrestling/csonkas-tna-one-night-only-live-january-review-1-06-17/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170208142153/https://411mania.com/wrestling/csonkas-tna-one-night-only-live-january-review-1-06-17/ |archive-date=February 8, 2017 |access-date=May 12, 2023 |website=411Mania}}</ref> Tyrus helped Drake take the red case during the Race for the Case on the January 19 episode of ''Impact Wrestling''.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Martin |first=Adam |date=January 20, 2017 |title=Impact Wrestling Results – 1/19/17 (Drew Galloway captures Impact Grand Title, Race for the Case match) |url=https://www.wrestleview.com/tna-wrestling-results/tna-impact-results/72083-impact-wrestling-results-11917-drew-galloway-captures-impact-grand-title-race-for-the-case-match/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170207112650/https://www.wrestleview.com/tna-wrestling-results/tna-impact-results/72083-impact-wrestling-results-11917-drew-galloway-captures-impact-grand-title-race-for-the-case-match/ |archive-date=February 7, 2017 |access-date=May 12, 2023 |publisher=WrestleView.com}}</ref> On the February 2 episode of ''Impact Wrestling'', Drake cashed in his Race for the Case briefcase for a match against Ethan Carter III, but lost. After the match, he and Tyrus attacked EC3, but were assaulted by the Death Crew Council.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Namako |first=Jason |date=February 3, 2017 |title=Impact Wrestling Results – 2/2/17 (Open Fight Night special) |url=https://www.wrestleview.com/tna-wrestling-results/tna-impact-results/72765-impact-wrestling-results-2217-open-fight-night-special/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170206024326/https://www.wrestleview.com/tna-wrestling-results/tna-impact-results/72765-impact-wrestling-results-2217-open-fight-night-special/ |archive-date=February 6, 2017 |access-date=May 12, 2023 |publisher=WrestleView.com}}</ref> On the following episode of ''Impact Wrestling'', Drake abandoned Tyrus during their handicap match against The Death Crew Council, causing them to lose.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Namako |first=Jason |date=February 10, 2017 |title=Impact Wrestling Results – 2/9/17 (Lashley vs. Edwards, Richards turn) |url=https://www.wrestleview.com/tna-wrestling-results/tna-impact-results/73031-impact-wrestling-results-2917-lashley-edwards-tna-title-richards-turns-edwards/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170711211951/https://www.wrestleview.com/tna-wrestling-results/tna-impact-results/73031-impact-wrestling-results-2917-lashley-edwards-tna-title-richards-turns-edwards/ |archive-date=July 11, 2017 |access-date=May 12, 2023 |publisher=WrestleView.com}}</ref> A match was scheduled between Drake and Tyrus two weeks later, which ended in a disqualification victory for Tyrus. After the match, Drake proposed more money to Tyrus for keeping him as a bodyguard, which Tyrus accepted.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Bocook |first=Gerald |date=February 24, 2017 |title=Impact Wrestling Results – 2/23/17 (Josh Barnett, The Hardys expedition) |url=https://www.wrestleview.com/tna-wrestling-results/tna-impact-results/73539-impact-wrestling-results-22317-josh-barnett-hardys-expedition/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170711210904/https://www.wrestleview.com/tna-wrestling-results/tna-impact-results/73539-impact-wrestling-results-22317-josh-barnett-hardys-expedition/ |archive-date=July 11, 2017 |access-date=May 12, 2023 |publisher=WrestleView.com}}</ref>
On the May 11 episode of ''Impact Wrestling'', with help from Tyrus and Chris Adonis, he attacked Impact Grand Champion Moose after his match against Marshe Rockett.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Csonka |first=Larry |date=May 11, 2017 |title=Csonka's Impact Wrestling Review 5.11.17 |url=https://411mania.com/wrestling/csonkas-impact-wrestling-review-5-11-17/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171017132703/https://411mania.com/wrestling/csonkas-impact-wrestling-review-5-11-17/ |archive-date=October 17, 2017 |access-date=May 12, 2023 |website=411Mania}}</ref> On the June 1 episode of ''Impact Wrestling'', Drake failed to win the Impact Grand Championship from Moose.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Martin |first=Adam |date=June 2, 2017 |title=Impact Wrestling Results – 6/1/17 (Patron vs. EC3 in Six Sides of Steel) |url=https://www.wrestleview.com/impact-wrestling-results/82310-impact-wrestling-results-june-1/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170603210204/https://www.wrestleview.com/impact-wrestling-results/82310-impact-wrestling-results-june-1/ |archive-date=June 3, 2017 |access-date=May 12, 2023 |publisher=WrestleView.com}}</ref> At Slammiversary on July 2, Drake and Adonis lost to Moose and DeAngelo Williams.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Powell |first=Jason |date=July 2, 2017 |title=7/2 Powell's GFW/Impact Wrestling Slammiversary live review: Lashley vs. Alberto El Patron to unify the GFW and Impact Wrestling Championships, Scott Steiner and Josh Mathews vs. Jeremy Borash and Joseph Park, Sonjay Dutt vs. Low Ki in a best of three falls match for the X Division Championship |url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2017/07/02/72-powells-gfwimpact-wrestling-slammiversary-live-review-lashley-vs-alberto-el-patron-unify-gfw-impact-wrestling-championships-scott-steiner-josh-mathews-vs-jeremy-borash-jos/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170729142601/https://prowrestling.net/site/2017/07/02/72-powells-gfwimpact-wrestling-slammiversary-live-review-lashley-vs-alberto-el-patron-unify-gfw-impact-wrestling-championships-scott-steiner-josh-mathews-vs-jeremy-borash-jos/ |archive-date=July 29, 2017 |access-date=May 12, 2023 |website=Pro Wrestling Dot Net}}</ref>
====Impact Global Champion (2017–2018)==== [[File:Eli Drake BFG Global Champ 17.jpg|thumb|Drake as the Impact Global Champion at Bound for Glory in November 2017]] On the August 24 episode of ''Impact!'', Drake won a 20-man gauntlet match, as the second entrant, to win the vacant GFW Global Championship for the first time; it was later renamed to the Impact Global Championship. This was Drake's first world title reign from a major wrestling promotion in his career.<ref>{{cite web |last=Martin |first=Adam |date=August 18, 2017 |title=SPOILERS: 8/17 GFW Impact TV taping results from Orlando, Florida |url=http://www.wrestleview.com/gfw-news/89195-gfw-impact-tv-taping-results-august-17/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170818133754/http://www.wrestleview.com/gfw-news/89195-gfw-impact-tv-taping-results-august-17/ |archive-date=August 18, 2017 |access-date=August 17, 2017 |publisher=WrestleView.com}}</ref> He would retain the title against Matt Sydal on ''Impact'',<ref>{{Cite web |last=Bath |first=Dave |date=September 7, 2017 |title=GFW Impact results: Eli Drake defends against Matt Sydal |url=https://www.f4wonline.com/news/impact-wrestling/results/gfw-impact-results-eli-drake-defends-against-matt-sydal-242461 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220622145004/https://www.f4wonline.com/news/impact-wrestling/results/gfw-impact-results-eli-drake-defends-against-matt-sydal-242461 |archive-date=June 22, 2022 |access-date=May 12, 2023 |website=Wrestling Observer Newsletter}}</ref> and against Cody Hall in Japan for Pro Wrestling Noah.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.noah.co.jp/result.php?tour_id=1791|title=Great Voyage 2017 in Yokohama vol.2|access-date=October 1, 2017|work=Pro Wrestling Noah|language=ja|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171001165123/http://www.noah.co.jp/result.php?tour_id=1791|archive-date=October 1, 2017|url-status=dead}}</ref> Drake successfully defended the title against Johnny Impact at Victory Road on September 28, Bound for Glory on November 5 and at Genesis on January 25, 2018 in a Six Sides of Steel match also involving Alberto El Patron.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Bath |first=Dave |date=September 28, 2017 |title=Impact Wrestling results: Three titles on the line at Victory Road |url=https://www.f4wonline.com/news/21/tna-results/impact-wrestling-results-three-titles-line-victory-road-243656 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230406032115/https://www.f4wonline.com/news/21/tna-results/impact-wrestling-results-three-titles-line-victory-road-243656 |archive-date=April 6, 2023 |access-date=May 12, 2023 |website=Wrestling Observer Newsletter}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Meltzer |first=Dave |author-link=Dave Meltzer |date=November 5, 2017 |title=Bound for Glory 2017 live results: Eli Drake vs. Johnny Impact |url=https://www.f4wonline.com/news/impact-wrestling/results/bound-glory-2017-live-results-eli-drake-vs-johnny-impact-245786 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220416120527/https://www.f4wonline.com/news/impact-wrestling/results/bound-glory-2017-live-results-eli-drake-vs-johnny-impact-245786 |archive-date=April 16, 2022 |access-date=May 12, 2023 |website=Wrestling Observer Newsletter}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Bath |first=Dave |date=January 25, 2018 |title=Impact Wrestling results: World title on the line at Genesis |url=https://www.f4wonline.com/news/impact-wrestling/results/impact-wrestling-results-world-title-line-genesis-250526 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220416120527/https://www.f4wonline.com/news/impact-wrestling/results/impact-wrestling-results-world-title-line-genesis-250526 |archive-date=April 16, 2022 |access-date=May 12, 2023 |website=Wrestling Observer Newsletter}}</ref> He lost his renamed Impact World Championship on the February 1 episode of ''Impact Wrestling'' against the returning Austin Aries, ending his reign at 146 days.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Johnson |first=Mike |date=January 10, 2018 |title=Major, major Impact Wrestling spoiler |url=https://www.pwinsider.com/article/114706/major-major-impact-wrestling-spoiler.html?p=1 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180112042533/https://www.pwinsider.com/article/114706/major-major-impact-wrestling-spoiler.html?p=1 |archive-date=January 12, 2018 |access-date=May 12, 2013 |website=PWInsider}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Martin |first=Adam |date=February 2, 2018 |title=Impact Results – 2/1/18 (New Impact World Champion, New era for Impact Wrestling) |url=https://www.wrestleview.com/impact-results/97452-impact-results-february-1-2018/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180203064606/https://www.wrestleview.com/impact-results/97452-impact-results-february-1-2018/ |archive-date=February 3, 2018 |access-date=May 12, 2023 |publisher=WrestleView.com}}</ref> On the February 15 episode of ''Impact Wrestling'', Drake failed to regain the title from Aries.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Martin |first=Adam |date=February 16, 2018 |title=Impact Results – 2/15/18 (Austin Aries vs. Eli Drake for the Impact World Title headlines) |url=https://www.wrestleview.com/impact-results/98241-impact-results-february-15-2018/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180222102757/https://www.wrestleview.com/impact-results/98241-impact-results-february-15-2018/ |archive-date=February 22, 2018 |access-date=May 12, 2023 |publisher=WrestleView.com}}</ref>
On the March 15 episode of ''Impact Wrestling'', Drake won a briefcase during the Feast or Fired containing an opportunity for an Impact World Tag Team Championship match, which he refused as he no longer had a tag team partner.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Namako |first=Jason |date=March 15, 2018 |title=Impact Results – 3/15/18 (Feast or Fired, Abyss and James Mitchell return to Impact) |url=https://www.wrestleview.com/impact-results/99752-impact-results-3-15-18-feast-or-fired-abyss-and-james-mitchell-return/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180615075203/https://www.wrestleview.com/impact-results/99752-impact-results-3-15-18-feast-or-fired-abyss-and-james-mitchell-return/ |archive-date=June 15, 2018 |access-date=May 12, 2023 |publisher=WrestleView.com}}</ref> He defeated Moose for his World Championship briefcase on the April 5 episode of ''Impact Wrestling'' after interference from Ohio Versus Everything.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Martin |first=Adam |date=April 6, 2018 |title=Impact Results – 4/5/18 (Eli Drake vs. Moose in Case vs. Case, Hype for Redemption PPV) |url=https://www.wrestleview.com/impact-results/101067-eli-drake-moose-case-vs-case-main-event/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180608104549/https://www.wrestleview.com/impact-results/101067-eli-drake-moose-case-vs-case-main-event/ |archive-date=June 8, 2018 |access-date=May 12, 2023 |publisher=WrestleView.com}}</ref> At Redemption on April 22, Drake and his tag team partner Scott Steiner defeated The Latin American Xchange to win the Impact World Tag Team Championship.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Bath |first=Dave |date=April 22, 2018 |title=Impact Redemption live results: Aries vs. Pentagon Jr. vs. Fenix |url=https://www.f4wonline.com/news/impact-wrestling/results/impact-redemption-live-results-aries-vs-pentagon-jr-vs-fenix-256271 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230123180656/https://www.f4wonline.com/news/impact-wrestling/results/impact-redemption-live-results-aries-vs-pentagon-jr-vs-fenix-256271 |archive-date=January 23, 2023 |access-date=May 12, 2023 |website=Wrestling Observer Newsletter}}</ref> On the April 26 episode of ''Impact!'', Drake and Steiner defeated LAX in a rematch to retain the titles.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Bath |first=Dave |date=April 26, 2018 |title=Impact Wrestling results: Fallout from Redemption |url=https://www.f4wonline.com/news/21/tna-results/impact-wrestling-results-fallout-redemption-256616 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230513063811/https://www.f4wonline.com/news/21/tna-results/impact-wrestling-results-fallout-redemption-256616 |archive-date=May 13, 2023 |access-date=May 12, 2023 |website=Wrestling Observer Newsletter}}</ref> Two weeks later, Drake cashed in his World Championship briefcase against Pentagón Jr., but failed to win the title.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Martin |first=Adam |date=May 11, 2018 |title=Impact Results – 5/10/18 (Pentagon Jr vs. Eli Drake, Sami Callihan attacks Don Callis) |url=https://www.wrestleview.com/impact-results/104225-may-10-2018-pentagon-jr-eli-drake-world-title/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180717150525/https://www.wrestleview.com/impact-results/104225-may-10-2018-pentagon-jr-eli-drake-world-title/ |archive-date=July 17, 2018 |access-date=May 12, 2023 |publisher=WrestleView.com}}</ref> After losing the titles to D&E (DJZ and Andrew Everett) on the May 17 episode of ''Impact Wrestling'',<ref>{{Cite web |last=Namako |first=Jason |date=May 18, 2018 |title=Impact Results – 5/17/18 (Tag main event, Edwards-Callihan, new Tag Champs, Rosemary funeral) |url=https://www.wrestleview.com/impact-results/104718-5-17-18-edwards-callihan-rosemary-funeral/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180725012358/https://www.wrestleview.com/impact-results/104718-5-17-18-edwards-callihan-rosemary-funeral/ |archive-date=July 25, 2018 |access-date=May 12, 2023 |publisher=WrestleView.com}}</ref> Drake and Steiner had a match on May 31 at Under Pressure, which Drake won after a chair shot.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Bath |first=Dave |date=May 31, 2018 |title=Impact Wrestling results: Pentagon Jr. vs. Aries at Under Pressure |url=https://www.f4wonline.com/news/impact-wrestling/results/impact-wrestling-results-pentagon-jr-vs-aries-under-pressure-258826 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221210015450/https://www.f4wonline.com/news/impact-wrestling/results/impact-wrestling-results-pentagon-jr-vs-aries-under-pressure-258826 |archive-date=December 10, 2022 |access-date=May 12, 2023 |website=Wrestling Observer Newsletter}}</ref>
On the June 7 episode of ''Impact Wrestling'', during his ''Fact of Life'' segment, Drake ranked Moose number one in his top five dummies in Impact. Moose confronted Drake later and challenged him for a match to determine the number one contender to the Impact World Championship at Slammiversary XVI. Drake accepted the challenge and attacked Moose.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Martin |first=Adam |date=June 8, 2018 |title=Impact Results – 6/7/18 (Sami Callihan vs. Eddie Edwards in Unsanctioned Match, Eli Drake) |url=https://www.wrestleview.com/impact-results/106359-june-7-2018-edwards-callihan-unsanctioned-match/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180612173633/https://www.wrestleview.com/impact-results/106359-june-7-2018-edwards-callihan-unsanctioned-match/ |archive-date=June 12, 2018 |access-date=May 12, 2023 |publisher=WrestleView.com}}</ref> The following week at ''House of Hardcore'', Drake lost to Moose.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Thompson |first=Andrew |date=May 20, 2018 |title=House Of Hardcore 43 Results (5/19/18): Match Taped For An Upcoming Episode Of IMPACT, 'Twitch Television' Title Match, More |url=https://www.fightful.com/wrestling/results/house-hardcore-43-results-51918-match-taped-upcoming-episode-impact-twitch-television-title-match |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230416220622/https://www.fightful.com/wrestling/results/house-hardcore-43-results-51918-match-taped-upcoming-episode-impact-twitch-television-title-match |archive-date=April 16, 2023 |access-date=May 12, 2023 |website=Fightful}}</ref> On June 25, Eli Drake signed a new contract with Impact Wrestling.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Currier |first=Joseph |date=June 26, 2018 |title=Eli Drake signs multi-year deal with Impact Wrestling |url=https://www.f4wonline.com/news/impact-wrestling/eli-drake-signs-multi-year-deal-impact-wrestling-260461 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221004000653/https://www.f4wonline.com/news/impact-wrestling/eli-drake-signs-multi-year-deal-impact-wrestling-260461 |archive-date=October 4, 2022 |access-date=May 12, 2023 |website=Wrestling Observer Newsletter}}</ref> On the July 12 episode of ''Impact Wrestling'', Drake flirted with Grado's girlfriend, Katarina, during a backstage segment. This led to a match between Drake and Grado later that night, which was won by Drake. After the match, he tried again to flirt with Katarina, but Drake was stopped by Joe Hendry.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Martin |first=Adam |date=July 13, 2018 |title=Impact Results – 7/12/18 (Six Man Tag Main Event, NFL star D'Angelo Williams appears) |url=https://www.wrestleview.com/impact-results/109122-july-12-2018-six-man-tag-d-angelo-williams/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180719024423/https://www.wrestleview.com/impact-results/109122-july-12-2018-six-man-tag-d-angelo-williams/ |archive-date=July 19, 2018 |access-date=May 13, 2023 |publisher=WrestleView.com}}</ref> On the August 2 episode of ''Impact Wrestling'', Drake aligned himself with the Cult of Lee (Trevor Lee and Caleb Konley) and defeated Hendry and Grado.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Namako |first=Jason |date=August 3, 2018 |title=Impact Results – 8/2/18 (Lucha Brothers vs. oVe headlines, Austin Aries in action, LAX-OGz) |url=https://www.wrestleview.com/impact-results/110815-impact-results-8-2-18-lucha-brothers-vs-ove-headlines-austin-aries-in-action-lax-ogz/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181010155427/https://www.wrestleview.com/impact-results/110815-impact-results-8-2-18-lucha-brothers-vs-ove-headlines-austin-aries-in-action-lax-ogz/ |archive-date=October 10, 2018 |access-date=May 13, 2023 |publisher=WrestleView.com}}</ref> Drake issued various open challenges by this time, including one at Bound for Glory.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Rose |first=Bryan |date=October 11, 2018 |title=Bound for Glory notes: Willie Mack, Eli Drake open challenge, more |url=https://www.f4wonline.com/news/impact-wrestling/bound-glory-notes-willie-mack-eli-drake-open-challenge-more-267706 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221004000732/https://www.f4wonline.com/news/impact-wrestling/bound-glory-notes-willie-mack-eli-drake-open-challenge-more-267706 |archive-date=October 4, 2022 |access-date=May 13, 2023 |website=Wrestling Observer Newsletter}}</ref> At the event on October 14, Drake defeated James Ellsworth. After the match, Drake asked for a new challenger, a "Hall of Fame material" which resulted in Abyss, the newest Impact Wrestling Hall of Fame member, showing up and hitting him with a chokeslam through a table.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Boutwell |first=Josh |date=October 14, 2018 |title=Impact Bound for Glory Results – 10/14/18 (Austin Aries vs. Johnny Impact for World Title) |url=https://www.wrestleview.com/bound-for-glory-results/116339-october-14-austin-aries-vs-johnny-impact-nyc/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230513070414/https://www.wrestleview.com/bound-for-glory-results/116339-october-14-austin-aries-vs-johnny-impact-nyc/ |archive-date=May 13, 2023 |access-date=May 13, 2023 |publisher=WrestleView.com}}</ref>
==== Feuding with hardcore wrestlers and departure (2018–2019) ==== On the October 18 episode of ''Impact Wrestling'', Drake "sued" Impact Wrestling management for "unsafe working environment" after the attack of Abyss at Bound for Glory.<ref>{{Cite web |last=McMahon |first=Mike |date=October 18, 2018 |title=10/18 IMPACT WRESTLING RESULTS: Brian Cage vs. Rich Swann, Trevor Lee vs. Ethan Page, BFG fallout |url=https://www.pwtorch.com/site/2018/10/18/10-11-impact-wrestling-results-brian-cage-vs-rich-swann-trevor-lee-vs-ethan-page-bfg-fallout/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230513072413/https://www.pwtorch.com/site/2018/10/18/10-11-impact-wrestling-results-brian-cage-vs-rich-swann-trevor-lee-vs-ethan-page-bfg-fallout/ |archive-date=May 13, 2023 |access-date=May 13, 2023 |website=Pro Wrestling Torch |publisher=TDH Communications Inc.}}</ref> On the November 8 episode of ''Impact Wrestling'', Drake betrayed his lawyer Joseph Park after a low-blow. The following week, Drake criticized hardcore wrestling before being confronted by Tommy Dreamer.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Martin |first=Adam |date=November 16, 2018 |title=Impact Results – 11/15/18 (Brian Cage vs. Sami Callihan for the X Division Championship) |url=https://www.wrestleview.com/impact-results/118643-november-15-brian-cage-vs-sami-callihan-x-division-title/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200814075434/https://www.wrestleview.com/impact-results/118643-november-15-brian-cage-vs-sami-callihan-x-division-title/ |archive-date=August 14, 2020 |access-date=May 13, 2023 |publisher=WrestleView.com}}</ref> Two weeks later, Drake lost to Dreamer via count-out after walking away from the match. However, the match was restarted by Impact Wrestling management and became a No Disqualification match, which Drake won.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Garza |first=Antonio |date=November 30, 2018 |title=Impact Wrestling results: Eli Drake vs. Tommy Dreamer, Rascalz debut |url=https://www.f4wonline.com/news/impact-wrestling/results/impact-wrestling-results-eli-drake-vs-tommy-dreamer-rascalz-debut-271301 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230406011404/https://www.f4wonline.com/news/impact-wrestling/results/impact-wrestling-results-eli-drake-vs-tommy-dreamer-rascalz-debut-271301 |archive-date=April 6, 2023 |access-date=May 13, 2023 |website=Wrestling Observer Newsletter}}</ref> On the January 3, 2019 episode of ''Impact Wrestling'', Drake was confronted and attacked by Dreamer and Raven.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Moore |first=John |date=January 4, 2019 |title=1/3 Moore's Impact Wrestling TV Review: Johnny Impact and Brian Cage vs. Pentagon Jr. and Fenix, Killer Kross vs. Trevor Lee, Dark Allie vs. Kiera Hogan, final push for Homecoming |url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2019/01/04/__trashed/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211023082608/https://prowrestling.net/site/2019/01/04/__trashed/ |archive-date=October 23, 2021 |access-date=May 13, 2023 |website=Pro Wrestling Dot Net}}</ref> At Impact Wrestling Homecoming three days later, Drake defeated Abyss in a Monster's Ball match.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Thomas |first=Jordan |date=October 2, 2019 |title=10/1 IMPACT WRESTLING ON AXS REPORT: Full results of replay of "Impact Homecoming PPV" from Jan. 6, 2019 headlined by Johnny Impact vs. Cage, Valkyrie vs. Tessa Blanchard |url=https://www.pwtorch.com/site/2019/10/02/10-1-impact-wrestling-on-axs-report-full-results-of-replay-of-impact-homecoming-ppv-from-jan-6-2019-headlined-by-johnny-impact-vs-cage-valkyrie-vs-tessa-blanchard/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230513071806/https://www.pwtorch.com/site/2019/10/02/10-1-impact-wrestling-on-axs-report-full-results-of-replay-of-impact-homecoming-ppv-from-jan-6-2019-headlined-by-johnny-impact-vs-cage-valkyrie-vs-tessa-blanchard/ |archive-date=May 13, 2023 |access-date=May 13, 2023 |website=Pro Wrestling Torch |publisher=TDH Communications Inc.}}</ref>
On the January 11 episode of ''Impact Wrestling'', Drake confronted Eddie Edwards, talking down about his hardcore style, leading to a match on the February 22 episode of ''Impact Wrestling'', where Edwards defeated Drake with a roll-up.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Winfree |first=Robert |date=February 23, 2019 |title=411's Impact Wrestling Report 2.22.19 |url=https://411mania.com/wrestling/411s-impact-wrestling-report-2-22-19/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190223112938/https://411mania.com/wrestling/411s-impact-wrestling-report-2-22-19/ |archive-date=February 23, 2019 |access-date=May 13, 2023 |website=411Mania}}</ref> Shortly after, Drake formed a tag team with Edwards,<ref>{{Cite web |last=Wilen |first=Jerome |date=March 9, 2019 |title=Impact Results – 3/8/19 (Ace Austin Debuts, The Dark War, Lucha Bros vs The Rscalz) |url=https://www.wrestleview.com/impact-results/125596-impact-results-march-8-ace-austin-debuts-the-dark-war/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230513074913/https://www.wrestleview.com/impact-results/125596-impact-results-march-8-ace-austin-debuts-the-dark-war/ |archive-date=May 13, 2023 |access-date=May 13, 2023 |publisher=WrestleView.com}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Garza |first=Antonio |date=April 6, 2019 |title=Impact Wrestling results: LAX vs. Eddie Edwards & Eli Drake |url=https://www.f4wonline.com/news/impact-wrestling/results/impact-wrestling-results-lax-vs-eddie-edwards-eli-drake-280986 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220627173145/https://www.f4wonline.com/news/impact-wrestling/results/impact-wrestling-results-lax-vs-eddie-edwards-eli-drake-280986 |archive-date=June 27, 2022 |access-date=May 13, 2023 |website=Wrestling Observer Newsletter}}</ref> challenging the Lucha Bros for the Impact World Tag Team Championship on the April 19 episode of ''Impact Wrestling'' in a losing effort.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Carapola |first=Stuart |date=April 20, 2019 |title=Complete Impact Wrestling report: a turning point in the budding partnership of Eli Drake and Eddie Edwards, Desmond Xavier scores a major upset, Madman Fulton crushes Tommy Dreamer, and more |url=https://pwinsider.com/article/125879/complete-impact-wrestling-report-a-turning-point-in-the-budding-partnership-of-eli-drake-and-eddie-edwards-desmond-xavier-scores-a-major-upset-madman-fulton-crushes-tommy-dreamer-and-more.html?p=1 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221231155317/https://pwinsider.com/article/125879/complete-impact-wrestling-report-a-turning-point-in-the-budding-partnership-of-eli-drake-and-eddie-edwards-desmond-xavier-scores-a-major-upset-madman-fulton-crushes-tommy-dreamer-and-more.html?p=1 |archive-date=December 31, 2022 |access-date=May 13, 2023 |website=PWInsider}}</ref>
During this time, a match was booked between Drake and Tessa Blanchard at United We Stand. However, he legitimately refused to partake in the match and criticized intergender wrestling, and was replaced in the match by Joey Ryan. After his comments, as well as statements he had made disparaging Impact's booking of him, Drake was fired via email on April 7, ending his four-year tenure with the promotion. Following this, Impact tried to lock him into a non-compete clause due to breach of contract.<ref name=":1">{{Cite web |last=Currier |first=Joseph |date=April 7, 2019 |title=Impact Wrestling terminates relationship with Eli Drake |url=https://www.f4wonline.com/news/impact-wrestling/impact-wrestling-terminates-relationship-eli-drake-281131 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230513075619/https://www.f4wonline.com/news/impact-wrestling/impact-wrestling-terminates-relationship-eli-drake-281131 |archive-date=May 13, 2023 |access-date=May 13, 2023 |website=Wrestling Observer Newsletter}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Thomas |first=Jeremy |date=April 7, 2019 |title=Details on Why Impact Wrestling Terminated Eli Drake |url=http://411mania.com/wrestling/impact-wrestling-releases-eli-drake/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200323010700/https://411mania.com/wrestling/impact-wrestling-releases-eli-drake/ |archive-date=March 23, 2020 |access-date=January 30, 2020 |website=411Mania}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Ross Sapp |first=Sean |date=May 7, 2019 |title=Exclusive: Reasons For Eli Drake's Firing From Impact, Company Trying To Prevent Him From Working Elsewhere |url=https://www.fightful.com/wrestling/exclusives/exclusive-reasons-eli-drake-s-firing-impact-company-tryin |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190508051241/https://www.fightful.com/wrestling/exclusives/exclusive-reasons-eli-drake-s-firing-impact-company-tryin |archive-date=May 8, 2019 |access-date=May 8, 2019 |website=Fightful}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Lee |first=Joseph |date=April 10, 2019 |title=Impact May Pursue Legal Action Against Eli Drake |url=http://411mania.com/wrestling/impact-may-pursue-legal-action-against-eli-drake/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200323010732/https://411mania.com/wrestling/impact-may-pursue-legal-action-against-eli-drake/ |archive-date=March 23, 2020 |access-date=January 30, 2020 |website=411Mania}}</ref> On June 4, Drake released a statement speaking positively about his time at Impact and announced that he was now a free agent.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Currier |first=Joseph |date=June 4, 2019 |title=Eli Drake announces he's officially a free agent |url=https://www.f4wonline.com/news/impact-wrestling/eli-drake-announces-hes-officially-free-agent-285281 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230513075350/https://www.f4wonline.com/news/impact-wrestling/eli-drake-announces-hes-officially-free-agent-285281 |archive-date=May 13, 2023 |access-date=May 13, 2023 |website=Wrestling Observer Newsletter}}</ref>
===Return to NWA (2019–2021)=== On June 28, 2019, Ricker (as Eli Drake) appeared at the Ring of Honor event Best in the World, being revealed as the mystery partner of Nick Aldis and the newest person to sign an exclusive deal with the National Wrestling Alliance (NWA).<ref>{{Cite web |last=Rose |first=Bryan |date=June 28, 2019 |title=Eli Drake signs with NWA, appears at ROH Best in the World |url=https://www.f4wonline.com/ring-honor/eli-drake-signs-nwa-appears-roh-best-world-286886 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190629131044/https://www.f4wonline.com/ring-honor/eli-drake-signs-nwa-appears-roh-best-world-286886 |archive-date=June 29, 2019 |access-date=June 29, 2019 |website=Wrestling Observer Newsletter}}</ref> At Hard Times on January 24, 2020, Drake and James Storm defeated The Rock 'n' Roll Express (Ricky Morton and Robert Gibson) and The Wild Cards (Royce Isaacs and Thom Latimer) in a triple threat tag team match to win the NWA Tag Team Championship.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Powell |first=Jason |date=January 24, 2020 |title=NWA Hard Times results: Powell's live review of the NWA TV Title tournament, Nick Aldis vs. Flip Gordon, Aron Stevens vs. Scott Steiner for the NWA National Title, Allysin Kay vs. Thunder Rosa for the NWA Women's Title, NWA Tag Title Triple Threat |url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2020/01/24/nwa-hard-times-results-powells-live-review-of-the-nwa-tv-title-tournament-nick-aldis-vs-flip-gordon-aron-stevens-vs-scott-steiner-for-the-nwa-national-title-allysin-kay-vs-thunder-rosa-for-th/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200125052054/https://prowrestling.net/site/2020/01/24/nwa-hard-times-results-powells-live-review-of-the-nwa-tv-title-tournament-nick-aldis-vs-flip-gordon-aron-stevens-vs-scott-steiner-for-the-nwa-national-title-allysin-kay-vs-thunder-rosa-for-th/ |archive-date=January 25, 2020 |access-date=May 12, 2023 |website=Pro Wrestling Dot Net}}</ref> On November 10 at UWN Primetime Live, Drake and Storm would drop the titles to Aron Stevens and JR Kratos.<ref name="auto">{{Cite web |last=Thomas |first=Jeremy |date=November 10, 2020 |title=UWN Primetime Live Results: UWN World Title Semifinals, More |url=https://411mania.com/wrestling/uwn-primetime-live-results-uwn-world-title-semifinals-more/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201111052313/https://411mania.com/wrestling/uwn-primetime-live-results-uwn-world-title-semifinals-more/ |archive-date=November 11, 2020 |access-date=May 12, 2023 |website=411Mania}}</ref> On February 14, 2021, it was announced that Ricker had been quietly released from the NWA in late 2020 after only signing a new deal with the company a few months beforehand.<ref name="signs">{{Cite web |last=Johnson |first=Mike |date=February 14, 2021 |title=WWE signs former Impact World Champion |url=https://www.pwinsider.com/article/143969/wwe-signs-former-impact-world-champion.html?p=1 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210214234410/https://www.pwinsider.com/article/143969/wwe-signs-former-impact-world-champion.html?p=1 |archive-date=February 14, 2021 |access-date=February 14, 2021 |website=PWInsider}}</ref>
=== Return to WWE ===
==== NXT (2021–2022) ==== On February 14, 2021, it was reported that Ricker had re-signed with WWE.<ref name="signs"/> At NXT TakeOver: Vengeance Day later that night, he debuted as a heel under the new ring name '''LA Knight'''.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Garretson |first=Jordan |date=February 14, 2021 |title=LA Knight arrives in NXT |url=https://www.wwe.com/shows/wwenxt/article/la-knight-arrives-in-nxt |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210304130235/https://www.wwe.com/shows/wwenxt/article/la-knight-arrives-in-nxt |archive-date=March 4, 2021 |access-date=May 12, 2023 |publisher=WWE}}</ref> He made his in-ring debut on the March 17 episode of ''NXT'', defeating August Grey.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Garretson |first=Jordan |date=March 8, 2021 |title=WWE NXT results, March 17, 2021 |url=https://www.wwe.com/shows/wwenxt/2021-03-10 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210416005724/https://www.wwe.com/shows/wwenxt/2021-03-10 |archive-date=April 16, 2021 |access-date=May 12, 2023 |publisher=WWE}}</ref> At TakeOver: Stand & Deliver on April 7, he participated in a Gauntlet Eliminator for a future NXT North American Championship match, eliminating Dexter Lumis before being eliminated by Bronson Reed.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Burdick |first=Michael |date=April 7, 2021 |title=Bronson Reed won the Gauntlet Eliminator for an NXT North American Title opportunity |url=https://www.wwe.com/article/bronson-reed-won-gauntlet-eliminator |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210408070034/https://www.wwe.com/shows/nxttakeover/stand-and-deliver-night-1/article/bronson-reed-won-gauntlet-eliminator |archive-date=April 8, 2021 |access-date=May 12, 2023 |publisher=WWE}}</ref>
Knight aligned himself with Ted DiBiase on the May 25 episode of ''NXT'' after attacking Cameron Grimes during their segment.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Moore |first=John |date=May 25, 2021 |title=5/25 NXT TV results: Moore's review of Karrion Kross vs. Finn Balor for the NXT Championship, Franky Monet's in-ring debut, Raquel Gonzalez and Dakota Kai vs. Shotzi Blackheart and Ember Moon for a shot at the NXT Women's Tag Titles, Ted DiBiase and Cameron Grimes face-off segment |url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2021/05/25/5-25-nxt-tv-results-moores-review-of-karrion-kross-vs-finn-balor-for-the-nxt-championship-franky-monets-in-ring-debut-raquel-gonzalez-and-dakota-kai-vs-shotzi-blackheart-and-ember-m/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230225125638/https://prowrestling.net/site/2021/05/25/5-25-nxt-tv-results-moores-review-of-karrion-kross-vs-finn-balor-for-the-nxt-championship-franky-monets-in-ring-debut-raquel-gonzalez-and-dakota-kai-vs-shotzi-blackheart-and-ember-m/ |archive-date=February 25, 2023 |access-date=June 12, 2024 |website=Pro Wrestling Dot Net}}</ref> This culminated in a ladder match between the two for the re-introduced Million Dollar Championship at TakeOver: In Your House on June 13,<ref>{{Cite web |last=Garretson |first=Jordan |date=June 1, 2021 |title=Cameron Grimes vs. LA Knight (Ladder Match for the Million Dollar Championship) |url=https://www.wwe.com/shows/nxttakeover/article/cameron-grimes-vs-la-knight-million-dollar-title-ladder-match |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210609051818/https://www.wwe.com/shows/nxttakeover/article/cameron-grimes-vs-la-knight-million-dollar-title-ladder-match |archive-date=June 9, 2021 |access-date=May 12, 2023 |publisher=WWE}}</ref> which was won by Knight.<ref name="NXTInYourHouse2021">{{cite web |last=Burdick |first=Michael |date=June 13, 2021 |title=LA Knight def. Cameron Grimes to win the Million Dollar Championship (Ladder Match) |url=https://www.wwe.com/shows/nxttakeover/in-your-house/article/cameron-grimes-vs-la-knight-results |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210614091027/https://www.wwe.com/shows/nxttakeover/in-your-house/article/cameron-grimes-vs-la-knight-results |archive-date=June 14, 2021 |access-date=May 12, 2023 |publisher=WWE}}</ref> During the championship ceremony on the following episode of ''NXT'', Knight turned on DiBiase, attacking him before being driven off by Grimes.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Garretson |first=Jordan |date=June 15, 2021 |title=WWE NXT results, June 15, 2021 |url=https://www.wwe.com/shows/wwenxt/2021-06-15/article/wwe-nxt-results-june-15-2021 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210616083048/https://www.wwe.com/shows/wwenxt/2021-06-15/article/wwe-nxt-results-june-15-2021 |archive-date=June 16, 2021 |access-date=May 12, 2023 |website= |publisher=WWE |quote=The coronation of the new Million Dollar Champion ended in a way no one expected: with LA Knight savagely attacking "The Million Dollar Man." Cameron Grimes ran out to fight off Knight, but not before Knight appeared to do significant damage to the WWE Hall of Famer.}}</ref> On the June 29 episode of ''NXT'', Grimes challenged Knight for the title at The Great American Bash, which he accepted on the condition that if Grimes lost, he would become Knight's personal butler.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Moore |first=John |date=June 29, 2021 |title=6/29 NXT TV results: Moore's review of Shotzi Blackheart and Ember Moon vs. Raquel Gonzalez and Dakota Kai vs. Io Shirai and Zoey Stark in a Triple Threat tag match for a shot at the NXT Women's Tag Titles, Xia Li and Boa vs. Mercedes Martinez and Jake Atlas in a mixed tag match, Cameron Grimes in action |url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2021/06/29/6-29-nxt-tv-results-moores-review-of-shotzi-blackheart-and-ember-moon-vs-raquel-gonzalez-and-dakota-kai-vs-io-shirai-and-zoey-stark-in-a-triple-threat-tag-match-for-a-shot-at-the-nxt-womens-tag/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210630013553/https://prowrestling.net/site/2021/06/29/6-29-nxt-tv-results-moores-review-of-shotzi-blackheart-and-ember-moon-vs-raquel-gonzalez-and-dakota-kai-vs-io-shirai-and-zoey-stark-in-a-triple-threat-tag-match-for-a-shot-at-the-nxt-womens-tag/ |archive-date=June 30, 2021 |access-date=June 12, 2024 |website=Pro Wrestling Dot Net}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Garretson |first=Jordan |date=June 29, 2021 |title=LA Knight to defend Million Dollar Title in rematch with Cameron Grimes |url=https://www.wwe.com/shows/wwenxt/great-american-bash-2021/article/la-knight-vs-cameron-grimes-million-dollar-title |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210926032350/https://www.wwe.com/shows/wwenxt/great-american-bash-2021/article/la-knight-vs-cameron-grimes-million-dollar-title |archive-date=September 26, 2021 |access-date=May 12, 2023 |publisher=WWE}}</ref> At The Great American Bash on July 6, Knight retained the title against Grimes, who became Knight's butler per the stipulation.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Garretson |first=Jordan |date=July 6, 2021 |title=NXT Great American Bash results: July 6, 2021 |url=https://www.wwe.com/shows/wwenxt/great-american-bash-2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210713033305/https://www.wwe.com/shows/wwenxt/great-american-bash-2021 |archive-date=July 13, 2021 |access-date=May 12, 2023 |website= |publisher=WWE |quote=With Grimes barely able to stand, Knight landed a soul-crushing BFT to ensure his rival would now suffer the unenviable fate of being his butler.}}</ref> On the August 10 episode of ''NXT'', Knight agreed to defend the championship against Grimes at NXT TakeOver 36 on the condition that DiBiase would replace Grimes as Knight's butler if Knight won.<ref name="NXT08102021">{{cite web|url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2021/08/10/8-10-nxt-tv-results-moores-review-of-adam-cole-and-kyle-oreilly-meet-face-to-face-dakota-kai-vs-sarray-odyssey-jones-vs-trey-baxter-in-an-nxt-breakout-tournament-semifinal-match-ilja-draguno/|title=8/10 NXT TV results: Moore's review of Adam Cole and Kyle O'Reilly meet face to face, Dakota Kai vs. Sarray, Odyssey Jones vs. Trey Baxter in an NXT Breakout Tournament semifinal match, Ilja Dragunov appears, Raquel Gonzalez first comments since being attacked by Kai|date=August 10, 2021|last=Moore|first=John|work=Pro Wrestling Dot Net|access-date=August 13, 2021|archive-date=August 13, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210813082059/https://prowrestling.net/site/2021/08/10/8-10-nxt-tv-results-moores-review-of-adam-cole-and-kyle-oreilly-meet-face-to-face-dakota-kai-vs-sarray-odyssey-jones-vs-trey-baxter-in-an-nxt-breakout-tournament-semifinal-match-ilja-draguno/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Zak |first=Brad |date=August 10, 2021 |title=Million Dollar Champion LA Knight vs. Cameron Grimes |url=https://www.wwe.com/shows/nxttakeover/article/la-knight-vs-cameron-grimes-million-dollar-championship |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210824094428/https://www.wwe.com/shows/nxttakeover/article/la-knight-vs-cameron-grimes-million-dollar-championship |archive-date=August 24, 2021 |access-date=May 12, 2023 |publisher=WWE}}</ref> At the event on August 22, Knight lost the title to Grimes following interference from DiBiase, ending his reign at 70 days.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Melok |first=Bobby |date=August 22, 2021 |title=Cameron Grimes def. LA Knight to become Million Dollar Champion |url=https://www.wwe.com/shows/nxttakeover/08-22-2021/article/la-knight-vs-cameron-grimes-results |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220106085953/https://www.wwe.com/shows/nxttakeover/08-22-2021/article/la-knight-vs-cameron-grimes-results |archive-date=January 6, 2022 |access-date=May 12, 2023 |website= |publisher=WWE}}</ref>
On the November 23 episode of ''NXT'', Knight turned face by confronting Grayson Waller, who had turned heel by berating the fans.<ref>{{cite web|last=Moore|first=John|title=11/23 NXT 2.0 results: Moore's review of Carmelo Hayes vs. Johnny Gargano vs. Pete Dunne for the NXT North American Title, Tommaso Ciampa vs. Grayson Waller in a non-title match, Mandy Rose vs. Cora Jade in a non-title match, Kayden Carter and Kacy Catanzaro vs. Indi Hartwell and Persia Pirotta|url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2021/11/23/11-23-nxt-2-0-results-moores-review-of-carmelo-hayes-vs-johnny-gargano-vs-pete-dunne-for-the-nxt-north-american-title-tommaso-ciampa-vs-grayson-waller-in-a-non-title-match-mandy-rose-vs-cora/|work=Pro Wrestling Dot Net|date=November 23, 2021|access-date=December 23, 2021|archive-date=December 15, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211215051003/https://prowrestling.net/site/2021/11/23/11-23-nxt-2-0-results-moores-review-of-carmelo-hayes-vs-johnny-gargano-vs-pete-dunne-for-the-nxt-north-american-title-tommaso-ciampa-vs-grayson-waller-in-a-non-title-match-mandy-rose-vs-cora/|url-status=live}}</ref> At WarGames on December 5, Knight teamed with Johnny Gargano, Pete Dunne, and Tommaso Ciampa as Team Black & Gold,<ref>{{Cite web |last=Bryant |first=Nathan |date=November 24, 2021 |title=The new generation looks to stake claim of NXT 2.0 at NXT WarGames |url=https://www.wwe.com/shows/nxttakeover/article/the-new-generation-looks-to-stake-claim-of-nxt-20-at-nxt-wargames |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220103164010/https://www.wwe.com/shows/nxttakeover/article/the-new-generation-looks-to-stake-claim-of-nxt-20-at-nxt-wargames |archive-date=January 3, 2022 |access-date=May 12, 2023 |publisher=WWE}}</ref> where they were defeated by Team 2.0 (Bron Breakker, Carmelo Hayes, Waller, and Tony D'Angelo) in a WarGames match.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Burdick |first=Michael |date=December 5, 2021 |title=Team 2.0 def. Team Black & Gold |url=https://www.wwe.com/shows/nxttakeover/nxt-wargames/mens-wargames-match-results |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230112032916/https://www.wwe.com/shows/nxttakeover/nxt-wargames/mens-wargames-match-results |archive-date=January 12, 2023 |access-date=May 12, 2023 |publisher=WWE}}</ref> On March 8, 2022, at Roadblock, Knight lost to Waller in a Last Man Standing match.<ref>{{Cite web |title=NXT Roadblock results: March 8, 2022 |url=https://www.wwe.com/shows/wwenxt/wwe-nxt-mar-8-2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220309060102/https://www.wwe.com/shows/wwenxt/wwe-nxt-mar-8-2022 |archive-date=March 9, 2022 |access-date=May 12, 2023 |publisher=WWE}}</ref> The following week on ''NXT'', he faced Dolph Ziggler for the NXT Championship in a losing effort.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Moore |first=John |date=March 15, 2022 |title=3/15 NXT 2.0 results: Moore's review of NXT Champion Dolph Ziggler on Miz TV, Cameron Grimes vs. Santos Escobar in a qualifier for the ladder match for the NXT North American Title at NXT Stand & Deliver, A-Kid vs. Kushida, Indi Hartwell vs. Persia Pirotta, Sarray vs. Tiffany Stratton |url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2022/03/15/3-15-nxt-2-0-results-moores-review-of-nxt-champion-dolph-ziggler-on-miz-tv-cameron-grimes-vs-santos-escobar-in-a-qualifier-for-the-ladder-match-for-the-nxt-north-american-title-at-nxt-stand-del/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220706104950/https://prowrestling.net/site/2022/03/15/3-15-nxt-2-0-results-moores-review-of-nxt-champion-dolph-ziggler-on-miz-tv-cameron-grimes-vs-santos-escobar-in-a-qualifier-for-the-ladder-match-for-the-nxt-north-american-title-at-nxt-stand-del/ |archive-date=July 6, 2022 |access-date=May 12, 2023 |website=Pro Wrestling Dot Net}}</ref> After this, Knight started a brief feud with Gunther, culminating in a match at NXT Stand & Deliver on April 2, which he lost in what would be his final NXT match.<ref>{{Cite web |author= |date=March 22, 2022 |title=LA Knight vs. Gunther |url=https://www.wwe.com/shows/nxttakeover/la-knight-vs-gunther |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220417101632/https://www.wwe.com/shows/nxttakeover/la-knight-vs-gunther |archive-date=April 17, 2022 |access-date=April 1, 2022 |publisher=WWE}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Zak |first=Brad |date=April 2, 2022 |title=Gunther def. LA Knight |url=https://www.wwe.com/shows/nxttakeover/nxt-stand-deliver-2022/match-7-nxt-stand-deliver-2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220427192921/https://www.wwe.com/shows/nxttakeover/nxt-stand-deliver-2022/match-7-nxt-stand-deliver-2022 |archive-date=April 27, 2022 |access-date=May 12, 2023 |publisher=WWE}}</ref>
==== Main roster debut and various feuds (2022–2024) ==== Knight made his first main roster appearance on the January 24, 2022 episode of ''Raw'', participating in a backstage segment with The Dirty Dawgs (Dolph Ziggler and Robert Roode).<ref name="Raw01242022">{{cite web|url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2022/01/24/1-24-wwe-raw-results-powells-live-review-of-the-brock-lesnar-and-bobby-lashley-weigh-in-for-the-wwe-championship-match-at-the-royal-rumble-miz-throws-maryse-a-birthday-party-alpha-academy-and-rkb/|title=1/24 WWE Raw Results: Powell's live review of the Brock Lesnar and Bobby Lashley weigh-in for the WWE Championship match at the Royal Rumble, Miz throws Maryse a birthday party, Alpha Academy and RKBro compete in an academic challenge|work=Pro Wrestling Dot Net|last=Powell|first=Jason|date=January 24, 2022|access-date=January 25, 2022|archive-date=January 25, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220125031003/https://prowrestling.net/site/2022/01/24/1-24-wwe-raw-results-powells-live-review-of-the-brock-lesnar-and-bobby-lashley-weigh-in-for-the-wwe-championship-match-at-the-royal-rumble-miz-throws-maryse-a-birthday-party-alpha-academy-and-rkb/|url-status=live}}</ref> In a dark segment before the April 15 episode of ''SmackDown'', Knight appeared as a heel manager by announcing his new stable, "Knight Model Management", and became the manager of Mace and Mansoor.<ref>{{cite news |last=Rose |first=Bryan |date=April 19, 2022 |title=LA Knight manages Mace in WWE SmackDown dark match |url=https://www.f4wonline.com/news/wwe/la-knight-appears-in-dark-match-as-manager-prior-to-wwe-smackdown |website=Wrestling Observer Newsletter |access-date=April 19, 2022 |archive-date=April 19, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220419100724/https://www.f4wonline.com/.amp/news/wwe/la-knight-appears-in-dark-match-as-manager-prior-to-wwe-smackdown |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last=Renner |first=Ethan |date=April 23, 2022 |title=VIDEO: LA Knight adds Mansoor to Knight Model Management in WWE SmackDown dark segment |url=https://www.f4wonline.com/news/wwe/video-la-knight-adds-mansoor-to-knight-model-management-in-wwe-smackdown-dark-segment |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220626194645/https://www.f4wonline.com/news/wwe/video-la-knight-adds-mansoor-to-knight-model-management-in-wwe-smackdown-dark-segment |archive-date=June 26, 2022 |access-date=May 12, 2023 |website=Wrestling Observer Newsletter}}</ref> The angle went to television on the May 20 episode of ''SmackDown'', when he made his televised debut on the brand under the ring name '''Max Dupri''', adopting the character of a talent agent.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Barnett |first=Jake |date=May 20, 2022 |title=5/20 WWE Friday Night Smackdown results: Barnett's review of Smackdown Tag Team Champions Jimmy Uso and Jey Uso vs. Raw Tag Team Champions "RK-Bro" Randy Orton and Riddle in a unification match, Shinsuke Nakamura vs. Sami Zayn, Xavier Woods vs. Butch |url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2022/05/20/5-20-wwe-friday-night-smackdown-results-barnetts-review-of-smackdown-tag-team-champions-jimmy-uso-and-jey-uso-vs-raw-tag-team-champions-rk-bro-randy-orton-and-riddle-in-a-unifica/ |access-date=October 15, 2022 |website=Pro Wrestling Dot Net |language=en-US |archive-date=September 20, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220920175124/https://prowrestling.net/site/2022/05/20/5-20-wwe-friday-night-smackdown-results-barnetts-review-of-smackdown-tag-team-champions-jimmy-uso-and-jey-uso-vs-raw-tag-team-champions-rk-bro-randy-orton-and-riddle-in-a-unifica/ |url-status=live }}</ref> On the July 1 episode of ''SmackDown'', Dupri announced Mace and Mansoor, under the tweaked names "ma.çé" and "mån.sôör", as Maximum Male Models.<ref>{{cite news |last=Rose |first=Bryan |date=July 1, 2022 |title=Max Dupri reveals Maximum Male Models on WWE SmackDown |url=https://www.f4wonline.com/news/wwe/max-dupri-reveals-maximum-male-models-on-wwe-smackdown |website=Wrestling Observer Newsletter |access-date=July 1, 2022 |archive-date=July 2, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220702033450/https://www.f4wonline.com/.amp/news/wwe/max-dupri-reveals-maximum-male-models-on-wwe-smackdown |url-status=live }}</ref> Later that month, he was joined by his storyline sister Maxxine Dupri.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Powell |first=Jason |date=July 22, 2022 |title=7/22 WWE Friday Night Smackdown results: Powell's review of the first show following Vince McMahon's retirement, Stephanie McMahon's opening segment, Liv Morgan and Ronda Rousey meet face to face, Shinsuke Nakamura vs. Ludwig Kaiser, Maxxine debuts alongside Maximum Male Models |url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2022/07/22/7-22-wwe-friday-night-smackdown-results-powells-review-of-the-first-show-following-vince-mcmahons-retirement-stephanie-mcmahons-opening-segment-liv-morgan-and-ronda-rousey-meet-face-to-face/ |access-date=October 15, 2022 |website=Pro Wrestling Dot Net |language=en-US |archive-date=October 15, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221015211801/https://prowrestling.net/site/2022/07/22/7-22-wwe-friday-night-smackdown-results-powells-review-of-the-first-show-following-vince-mcmahons-retirement-stephanie-mcmahons-opening-segment-liv-morgan-and-ronda-rousey-meet-face-to-face/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Dupri ended his relationship with Maximum Male Models on the September 30 episode of ''SmackDown''.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Barnett |first=Jake |date=September 30, 2022 |title=9/30 WWE Friday Night Smackdown results: Barnett's review of Sami Zayn and Solo Sikoa vs. Madcap Moss and Ricochet, Bayley vs. Shotzi, Hit Row vs. Los Lotharios, the build to Extreme Rules continues |url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2022/09/30/9-30-wwe-friday-night-smackdown-results-barnetts-review-of-sami-zayn-and-solo-sikoa-vs-madcap-moss-and-ricochet-bayley-vs-shotzi-hit-row-vs-los-lotharios-the-build-to-extreme-rules-conti/ |access-date=October 15, 2022 |website=Pro Wrestling Dot Net |language=en-US |archive-date=October 15, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221015211759/https://prowrestling.net/site/2022/09/30/9-30-wwe-friday-night-smackdown-results-barnetts-review-of-sami-zayn-and-solo-sikoa-vs-madcap-moss-and-ricochet-bayley-vs-shotzi-hit-row-vs-los-lotharios-the-build-to-extreme-rules-conti/ |url-status=live }}</ref> The following week, he beat down Mace and Mansoor and reverted to his LA Knight persona.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Powell |first=Jason |date=October 7, 2022 |title=10/07 WWE Friday Night Smackdown results: Powell's review of the season premiere, Gunther vs. Sheamus for the Intercontinental Championship, Undisputed WWE Universal Champion Roman Reigns and Logan Paul meet face to face, Solo Sikoa vs. Ricochet |url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2022/10/07/10-07-wwe-friday-night-smackdown-results-powells-review-of-the-season-premiere-gunther-vs-sheamus-for-the-intercontinental-championship-undisputed-wwe-universal-champion-roman-reigns-and-logan-p/ |access-date=October 15, 2022 |website=Pro Wrestling Dot Net |language=en-US |archive-date=October 9, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221009153744/https://prowrestling.net/site/2022/10/07/10-07-wwe-friday-night-smackdown-results-powells-review-of-the-season-premiere-gunther-vs-sheamus-for-the-intercontinental-championship-undisputed-wwe-universal-champion-roman-reigns-and-logan-p/ |url-status=live }}</ref>
After a brief feud with Ricochet,<ref>{{Cite web |last=Barnett |first=Jake |date=November 4, 2022 |title=11/4 WWE Friday Night Smackdown results: Barnett's review of Gunther vs. Rey Mysterio for the Intercontinental Championship, Liv Morgan vs. Sonya Deville in a No DQ match, LA Knight vs. Ricochet, Shayna Baszler vs. Natalya, Braun Strowman faces five opponents in a handicap match |url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2022/11/04/11-4-wwe-friday-night-smackdown-results-barnetts-review-of-gunther-vs-rey-mysterio-for-the-intercontinental-championship-liv-morgan-vs-sonya-deville-in-a-no-dq-match-la-knight-vs-ricochet/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221107000554/https://prowrestling.net/site/2022/11/04/11-4-wwe-friday-night-smackdown-results-barnetts-review-of-gunther-vs-rey-mysterio-for-the-intercontinental-championship-liv-morgan-vs-sonya-deville-in-a-no-dq-match-la-knight-vs-ricochet/ |archive-date=November 7, 2022 |access-date=May 12, 2023 |website=Pro Wrestling Dot Net}}</ref> Knight became involved in a feud with Bray Wyatt in November and lost to Wyatt in a Mountain Dew Pitch Black match at the Royal Rumble on January 28, 2023; this was Wyatt's final WWE premium live event match as well as his final televised match before his death seven months later.<ref name="SmackDown12302022">{{cite web |last1=Keller |first1=Wade |date=December 30, 2022 |title=12/30 WWE SMACKDOWN RESULTS: Keller's report on Cena & Owens vs. Reigns & Sami, Rousey vs. Rodriguez, Sikoa vs. Sheamus |url=https://www.pwtorch.com/site/2022/12/30/12-30-wwe-smackdown-results-kellers-report-on-cena-owens-vs-reigns-sami-rousey-vs-rodriguez-sikoa-vs-sheamus/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221231044151/https://www.pwtorch.com/site/2022/12/30/12-30-wwe-smackdown-results-kellers-report-on-cena-owens-vs-reigns-sami-rousey-vs-rodriguez-sikoa-vs-sheamus/ |archive-date=December 31, 2022 |access-date=February 17, 2023 |work=Pro Wrestling Torch |publisher=TDH Communications Inc.}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=December 30, 2022 |title=Bray Wyatt vs. LA Knight (Mountain Dew Pitch Black Match) |url=https://www.wwe.com/shows/royalrumble/bray-wyatt-vs-la-knight-pitch-black-match |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230124074134/https://www.wwe.com/shows/royalrumble/bray-wyatt-vs-la-knight-pitch-black-match |archive-date=January 24, 2023 |access-date=May 12, 2023 |publisher=WWE}}</ref><ref name="RR2023">{{cite web |last=Miller |first=Gregory |date=January 28, 2023 |title=Bray Wyatt def. LA Knight in Mountain Dew Pitch Black Match |url=https://www.wwe.com/shows/royalrumble/2023/bray-wyatt-vs-la-knight-results |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230129032705/https://www.wwe.com/shows/royalrumble/2023/bray-wyatt-vs-la-knight-results |archive-date=January 29, 2023 |access-date=May 12, 2023 |publisher=WWE}}</ref>[[File:LA Knight, WrestleMania XL.jpg|thumb|upright|Knight at WrestleMania XL in April 2024]] Over the next few months, Knight's popularity stayed with the fans even though he had a poor win-loss record.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Barnett |first=Jake |date=March 3, 2023 |title=3/3 WWE Friday Night Smackdown results: Barnett's review of the Roman Reigns and Cody Rhodes face-to-face confrontation, Sami Zayn vs. Solo Sikoa, Rhea Ripley vs. Liv Morgan |url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2023/03/03/3-3-wwe-friday-night-smackdown-results-barnetts-review-of-the-roman-reigns-and-cody-rhodes-face-to-face-confrontation-sami-zayn-vs-solo-sikoa-rhea-ripley-vs-liv-morgan/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230605010013/https://prowrestling.net/site/2023/03/03/3-3-wwe-friday-night-smackdown-results-barnetts-review-of-the-roman-reigns-and-cody-rhodes-face-to-face-confrontation-sami-zayn-vs-solo-sikoa-rhea-ripley-vs-liv-morgan/ |archive-date=June 5, 2023 |access-date=June 12, 2024 |website=Pro Wrestling Dot Net}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Barnett |first=Jake |date=March 31, 2023 |title=3/31 WWE Friday Night Smackdown results: Barnett's review of the final Roman Reigns and Cody Rhodes confrontation before WrestleMania 39, the Andre the Giant memorial battle royal, Drew McIntyre and Sheamus vs. Ludwig Kaiser and Giovanni Vinci, Raquel Rodriguez vs. Natalya vs. Shayna Baszler vs. Sonya Deville in a four-way |url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2023/03/31/3-31-wwe-friday-night-smackdown-results-barnetts-review-of-the-final-roman-reigns-and-cody-rhodes-confrontation-before-wrestlemania-39-the-andre-the-giant-memorial-battle-royal-drew-mcintyre-and/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230407234413/https://prowrestling.net/site/2023/03/31/3-31-wwe-friday-night-smackdown-results-barnetts-review-of-the-final-roman-reigns-and-cody-rhodes-confrontation-before-wrestlemania-39-the-andre-the-giant-memorial-battle-royal-drew-mcintyre-and/ |archive-date=April 7, 2023 |access-date=June 12, 2024 |website=Pro Wrestling Dot Net}}</ref> On the June 2 episode of ''SmackDown'', Knight defeated Montez Ford to qualify for the men's Money in the Bank ladder match.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Barnett |first=Jake |date=June 2, 2023 |title=WWE Friday Night Smackdown results (6/2): Barnett's review of Roman Reigns' celebration of 1,000 days as WWE Universal Champion, LA Knight vs. Montez Ford and Zelina Vega vs. Lacey Evans in Money in the Bank qualifying matches |url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2023/06/02/wwe-friday-night-smackdown-results-6-2-barnetts-review-of-roman-reigns-celebration-of-1000-days-as-wwe-universal-champion-la-knight-vs-montez-ford-and-zelina-vega-vs-lacey-evans-i/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231004090229/https://prowrestling.net/site/2023/06/02/wwe-friday-night-smackdown-results-6-2-barnetts-review-of-roman-reigns-celebration-of-1000-days-as-wwe-universal-champion-la-knight-vs-montez-ford-and-zelina-vega-vs-lacey-evans-i/ |archive-date=October 4, 2023 |access-date=June 3, 2023 |website=Pro Wrestling Dot Net}}</ref> At the namesake event on July 1, the match was won by Damian Priest, who threw Knight off the ladder to grab the briefcase.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Brookehouse |first=Brent |date=July 1, 2023 |title=2023 WWE Money in the Bank results, recap, grades: Roman Reigns, Solo Sikoa fall to The Usos in Civil War |url=https://www.cbssports.com/wwe/news/2023-wwe-money-in-the-bank-results-recap-grades-roman-reigns-solo-sikoa-fall-to-the-usos-in-civil-war/live/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230722212828/https://www.cbssports.com/wwe/news/2023-wwe-money-in-the-bank-results-recap-grades-roman-reigns-solo-sikoa-fall-to-the-usos-in-civil-war/live/ |archive-date=July 22, 2023 |access-date=July 2, 2023 |website=CBSSports.com}}</ref> On the July 28 episode of ''SmackDown'', Knight was confirmed to be an entrant in the Slim Jim Battle Royal match at SummerSlam on August 5,<ref>{{Cite web |last=Powell |first=Jason |date=July 28, 2023 |title=7/28 WWE Friday Night Smackdown results: Powell's review of Roman Reigns and Jey Uso on the road to Tribal Combat, Rey Mysterio vs. Santos Escobar for a shot at the Intercontinental Title, Karrion Kross vs. Karl Anderson |url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2023/07/28/7-28-wwe-friday-night-smackdown-results-powells-review-of-roman-reigns-and-jey-uso-on-the-road-to-tribal-combat-rey-mysterio-vs-santos-escobar-for-a-shot-at-the-intercontinental-title-karrion-kr/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230729013358/https://prowrestling.net/site/2023/07/28/7-28-wwe-friday-night-smackdown-results-powells-review-of-roman-reigns-and-jey-uso-on-the-road-to-tribal-combat-rey-mysterio-vs-santos-escobar-for-a-shot-at-the-intercontinental-title-karrion-kr/ |archive-date=July 29, 2023 |access-date=June 12, 2024 |website=Pro Wrestling Dot Net}}</ref> which he won by last eliminating Sheamus.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Powell |first=Jason |date=August 5, 2023 |title=WWE SummerSlam results: Powell's review of Roman Reigns vs. Jey Uso in Tribal Combat for the Undisputed WWE Universal Title, Asuka vs. Bianca Belair vs. Charlotte Flair for the WWE Women's Title, Seth Rollins vs. Finn Balor for the World Heavyweight Title, Brock Lesnar vs. Cody Rhodes |url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2023/08/05/wwe-summerslam-results-powells-review-of-roman-reigns-vs-jey-uso-in-tribal-combat-for-the-undisputed-wwe-universal-title-asuka-vs-bianca-belair-vs-charlotte-flair-for-the-wwe-womens-ti/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231204134803/https://prowrestling.net/site/2023/08/05/wwe-summerslam-results-powells-review-of-roman-reigns-vs-jey-uso-in-tribal-combat-for-the-undisputed-wwe-universal-title-asuka-vs-bianca-belair-vs-charlotte-flair-for-the-wwe-womens-ti/ |archive-date=December 4, 2023 |access-date=June 12, 2024 |website=Pro Wrestling Dot Net}}</ref> Two nights later on ''Raw'', after months of performing as a tweener, he turned face when he began a feud with The Miz.<ref>{{cite web |last=Powell |first=Jason |date=August 7, 2023 |title=WWE Raw results (8/7): Powell's live review of the SummerSlam fallout edition |url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2023/08/07/wwe-raw-results-8-4-powells-live-review-of-the-summerslam-fallout-edition/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231130203410/https://prowrestling.net/site/2023/08/07/wwe-raw-results-8-4-powells-live-review-of-the-summerslam-fallout-edition/ |archive-date=November 30, 2023 |access-date=August 8, 2023 |work=Pro Wrestling Dot Net}}</ref> At Payback on September 2, Knight defeated Miz with John Cena as the surprise special guest referee.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Gilpin |first=Matt |date=September 2, 2023 |title=WWE Payback 2023 full recap, highlights, photos and exclusives |url=https://www.wwe.com/shows/wwepayback/2023/results |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230903034211/https://www.wwe.com/shows/wwepayback/2023/results |archive-date=September 3, 2023 |access-date=September 3, 2023 |website= |publisher=WWE}}</ref> Two weeks later on the September 15 episode of ''SmackDown'', Knight defeated Miz in a rematch, ending their feud.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Barnett |first=Jake |date=September 15, 2023 |title=WWE Friday Night Smackdown results (9/15): Barnett's review of John Cena on The Grayson Waller Effect talkshow, LA Knight vs. The Miz, Bayley vs. Asuka, Finn Balor vs. AJ Styles |url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2023/09/15/wwe-friday-night-smackdown-results-9-15-barnetts-review-of-john-cena-on-the-grayson-waller-effect-talkshow-la-knight-vs-the-miz-bayley-vs-asuka-finn-balor-vs-aj-styles/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231004121317/https://prowrestling.net/site/2023/09/15/wwe-friday-night-smackdown-results-9-15-barnetts-review-of-john-cena-on-the-grayson-waller-effect-talkshow-la-knight-vs-the-miz-bayley-vs-asuka-finn-balor-vs-aj-styles/ |archive-date=October 4, 2023 |access-date=June 12, 2024 |website=Pro Wrestling Dot Net}}</ref>
On the September 29 episode of ''SmackDown'', Knight assisted Cena against Jimmy Uso and Solo Sikoa of The Bloodline, replacing AJ Styles who had been injured by Jimmy and Solo.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Barnett |first=Jake |date=September 29, 2023 |title=WWE Friday Night Smackdown results (9/29): Barnett's review of Rey Mysterio vs. Santos Escobar for the U.S. Title, Charlotte Flair vs. Bayley, John Cena's appearance, Grayson Waller Effect with Bobby Lashley |url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2023/09/29/wwe-friday-night-smackdown-results-9-29-barnetts-review-of-rey-mysterio-vs-santos-escobar-for-the-u-s-title-charlotte-flair-vs-asuka-john-cenas-appearance-grayson-waller-effect-with/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231001102439/https://prowrestling.net/site/2023/09/29/wwe-friday-night-smackdown-results-9-29-barnetts-review-of-rey-mysterio-vs-santos-escobar-for-the-u-s-title-charlotte-flair-vs-asuka-john-cenas-appearance-grayson-waller-effect-with/ |archive-date=October 1, 2023 |access-date=June 13, 2024 |website=Pro Wrestling Dot Net}}</ref> At Fastlane on October 7, Knight and Cena defeated Jimmy and Solo after Knight pinned Uso.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Powell |first=Jason |date=October 8, 2023 |title=WWE Fastlane results: Powell's review of Seth Rollins vs. Shinsuke Nakamura in a Last Man Standing match for the World Heavyweight Title, John Cena and LA Knight vs. Solo Sikoa and Jimmy Uso |url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2023/10/07/wwe-fastlane-results-powells-review-of-seth-rollins-vs-shinsuke-nakamura-in-a-last-man-standing-match-for-the-world-heavyweight-title-john-cena-and-la-knight-vs-solo-sikoa-and-jimmy-uso/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231013102614/https://prowrestling.net/site/2023/10/07/wwe-fastlane-results-powells-review-of-seth-rollins-vs-shinsuke-nakamura-in-a-last-man-standing-match-for-the-world-heavyweight-title-john-cena-and-la-knight-vs-solo-sikoa-and-jimmy-uso/ |archive-date=October 13, 2023 |access-date=June 12, 2024 |website=Pro Wrestling Dot Net}}</ref> Three days later, Knight returned to ''NXT'' as the special guest referee for the NXT Championship match between Ilja Dragunov and NXT North American Champion Dominik Mysterio.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Powell |first=Jason |date=October 10, 2023 |title=NXT TV results (10/10): Moore's review of Carmelo Hayes vs. Bron Breakker with John Cena and Paul Heyman at ringside, Asuka vs. Roxanne Perez, Cody Rhodes' announcement, Undertaker |url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2023/10/10/nxt-tv-results-10-10-moores-review-of-carmelo-hayes-vs-bron-breakker-with-john-cena-and-paul-heyman-at-ringside-asuka-vs-roxanne-perez-cody-rhodes-announcement-undertaker/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231029183951/https://prowrestling.net/site/2023/10/10/nxt-tv-results-10-10-moores-review-of-carmelo-hayes-vs-bron-breakker-with-john-cena-and-paul-heyman-at-ringside-asuka-vs-roxanne-perez-cody-rhodes-announcement-undertaker/ |archive-date=October 29, 2023 |access-date=June 12, 2023 |website=Pro Wrestling Dot Net}}</ref> Knight would then enter into a feud with Undisputed WWE Universal Champion Roman Reigns, leading to a title match being announced for Crown Jewel on November 4,<ref>{{Cite web |last=Powell |first=Jason |date=October 13, 2023 |title=WWE Friday Night Smackdown results (10/13): Barnett's review of the season premiere with Roman Reigns, Triple H, and John Cena, Pretty Deadly vs. Ridge Holland and Butch |url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2023/10/13/wwe-friday-night-smackdown-results-10-13-barnetts-review-of-the-season-premiere-with-roman-reigns-triple-h-and-john-cena-pretty-deadly-vs-ridge-holland-and-butch/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231025233641/https://prowrestling.net/site/2023/10/13/wwe-friday-night-smackdown-results-10-13-barnetts-review-of-the-season-premiere-with-roman-reigns-triple-h-and-john-cena-pretty-deadly-vs-ridge-holland-and-butch/ |archive-date=October 25, 2023 |access-date=June 12, 2024 |website=Pro Wrestling Dot Net}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last=Mitchell |first=Houston |date=October 20, 2023 |title=LA Knight to challenge Roman Reigns at WWE Crown Jewel |url=https://www.latimes.com/sports/story/2023-10-20/la-knight-roman-reigns-wwe-crown-jewel |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231101100712/https://www.latimes.com/sports/story/2023-10-20/la-knight-roman-reigns-wwe-crown-jewel |archive-date=November 1, 2023 |access-date=October 27, 2023 |website=Los Angeles Times}}</ref> where Knight lost to Reigns after interference from Jimmy.<ref>{{Cite web |date=November 4, 2023 |title=Crown Jewel: Roman Reigns retains, Logan Paul new U.S. champ |url=https://www.espn.com/wwe/story/_/id/38814935/wwe-crown-jewel-live-results-analysis-2023-roman-reigns-la-knight |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231129151930/https://www.espn.com/wwe/story/_/id/38814935/wwe-crown-jewel-live-results-analysis-2023-roman-reigns-la-knight |archive-date=November 29, 2023 |access-date=November 5, 2023 |website=ESPN}}</ref> At ''SmackDown'': New Year's Revolution on January 5, 2024, Knight faced Randy Orton and Styles in a triple threat match to determine who would face Reigns for the Undisputed WWE Universal Championship at Royal Rumble, which ended in a no contest after The Bloodline took out all three competitors. SmackDown General Manager Nick Aldis then announced that Reigns would defend his title in a fatal-four-way match against Knight, Styles, and Orton at the Royal Rumble on January 27,<ref>{{Cite web |last=Barnett |first=Jake |date=January 5, 2024 |title=WWE Friday Night Smackdown results (1/5): Barnett's review of Roman Reigns and Logan Paul's appearances, Randy Orton vs. LA Knight vs. AJ Styles for a shot at the WWE Universal Title at the Royal Rumble |url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2024/01/05/wwe-friday-night-smackdown-results-1-5-barnetts-review-of-roman-reigns-and-logan-pauls-appearances-randy-orton-vs-la-knight-vs-aj-styles-for-a-shot-at-the-wwe-universal-title-at-the-royal-ru/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240121030338/https://prowrestling.net/site/2024/01/05/wwe-friday-night-smackdown-results-1-5-barnetts-review-of-roman-reigns-and-logan-pauls-appearances-randy-orton-vs-la-knight-vs-aj-styles-for-a-shot-at-the-wwe-universal-title-at-the-royal-ru/ |archive-date=January 21, 2024 |access-date=January 6, 2024 |website=Pro Wrestling Dot Net}}</ref> which Reigns won by pinning Styles.<ref name="RR2024">{{cite web|last=Powell|first=Jason|title=WWE Royal Rumble results: Powell's live review of the Royal Rumble matches, Roman Reigns vs. Randy Orton vs. LA Knight vs. AJ Styles for the WWE Universal Championship|url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2024/01/27/wwe-royal-rumble-results-powells-live-review-of-the-royal-rumble-matches-roman-reigns-vs-randy-orton-vs-la-knight-vs-aj-styles-for-the-wwe-universal-championship/|work=Pro Wrestling Dot Net|date=January 27, 2024|access-date=February 10, 2024|archive-date=January 27, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240127233116/https://prowrestling.net/site/2024/01/27/wwe-royal-rumble-results-powells-live-review-of-the-royal-rumble-matches-roman-reigns-vs-randy-orton-vs-la-knight-vs-aj-styles-for-the-wwe-universal-championship/|url-status=live}}</ref>
Knight competed in the men's Elimination Chamber match at the titular event on February 24, where he was eliminated by Drew McIntyre after Styles interrupted the match and attacked him.<ref name="EC2024">{{cite web |last=Powell |first=Jason |date=February 24, 2024 |title=WWE Elimination Chamber results: Powell's live review of Rhea Ripley vs. Nia Jax for the Women's World Championship, Elimination Chamber matches, Grayson Waller Effect with Seth Rollins and Cody Rhodes |url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2024/02/24/wwe-elimination-chamber-results-powells-live-review-of-rhea-ripley-vs-nia-jax-for-the-womens-world-championship-elimination-chamber-matches-grayson-waller-effect-with-seth-rollins-and-cody-rho/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240225065120/https://prowrestling.net/site/2024/02/24/wwe-elimination-chamber-results-powells-live-review-of-rhea-ripley-vs-nia-jax-for-the-womens-world-championship-elimination-chamber-matches-grayson-waller-effect-with-seth-rollins-and-cody-rho/ |archive-date=February 25, 2024 |access-date=February 24, 2024 |work=Pro Wrestling Dot Net}}</ref> On the March 15 episode of ''SmackDown'', Knight challenged Styles to a match at WrestleMania XL, which Styles accepted.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Barnett |first=Jake |date=March 15, 2024 |title=WWE Friday Night Smackdown results (3/15): Barnett's review of The Rock and Rey Mysterio's appearances, Bayley vs. Dakota Kai, Pretty Deadly vs. Tyler Bate and Pete Dunne in a WMXL ladder match qualifier |url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2024/03/15/wwe-friday-night-smackdown-results-3-15-barnetts-review-of-the-rock-and-rey-mysterios-appearances-bayley-vs-dakota-kai-pretty-deadly-vs-tyler-bate-and-pete-dunne-in-a-wmxl-ladder-match-qual/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240319165512/https://prowrestling.net/site/2024/03/15/wwe-friday-night-smackdown-results-3-15-barnetts-review-of-the-rock-and-rey-mysterios-appearances-bayley-vs-dakota-kai-pretty-deadly-vs-tyler-bate-and-pete-dunne-in-a-wmxl-ladder-match-qual/ |archive-date=March 19, 2024 |access-date=June 12, 2024 |website=Pro Wrestling Dot Net}}</ref> On Night 2 of WrestleMania XL on April 7, Knight defeated Styles.<ref name="WM40N2">{{cite web |last=Powell |first=Jason |date=April 7, 2024 |title=WrestleMania XL results: Powell's live review of night two with Roman Reigns vs. Cody Rhodes for the WWE Universal Championship with Bloodline Rules, Seth Rollins vs. Drew McIntyre for the World Heavyweight Championship |url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2024/04/07/wrestlemania-xl-results-powells-live-review-of-night-two-with-roman-reigns-vs-cody-rhodes-for-the-wwe-universal-championship-with-bloodline-rules-seth-rollins-vs-drew-mcintyre-for-the-world-heav/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240408025008/https://prowrestling.net/site/2024/04/07/wrestlemania-xl-results-powells-live-review-of-night-two-with-roman-reigns-vs-cody-rhodes-for-the-wwe-universal-championship-with-bloodline-rules-seth-rollins-vs-drew-mcintyre-for-the-world-heav/ |archive-date=April 8, 2024 |access-date=April 7, 2024 |work=Pro Wrestling Dot Net}}</ref> The following week on ''SmackDown'', Knight participated in the Undisputed WWE Championship Eliminator Tournament, defeating Bobby Lashley and Santos Escobar in the semifinals.<ref name="SmackDown04122024">{{cite web |last=Barnett |first=Jake |date=April 12, 2024 |title=WWE Friday Night Smackdown results (4/12): Barnett's review of the appearances of new champs Cody Rhodes and Bayley, Triple Threats for a shot at the WWE Universal Championship |url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2024/04/12/wwe-friday-night-smackdown-results-4-12-barnetts-review-of-the-appearances-of-new-champs-cody-rhodes-and-bailey-triple-threats-for-a-shot-at-the-wwe-universal-championship/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240420073415/https://prowrestling.net/site/2024/04/12/wwe-friday-night-smackdown-results-4-12-barnetts-review-of-the-appearances-of-new-champs-cody-rhodes-and-bailey-triple-threats-for-a-shot-at-the-wwe-universal-championship/ |archive-date=April 20, 2024 |access-date=April 12, 2024 |work=Pro Wrestling Dot Net}}</ref> Knight was defeated by Styles in the finals on the April 19 episode of ''SmackDown'', ending their feud.<ref name="SmackDown04192024">{{cite web |last=Barnett |first=Jake |date=April 19, 2024 |title=WWE Friday Night Smackdown results (4/19): Barnett's review of Bayley vs. Naomi for the WWE Women's Championship, LA Knight vs. AJ Styles for a shot at the WWE Championship at WWE Backlash |url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2024/04/19/wwe-friday-night-smackdown-results-4-19-barnetts-review-of-bayley-vs-naomi-for-the-wwe-womens-championship-la-knight-vs-aj-styles-for-a-shot-at-the-wwe-championship-at-wwe-backlash/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240420022344/https://prowrestling.net/site/2024/04/19/wwe-friday-night-smackdown-results-4-19-barnetts-review-of-bayley-vs-naomi-for-the-wwe-womens-championship-la-knight-vs-aj-styles-for-a-shot-at-the-wwe-championship-at-wwe-backlash/ |archive-date=April 20, 2024 |access-date=April 19, 2024 |work=Pro Wrestling Dot Net}}</ref> In May, Knight entered the King of the Ring tournament, defeating Santos Escobar in the first round at a live event in Chattanooga but lost to Tama Tonga in the quarterfinals.<ref>{{cite web |last=Lambert |first=Jeremy |date=May 11, 2024 |title=LA Knight Advances To Quarterfinals Of King Of The Ring Tournament |url=https://www.fightful.com/wrestling/la-knight-advances-quarterfinals-king-ring-tournament |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240523080142/https://www.fightful.com/wrestling/la-knight-advances-quarterfinals-king-ring-tournament |archive-date=May 23, 2024 |access-date=May 15, 2024 |work=Fightful}}</ref><ref name="SmackDown05172024">{{cite web |last=Barnett |first=Jake |date=May 17, 2024 |title=WWE Friday Night Smackdown results (5/17): Barnett's review of Jade Cargill vs. Nia Jax, Bianca Belair vs. Tiffany Stratton, Randy Orton vs. Carmelo Hayes, and Tama Tonga vs. LA Knight in King and Queen of the Ring matches |url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2024/05/17/wwe-friday-night-smackdown-results-5-17-barnetts-review-of-jade-cargill-vs-nia-jax-bianca-belair-vs-tiffany-stratton-randy-orton-vs-carmelo-hayes-and-tama-tonga-vs-la-knight-in-king-and-qu/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240603223219/https://prowrestling.net/site/2024/05/17/wwe-friday-night-smackdown-results-5-17-barnetts-review-of-jade-cargill-vs-nia-jax-bianca-belair-vs-tiffany-stratton-randy-orton-vs-carmelo-hayes-and-tama-tonga-vs-la-knight-in-king-and-qu/ |archive-date=June 3, 2024 |access-date=May 18, 2024 |work=Pro Wrestling Dot Net}}</ref>
thumb|left|upright|Knight in February 2025
==== United States Champion (2024–2025) ==== Knight then began a feud with United States Champion Logan Paul, who he pinned in a triple threat match on the June 28 episode of ''SmackDown'' to qualify for the Money in the Bank ladder match on July 6,<ref>{{Cite web |last=Barnett |first=Jake |date=June 14, 2024 |title=WWE Friday Night Smackdown results (6/14): Barnett's review of Cody Rhodes and AJ Styles, Solo Sikoa vs. Kevin Owens, Nia Jax vs. Michin, Naomi vs. Chelsea Green, Grayson Waller Effect with DIY |url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2024/06/14/wwe-friday-night-smackdown-results-6-14-barnetts-review-of-cody-rhodes-and-aj-styles-solo-sikoa-vs-kevin-owens-nia-jax-vs-michin-naomi-vs-chelsea-green-grayson-waller-effect-with-diy/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240615184411/https://prowrestling.net/site/2024/06/14/wwe-friday-night-smackdown-results-6-14-barnetts-review-of-cody-rhodes-and-aj-styles-solo-sikoa-vs-kevin-owens-nia-jax-vs-michin-naomi-vs-chelsea-green-grayson-waller-effect-with-diy/ |archive-date=June 15, 2024 |access-date=June 30, 2024 |website=Pro Wrestling Dot Net}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Barnett |first=Jake |date=June 28, 2024 |title=WWE Friday Night Smackdown results (6/28): Barnett's review of The Bloodline's Acknowledgement Ceremony, three Money in the Bank ladder match qualifiers |url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2024/06/28/wwe-friday-night-smackdown-results-6-28-barnetts-review-of-the-bloodlines-acknowledgement-ceremony-three-money-in-the-bank-ladder-match-qualifiers/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240629004532/https://prowrestling.net/site/2024/06/28/wwe-friday-night-smackdown-results-6-28-barnetts-review-of-the-bloodlines-acknowledgement-ceremony-three-money-in-the-bank-ladder-match-qualifiers/ |archive-date=June 29, 2024 |access-date=June 30, 2024 |website=Pro Wrestling Dot Net}}</ref> which was won by McIntyre.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Casey |first=Connor |date=July 7, 2024 |title=2024 WWE Money in the Bank results, recap, grades: CM Punk thwarts McIntyre again, Solo Sikoa pins Cody Rhodes |url=https://www.cbssports.com/wwe/news/2024-wwe-money-in-the-bank-results-recap-grades-cm-punk-thwarts-mcintyre-again-solo-sikoa-pins-cody-rhodes/live/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240713000231/https://www.cbssports.com/wwe/news/2024-wwe-money-in-the-bank-results-recap-grades-cm-punk-thwarts-mcintyre-again-solo-sikoa-pins-cody-rhodes/live/ |archive-date=July 13, 2024 |access-date=July 7, 2024 |work=CBSSports.com}}</ref> At SummerSlam on August 3, Knight defeated Paul to win the United States Championship.<ref name="SSlam2024">{{cite web |last=Powell |first=Jason |date=August 3, 2024 |title=WWE SummerSlam results: Powell's review of Cody Rhodes vs. Solo Sikoa in a Bloodline Rules match for the WWE Championship, Damian Priest vs. Gunther for the World Heavyweight Championship |url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2024/08/03/wwe-summerslam-results-powells-review-of-cody-rhodes-vs-solo-sikoa-in-a-bloodline-rules-match-for-the-wwe-championship-damian-priest-vs-gunther-for-the-world-heavyweight-championship/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240804112338/https://prowrestling.net/site/2024/08/03/wwe-summerslam-results-powells-review-of-cody-rhodes-vs-solo-sikoa-in-a-bloodline-rules-match-for-the-wwe-championship-damian-priest-vs-gunther-for-the-world-heavyweight-championship/ |archive-date=August 4, 2024 |access-date=August 3, 2024 |work=Pro Wrestling Dot Net}}</ref> Throughout his reign, he successfully defended the title on ''SmackDown'' against Santos Escobar, against Ludwig Kaiser in Kaiser's home country of Germany,<ref>{{Cite web |last=Barnett |first=Jake |date=August 23, 2024 |title=WWE Friday Night Smackdown results (8/23): Barnett's review of Jacob Fatu and Tama Tonga vs. The Street Profits for the WWE Tag Team Titles, LA Knight vs. Santos Escobar for the U.S. Title |url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2024/08/23/wwe-friday-night-smackdown-results-8-23-barnetts-review-of-jacob-fatu-and-tama-tonga-vs-the-street-profits-for-the-wwe-tag-team-titles-la-knight-vs-santos-escobar-for-the-u-s-title/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240909031435/https://prowrestling.net/site/2024/08/23/wwe-friday-night-smackdown-results-8-23-barnetts-review-of-jacob-fatu-and-tama-tonga-vs-the-street-profits-for-the-wwe-tag-team-titles-la-knight-vs-santos-escobar-for-the-u-s-title/ |archive-date=September 9, 2024 |access-date=March 8, 2025 |website=Pro Wrestling Dot Net}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Powell |first=Jason |date=August 30, 2024 |title=WWE Friday Night Smackdown results (8/30): Powell's review of Nia Jax vs. Michin in a Street Fight for the WWE Women's Championship, L.A. Knight's open challenge for the U.S. Title |url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2024/08/30/wwe-friday-night-smackdown-results-8-30-powells-review-of-nia-jax-vs-michin-in-a-street-fight-for-the-wwe-womens-championship-l-a-knights-open-challenge-for-the-u-s-title/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240831163139/https://prowrestling.net/site/2024/08/30/wwe-friday-night-smackdown-results-8-30-powells-review-of-nia-jax-vs-michin-in-a-street-fight-for-the-wwe-womens-championship-l-a-knights-open-challenge-for-the-u-s-title/ |archive-date=August 31, 2024 |access-date=March 8, 2025 |website=Pro Wrestling Dot Net}}</ref> and in a triple threat match against Andrade and Carmelo Hayes at Crown Jewel on November 2.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Powell |first=Jason |date=November 2, 2024 |title=WWE Crown Jewel results: Powell's review of Gunther vs. Cody Rhodes for the Crown Jewel Championship, Nia Jax vs. Liv Morgan for the Women's Crown Jewel Championship |url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2024/11/02/wwe-crown-jewel-results-powells-review-of-gunther-vs-cody-rhodes-for-the-crown-jewel-championship-nia-jax-vs-liv-morgan-for-the-womens-crown-jewel-championship/ |archive-url=https://archive.today/20241114041317/https://prowrestling.net/site/2024/11/02/wwe-crown-jewel-results-powells-review-of-gunther-vs-cody-rhodes-for-the-crown-jewel-championship-nia-jax-vs-liv-morgan-for-the-womens-crown-jewel-championship/ |archive-date=November 14, 2024 |access-date=November 29, 2024 |website=Pro Wrestling Dot Net}}</ref> On the November 15 episode of ''SmackDown'', Knight retained the title against Berto, after which he was attacked by a returning Shinsuke Nakamura.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Barnett |first=Jake |date=November 15, 2024 |title=WWE Smackdown results (11/15): Barnett's review of Motor City Machine Guns vs. The Street Profits for the WWE Tag Team Titles, Nia Jax vs. Naomi for the WWE Women's Championship |url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2024/11/15/wwe-smackdown-results-11-15-barnetts-review-of-motor-city-machine-guns-vs-the-street-profits-for-the-wwe-tag-team-titles-nia-jax-vs-naomi-for-the-wwe-womens-championship/ |archive-url=https://archive.today/20241118123203/https://prowrestling.net/site/2024/11/15/wwe-smackdown-results-11-15-barnetts-review-of-motor-city-machine-guns-vs-the-street-profits-for-the-wwe-tag-team-titles-nia-jax-vs-naomi-for-the-wwe-womens-championship/ |archive-date=November 18, 2024 |access-date=November 18, 2024 |website=Pro Wrestling Dot Net}}</ref> At Survivor Series: WarGames on November 30, Knight lost the United States Championship to Nakamura, ending his reign at 119 days.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Powell |first=Jason |date=November 30, 2024 |title=WWE Survivor Series WarGames results: Powell's review of OG Bloodline and CM Punk vs. The Bloodline and Bronson Reed in a WarGames match, women's WarGames match, three title matches |url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2024/11/30/wwe-survivor-series-wargames-results-powells-review-of-og-bloodline-and-cm-punk-vs-the-bloodline-and-bronson-reed-in-a-wargames-match-womens-wargames-match-three-title-matches/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241201165250/https://prowrestling.net/site/2024/11/30/wwe-survivor-series-wargames-results-powells-review-of-og-bloodline-and-cm-punk-vs-the-bloodline-and-bronson-reed-in-a-wargames-match-womens-wargames-match-three-title-matches/ |archive-date=December 1, 2024 |access-date=March 9, 2025 |website=Pro Wrestling Dot Net}}</ref> He received his rematch for the title on the January 10, 2025 episode of ''SmackDown'', winning via disqualification after being attacked by Tama Tonga and Jacob Fatu of The Bloodline (led by Solo Sikoa, who replaced Reigns' leadership in mid-2024). However, Nakamura remained champion as titles do not change hands via disqualification unless stipulated.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Powell |first=Jason |date=January 10, 2025 |title=WWE Smackdown results (1/10): Powell's live review of Shinsuke Nakamura vs. LA Knight for the U.S. Championship, Chelsea Green vs. Mia Yim for the Women's U.S. Championship |url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2025/01/10/wwe-smackdown-results-1-10-powells-live-review-of-shinsuke-nakamura-vs-la-knight-for-the-u-s-championship-chelsea-green-vs-mia-yim-for-the-womens-u-s-championship/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250114060159/https://prowrestling.net/site/2025/01/10/wwe-smackdown-results-1-10-powells-live-review-of-shinsuke-nakamura-vs-la-knight-for-the-u-s-championship-chelsea-green-vs-mia-yim-for-the-womens-u-s-championship/ |archive-date=January 14, 2025 |access-date=March 9, 2025 |website=Pro Wrestling Dot Net}}</ref> At Royal Rumble on February 1, Knight entered his first Royal Rumble match at number 29, where he eliminated Damian Priest before being eliminated by the returning AJ Styles.<ref>{{Cite web |date=February 1, 2025 |title=2025 Royal Rumble match stats |url=https://www.wwe.com/shows/royalrumble/article/2025-royal-rumble-match-stats |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250204144827/https://www.wwe.com/shows/royalrumble/article/2025-royal-rumble-match-stats |archive-date=February 4, 2025 |access-date=March 9, 2025 |publisher=WWE}}</ref> On the March 7 episode of ''SmackDown'', Knight defeated Nakamura in a rematch to win his second United States Championship.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Powell |first=Jason |date=March 7, 2025 |title=WWE Smackdown results (3/7): Powell's live review of Cody Rhodes addressing John Cena's attack, Shinsuke Nakamura vs. LA Knight for the U.S. Title, Chelsea Green vs. Michin in a street fight for the Women's U.S. Title |url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2025/03/07/wwe-smackdown-results-3-7-powells-live-review-of-cody-rhodes-addressing-john-cenas-attack-shinsuke-nakamura-vs-la-knight-for-the-u-s-title-chelsea-green-vs-michin-in-a-street-fight-for-the/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250309081159/https://prowrestling.net/site/2025/03/07/wwe-smackdown-results-3-7-powells-live-review-of-cody-rhodes-addressing-john-cenas-attack-shinsuke-nakamura-vs-la-knight-for-the-u-s-title-chelsea-green-vs-michin-in-a-street-fight-for-the/ |archive-date=March 9, 2025 |access-date=March 9, 2025 |website=Pro Wrestling Dot Net}}</ref> On Night 1 of WrestleMania 41 on April 19, Knight lost the title to Jacob Fatu, ending his second reign at 43 days.<ref name="WM41N1">{{cite web|last=Powell|first=Jason|title=WrestleMania 41 results: Powell's live review of night one with Roman Reigns vs. CM Punk vs. Seth Rollins, Gunther vs. Jey Uso for the World Heavyweight Championship|url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2025/04/19/wrestlemania-41-results-powells-live-review-of-night-one-with-roman-reigns-vs-cm-punk-vs-seth-rollins-gunther-vs-jey-uso-for-the-world-heavyweight-championship/|work=Pro Wrestling Dot Net|date=April 19, 2025|access-date=April 19, 2025}}</ref> At Backlash on May 10, Knight failed to regain the title from Fatu in a Fatal 4-Way match also involving Damian Priest and Drew McIntyre after interference from the debuting JC Mateo.
==== Championship pursuits (2025–present) ==== On the May 23 episode of ''SmackDown'', Knight was able to win a triple threat match against Shinsuke Nakamura and Aleister Black to qualify for the Money in the Bank ladder match, which was won by Seth Rollins at the namesake event on June 7.<ref name="SmackDown05232025">{{Cite web|last=Powell|first=Jason|title=WWE Smackdown Results (5/23): Powell's live review of Street Profits vs. Fraxiom for the WWE Tag Titles, Aleister Black vs. LA Knight vs. Shinsuke Nakamura, and Charlotte Flair vs. Giulia vs. Zelina Vega in MITB qualifiers|url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2025/05/23/wwe-smackdown-results-5-23-powells-live-review-of-street-profits-vs-fraxiom-for-the-wwe-tag-titles-aleister-black-vs-la-knight-vs-shinsuke-nakamura-and-charlotte-flair-vs-giulia-vs-zelina/|date=May 23, 2025|work=Pro Wrestling Dot Net|access-date=May 28, 2025}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=writer |first=Anthony Sulla-HeffingerStaff |date=2025-06-08 |title=WWE Money in the Bank 2025 live results: Updates, winners and losers, highlights, analysis |url=https://sports.yahoo.com/wrestling/live/wwe-money-in-the-bank-2025-live-results-updates-winners-and-losers-highlights-analysis-053015363.html |access-date=2025-06-08 |website=Yahoo Sports |language=en-US}}</ref> After Money in the Bank, Knight continued to feud with Rollins, defeating him at Saturday Night's Main Event XL on July 12.<ref>{{Cite web |title=SETH ROLLINS INJURY UPDATE {{!}} PWInsider.com |url=https://www.pwinsider.com/article/198168/seth-rollins-injury-update.html?p=1 |access-date=2025-07-13 |website=www.pwinsider.com}}</ref> On the August 4 episode of ''Raw'', Knight challenged Rollins for the World Heavyweight Championship, but the match ended in a disqualification after CM Punk attacked Rollins.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Moss |first=Jeff |date=2025-08-04 |title=WWE News: Raw live results from Brooklyn |url=https://www.f4wonline.com/news/wwe/wwe-raw-live-results-the-aftermath-from-summerslam/ |access-date=2025-08-05 |website=F4W/WON |language=en-GB}}</ref> In the same month, Knight was quietly moved to the Raw brand.<ref>{{Cite web |title=LA Knight {{!}} WWE |url=https://www.wwe.com/superstars/la-knight |access-date=2025-08-19 |website=www.wwe.com |language=en}}</ref> He failed to win the title from Rollins in a fatal four-way match on August 31 at Clash in Paris also involving Punk and Jey Uso.<ref name="ClashinParis">{{cite web |last=McGuire |first=Colin |date=August 31, 2025 |title=WWE Clash in Paris results: McGuire's review of Seth Rollins vs. CM Punk vs. Jey Uso vs. LA Knight for the World Hvt. Championship, John Cena vs. Logan Paul, Roman Reigns vs. Bronson Reed |url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2025/08/31/wwe-clash-in-paris-results-mcguires-review-of-seth-rollins-vs-cm-punk-vs-jey-uso-vs-la-knight-for-the-world-hvt-championship-john-cena-vs-logan-paul-roman-reigns-vs-bronson-reed/ |access-date=August 31, 2025 |work=Pro Wrestling Dot Net}}</ref> Knight then took part in the "Last Time is Now Tournament" to determine John Cena's final opponent, defeating Matt Cardona (reprising his Zack Ryder gimmick) in the first round,<ref>{{cite web|last=Lambert|first=Jeremy|title=Zack Ryder (Matt Cardona) Returns To WWE, Loses In Last Time Is Now Tournament|url=https://www.fightful.com/wrestling/zack-ryder-matt-cardona-returns-to-wwe-loses-in-last-time-is-now-tournament/|website=Fightful|date=November 14, 2025|access-date=November 17, 2025|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251115210152/https://www.fightful.com/wrestling/zack-ryder-matt-cardona-returns-to-wwe-loses-in-last-time-is-now-tournament/|archive-date=November 15, 2025|url-status=live}}</ref> The Miz in the quarter-finals, and Jey Uso in the semi-finals, before losing to Gunther in the finals.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Mueller |first=Chris |date=6 December 2025 |title=WWE SmackDown Results, Winners, Live Grades, Highlights After Survivor Series 2025 |url=https://bleacherreport.com/articles/25317470-wwe-smackdown-results-winners-live-grades-highlights-after-survivor-series-2025 |website=Bleacher Report |access-date=7 December 2025}}</ref>
At the Royal Rumble on January 31, 2026, Knight entered at #21 eliminating Brock Lesnar, Austin Theory, and Bronson Reed but was eliminated by Cody Rhodes. At Wrestlemania 42 Knight wrestled in a Six-man tag team match along with The Usos (Jey Uso and Jimmy Uso) against The Vision members, Logan Paul, Austin Theory, and IShowSpeed<ref>{{Cite web |date=2026-04-18 |title=WrestleMania 42 Sunday 2026 {{!}} WWE |url=https://www.wwe.com/shows/wrestlemania/wrestlemania-sunday-2026 |access-date=2026-05-20 |website=www.wwe.com |language=en}}</ref>. Knight and The Usos won the match, defeating their opponents by pinfall.
== Professional wrestling persona and popularity == Many fans have favorably likened Knight's brash gimmick and promo style to that of The Rock or "Stone Cold" Steve Austin, complimenting his recognizable catchphrases and considering his charismatic trash-talking character a throwback to the Attitude Era. The same comparison has also been made in a negative fashion, notably by former wrestler Kevin Nash.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Black |first=Matt |date=2023-07-18 |title=Kevin Nash On LA Knight: I Didn't Know Who The F**k You Were, I Apologize |url=https://www.wrestlezone.com/news/1388308-kevin-nash-on-la-knight-i-didnt-know-who-the-fk-you-were-i-apologize |access-date=2023-07-23 |website=Wrestlezone |language=en-US}}</ref>
Knight began to gain a notable amount of popularity in early 2023; despite his feud with Bray Wyatt being written to re-establish the returning Wyatt as a monster character, Knight's ability to hold his own verbally throughout the feud led fans to start siding with him. In an interview with Chris Van Vliet, he stated that he first noticed how fast his popularity was growing when the crowd cheered loudly as his entrance music began upon walking out to confront Drew McIntyre and Sheamus on ''SmackDown'' on March 3, 2023.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Badrose |date=2023-06-27 |title=LA Knight Interview With Chris Van Vliet |url=https://www.wrestlingattitude.com/2023/06/la-knight-interview-with-chris-van-vliet.html |access-date=2023-07-23 |website=Wrestling Attitude |language=en-US}}</ref>
==Other media== In 2010 Ricker made his acting debut in an episode of ''Fatal Attractions'' where he played a used car salesman who was devoured by his pet Nile monitors.<ref>{{Cite AV media |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jCMj4v23OSk |title=LA Knight on Animal Planet (Fatal Attractions) |date=2023-07-11 |last=MachkaMan |access-date=2025-11-11 |via=YouTube}}</ref>
In 2013, Ricker appeared on the TNT reality television show ''The Hero'', hosted by Dwayne Johnson.<ref name="herald"/>
In 2015, Ricker appeared in the ''Brooklyn Nine-Nine'' episode "Boyle-Linetti Wedding" in a non-speaking role as Mario, a male bodybuilder who is getting married in a gym with Detective Terry Jeffords (Terry Crews) officiating.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |last=Ferguson |first=LaToya |date=March 1, 2015 |title=Brooklyn Nine-Nine: "Boyle-Linetti Wedding" |url=https://www.avclub.com/brooklyn-nine-nine-boyle-linetti-wedding-1798183041 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210620105334/https://www.avclub.com/brooklyn-nine-nine-boyle-linetti-wedding-1798183041 |archive-date=June 20, 2021 |access-date=May 11, 2023 |website=The A.V. Club}}</ref>
In January 2020, Ricker shot scenes for the fourth season of the Netflix dramedy ''GLOW'' as a character named DJ Henderson, but the show was cancelled before the season could air.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.instagram.com/p/CGAaweoh8Kh/ |title=So sad to hear the news of @glownetflix being canceled. |date= October 6, 2021 |access-date=July 27, 2023}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.instagram.com/p/CGAaweoh8Kh/ |title=Incredibly grateful for the experience filming @glownetflix last year|date= January 23, 2021 |access-date=July 27, 2023}}</ref>
In 2021, Ricker appeared in a CarShield commercial as The Overcharger, a heel wrestler dressed like an automotive repair technician and defiantly bragging about how nobody can stop him from unfairly charging used-vehicle-owning customers for repair work. He is instantly struck down by Ric Flair, the ad campaign's star and pitchman.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Jordan |first=Paul |date=April 10, 2021 |title=Ric Flair starring in series of commercials for Car Shield |url=https://www.pwinsider.com/article/145754/ric-flair-starring-in-series-of-commercials-for-car-shield.html?p=1 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230512011204/https://www.pwinsider.com/article/145754/ric-flair-starring-in-series-of-commercials-for-car-shield.html?p=1 |archive-date=May 12, 2023 |access-date=May 11, 2023 |website=PWInsider}}</ref> When the WWE and Slim Jim rekindled their business relationship in 2023 Ricker's wrestling persona became the main figure in commercials promoting the brand.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Needelman |first=ByJoshua |title=Why Slim Jim and WWE rekindled their historic partnership |url=https://www.marketingbrew.com/stories/2024/05/08/why-slim-jim-and-wwe-rekindled-their-historic-partnership |access-date=2025-11-11 |website=Marketing Brew |language=en-us}}</ref>
As well as voicing "Paragon Jay Pierce" in the MyRise mode of ''WWE 2K22'', he performed the motion capture for other WWE wrestlers in many of the ''WWE 2K'' games.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Wilson |first=Ben |date=July 22, 2022 |title=WWE 2K22 DLC guide to downloading Ronda Rousey, RVD and Stacy Keibler |url=https://www.gamesradar.com/wwe-2k22-dlc/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221103021954/https://www.gamesradar.com/wwe-2k22-dlc/ |archive-date=November 3, 2022 |access-date=May 11, 2023 |website=GamesRadar+}}</ref>
=== Filmography === {| class="wikitable" |+ !Year !Title !Role !Note !Ref. |- |2010 |''Fatal Attractions'' |Ron Huff |1 episode |<ref>{{Cite web |last=Casey |first=Connor |date=2023-07-12 |title=WWE Fans Keep Finding LA Knight's Pre-WWE Acting Roles |url=https://comicbook.com/wwe/news/wwe-la-knight-pre-wwe-acting-roles-brooklyn-nine-nine-animal-planet/ |access-date=2025-11-11 |website=ComicBook.com |language=en-US}}</ref> |- |2013 |''The Hero'' |Contestant |4: episodes |<ref name="herald" /> |- |2015 |''Brooklyn Nine-Nine'' |Bodybuilder |Uncredited |<ref name=":0" /> |- |2019 |''Magic For Humans'' |Eli Drake |1 episode | |- |2024 |''Celebrity Family Feud'' |Contestant |1 episode |<ref>{{Cite web |last=Kasabian |first=Paul |title=Bianca Belair, Lashley and WWE Stars on 'Family Feud' Top Highlights and Fan Reaction |url=https://bleacherreport.com/articles/10132608-bianca-belair-lashley-and-wwe-stars-on-family-feud-top-highlights-and-fan-reaction |access-date=2025-11-11 |website=bleacherreport.com |language=en}}</ref> |}
===Video games=== {| class="wikitable sortable plainrowheaders" |+ {{Screen reader-only|LA Knight in video games}} ! scope="col" | Year ! scope="col" | Title ! scope="col" class="unsortable" | Notes ! scope="col" class="unsortable" | {{Abbr|Ref.|Reference}} |- | 2022 | ''WWE 2K22'' | Included in the "Whole Dam" Pack as DLC<br>Voice of "Paragon" Jay Pierce in MyRise |<ref>{{cite news |last1=Lambert |first1=Jeremy |title=WWE 2K22 'Whole Dam Pack' DLC Pack Released Featuring Logan Paul, Rob Van Dam, And More |url=https://www.fightful.com/wrestling/wwe-2k22-whole-dam-show-dlc-pack-released-featuring-logan-paul-rob-van-dam-and-more |access-date=February 29, 2024 |work=Fightful |date=July 19, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220719123648/https://www.fightful.com/wrestling/wwe-2k22-whole-dam-show-dlc-pack-released-featuring-logan-paul-rob-van-dam-and-more |archive-date=July 19, 2022}}</ref><ref>{{cite tweet |author=LA Knight |user=RealLAKnight|number=1549833561209016320|date=20 July 2022|title=Used to ask "Whose game is it??" And in WWE 2k22, from doing the lion's share of the motions in the game, the voice of 'Paragon Jay Pierce', to LA Knight being a part of "The Whole Dam Show" DLC, it quite literally is MY GAME. The come up is real |archive-url=https://archive.today/20240229220416/https://twitter.com/RealLAKnight/status/1549833561209016320 |archive-date=29 February 2024}}</ref> |- | 2023 | ''WWE 2K23'' | | <ref>{{cite news |author1=Fightful Staff |title=Updated List Of WWE 2K23 Roster Members And In-Game Ratings |url=https://www.fightful.com/wrestling/updated-list-wwe-2k23-roster-members-and-game-ratings |access-date=February 29, 2024 |work=Fightful |date=February 22, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230222235446/https://www.fightful.com/wrestling/updated-list-wwe-2k23-roster-members-and-game-ratings |archive-date=February 22, 2023}}</ref> |- |2024 |''WWE 2K24'' | | <ref>{{cite magazine |last1=Woodrow |first1=Ryan |title=WWE 2K24 roster: every wrestler confirmed to be in the game |url=https://videogames.si.com/guides/wwe-2k24-roster-reveal |access-date=February 29, 2024 |magazine=Sports Illustrated |date=February 20, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240229185400/https://videogames.si.com/guides/wwe-2k24-roster-reveal |archive-date=February 29, 2024}}</ref> |- |2025 |''WWE 2K25'' | |<ref>{{Cite web |title=WWE 2K25 Roster: Full List of All Superstars, Legends, and DLC Characters |url=https://www.thesmackdownhotel.com/wwe2k25/roster/ |access-date=2025-04-22 |website=The SmackDown Hotel |language=en-gb}}</ref> |- |2026 |''WWE 2K26'' | |<ref>{{cite web |title=Official WWE Superstar Roster - WWE 2K26 |url=https://wwe.2k.com/2k26/roster/ |website=WWE 2K |access-date=February 24, 2026 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260224235545/https://wwe.2k.com/2k26/roster/ |archive-date=February 24, 2026}}</ref> |}
== Personal life == Ricker has been in a relationship with fitness model Michelle Yavulla since 2018.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://instagram.com/mlyavull/p/Cslp-9puB5a | title=Instagram }}</ref> They reside in Orlando, Florida.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://firstsportz.com/wwe-la-knight-wife/ |title=Who is the wife of LA Knight? |website=FirstSportz |date=2023-07-09}}</ref>
Ricker threw out the ceremonial first pitch at a New York Mets game on August 8, 2023.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Upton |first=Felix |date=2023-08-08 |title=LA Knight Throws First Pitch At New York Mets Game |url=https://www.ringsidenews.com/la-knight-throws-first-pitch-new-york-mets-game/ |access-date=2025-09-16 |website=Ringside News |language=en-US}}</ref>
On December 23, 2023, Ricker received the Key to the City in his hometown of Hagerstown, Maryland.<ref name="key"/>
==Championships and accomplishments== [[File:Eli Drake BFG 17 Global Champ crop.jpg|thumb|upright=1.2|Ricker is a former Impact World Champion]] * '''Championship Wrestling from Hollywood''' ** CWFH Heritage Heavyweight Championship (1 time)<ref>{{cite web |last=Kreikenbohm |first=Philip |date= |title=CWFH Heritage Heavyweight Championship |url=https://www.cagematch.net/?id=5&nr=870 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220125213438/https://www.cagematch.net/?id=5&nr=870 |archive-date=January 25, 2022 |access-date=February 17, 2021 |publisher=Cagematch}}</ref> ** NWA Heritage Tag Team Championship (2 times) – with Brian Cage<ref name="cwfh"/> ** Red Carpet Rumble (2013)<ref name="carpet"/> * '''DDT Pro-Wrestling''' ** Ironman Heavymetalweight Championship (1 time)<ref>{{cite web |title=Ironman Heavymetalweight Title |url=http://www.wrestling-titles.com/japan/ddt/ironman-hm.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170729200555/http://www.wrestling-titles.com/japan/ddt/ironman-hm.html |archive-date=July 29, 2017 |access-date=August 12, 2016 |website=Wrestling-Titles.com}}</ref> * '''Empire Wrestling Federation''' ** EWF Heavyweight Championship (1 time)<ref>{{cite web |last=Kreikenbohm |first=Philip |date= |title=EWF Heavyweight Championship |url=https://www.cagematch.net/?id=5&nr=504 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220125213448/https://www.cagematch.net/?id=5&nr=504 |archive-date=January 25, 2022 |access-date=February 17, 2021 |publisher=Cagematch}}</ref> * '''''ESPN''''' ** Breakthrough Wrestler of the Year (2023)<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/wwe/story/_/id/39180531/pro-wrestling-2023-awards-which-stars-had-best-year|title=Pro Wrestling 2023 awards: The best male and female wrestler, feud, faction, promo and more|work=ESPN|author=ESPN.com|date=December 26, 2023|access-date=December 29, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231228102326/https://www.espn.com/wwe/story/_/id/39180531/pro-wrestling-2023-awards-which-stars-had-best-year|archive-date=December 28, 2023|url-status=live}}</ref> * '''Future Stars of Wrestling''' ** FSW Heavyweight Championship (2 times)<ref>{{Cite web |last=Kreikenbohm |first=Philip |title=FSW Heavyweight Championship |url=https://www.cagematch.net//?id=5&nr=2541 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210614042619/https://www.cagematch.net//?id=5&nr=2541 |archive-date=June 14, 2021 |access-date=January 30, 2020 |publisher=Cagematch}}</ref> ** Great Goliath Battle Royal (2011) – with Josh Dunbar<ref>{{cite web |last=Kreikenbohm |first=Philip |date= |title=Great Goliath Battle Royal (2011) |url=https://www.cagematch.net/?id=1&nr=63712 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220125213544/https://www.cagematch.net/?id=1&nr=63712 |archive-date=January 25, 2022 |access-date=February 17, 2021 |publisher=Cagematch}}</ref> * '''Heartland Wrestling Association''' ** HWA Television Championship (1 time)<ref name="hwa"/> * '''Match One Wrestling''' ** M1W Tag Team Championship (1 time, inaugural) – with Brian Cage<ref>{{cite web |last=Kreikenbohm |first=Philip |date= |title=M1W Tag Team Championship |url=https://www.cagematch.net/?id=5&nr=1249 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220603041813/https://www.cagematch.net//?id=5&nr=1249 |archive-date=June 3, 2022 |access-date=February 17, 2021 |publisher=Cagematch}}</ref> ** M1W Tag Team Championship Tournament (2010) – with Brian Cage<ref>{{cite web |last=Kreikenbohm |first=Philip |date= |title=M1W Tag Team Championship Tournament (2010) |url=https://www.cagematch.net/?id=26&nr=1582 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220125213438/https://www.cagematch.net/?id=26&nr=1582 |archive-date=January 25, 2022 |access-date=February 17, 2021 |publisher=Cagematch}}</ref> *'''National Wrestling Alliance''' **NWA World Tag Team Championship (1 time) – with James Storm<ref>{{cite web |last=Kreikenbohm |first=Philip |date= |title=NWA World Tag Team Championship |url=https://www.cagematch.net/?id=5&nr=180 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220410002248/https://www.cagematch.net/?id=5&nr=180 |archive-date=April 10, 2022 |access-date=February 17, 2021 |publisher=Cagematch}}</ref> * '''''New York Post''''' ** Male Breakout Wrestler of the Year (2023)<ref>{{cite web|url=https://nypost.com/2023/12/26/sports/the-posts-2024-pro-wrestling-awards/|title=The Post's 2023 pro wrestling awards|work=New York Post|first=Joseph|last=Staszewski|date=December 26, 2023|access-date=December 29, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231227120049/https://nypost.com/2023/12/26/sports/the-posts-2024-pro-wrestling-awards/|archive-date=December 27, 2023|url-status=live}}</ref> * '''''Pro Wrestling Illustrated''''' ** Most Improved Wrestler of the Year (2023) ** Ranked No. 22 of the top 500 singles wrestlers in the ''PWI 500'' in 2025<ref>{{Cite web |title=Pro Wrestling Illustrated (PWI) 500 for 2025 |url=http://www.profightdb.com/pwi-500/2025.html |website=profightdb.com}}</ref> * '''Pro Wrestling Revolution''' ** PWR Heavyweight Championship (1 time)<ref>{{cite web |last=Kreikenbohm |first=Philip |date= |title=PWR Heavyweight Championship |url=https://www.cagematch.net/?id=5&nr=1027 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220125213502/https://www.cagematch.net/?id=5&nr=1027 |archive-date=January 25, 2022 |access-date=February 17, 2021 |publisher=Cagematch}}</ref> * '''Total Nonstop Action Wrestling / Impact Wrestling''' ** Impact World Championship (1 time)<ref>{{Cite web |title=TNA/IMPACT Wrestling World Heavyweight Title |url=https://www.wrestling-titles.com/us/tna/tna-h.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220422235532/https://www.wrestling-titles.com/us/tna/tna-h.html |archive-date=April 22, 2022 |access-date=May 13, 2023 |website=Wrestling-Titles.com}}</ref> ** Impact World Tag Team Championship (1 time) – with Scott Steiner<ref>{{cite web |last= |first= |date= |title=TNA/IMPACT Wrestling World Tag Team Title |url=https://www.wrestling-titles.com/us/tna/tna-t.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220326055725/https://www.wrestling-titles.com/us/tna/tna-t.html |archive-date=March 26, 2022 |access-date=May 13, 2023 |website=Wrestling-Titles.com}}</ref> ** TNA King of the Mountain Championship (1 time)<ref>{{cite web |last= |first= |date= |title=TNA Television Title / TNA King of the Mountain Title |url=https://www.wrestling-titles.com/us/tna/tna-tv.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220226130917/https://www.wrestling-titles.com/us/tna/tna-tv.html |archive-date=February 26, 2022 |access-date=May 13, 2023 |website=Wrestling-Titles.com}}</ref> ** Gauntlet for the Gold (2016, 2017 – Heavyweight)<ref>{{cite web |last=Kreikenbohm |first=Philip |date= |title=Gauntlet for the Gold (2016) |url=https://www.cagematch.net/?id=1&nr=159295 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220125213500/https://www.cagematch.net/?id=1&nr=159295 |archive-date=January 25, 2022 |access-date=February 17, 2021 |publisher=Cagematch}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last=Kreikenbohm |first=Philip |date= |title=Gauntlet for the Gold (2017) |url=https://www.cagematch.net/?id=1&nr=182609 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220125213429/https://www.cagematch.net/?id=1&nr=182609 |archive-date=January 25, 2022 |access-date=February 17, 2021 |publisher=Cagematch}}</ref> ** Race for the Case (2017 – Red Case)<ref>{{cite web |last=Kreikenbohm |first=Philip |date= |title=Race for the Case (2017 – Red Case) |url=https://www.cagematch.net/?id=1&nr=168113 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210927144020/https://www.cagematch.net//?id=1&nr=168113 |archive-date=September 27, 2021 |access-date=February 17, 2021 |publisher=Cagematch}}</ref> ** Feast or Fired (2016 – TNA King of the Mountain Championship contract)<ref>{{cite web |last=Kreikenbohm |first=Philip |date= |title=Feast or Fired (2016) |url=https://www.cagematch.net/?id=1&nr=145955 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220125213427/https://www.cagematch.net/?id=1&nr=145955 |archive-date=January 25, 2022 |access-date=February 17, 2021 |publisher=Cagematch}}</ref> ** Feast or Fired (2018 – Impact World Tag Team Championship contract)<ref>{{cite web |last=Kreikenbohm |first=Philip |date= |title=Feast or Fired (2018) |url=https://www.cagematch.net/?id=1&nr=195478 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220125213522/https://www.cagematch.net/?id=1&nr=195478 |archive-date=January 25, 2022 |access-date=February 17, 2021 |publisher=Cagematch}}</ref> *'''Ultimate Championship Wrestling''' **UCW Heavyweight Championship (1 time)<ref>{{cite web |last=Kreikenbohm |first=Philip |date= |title=UCW Heavyweight Championship |url=https://www.cagematch.net/?id=5&nr=3252 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220125213533/https://www.cagematch.net/?id=5&nr=3252 |archive-date=January 25, 2022 |access-date=February 17, 2021 |publisher=Cagematch}}</ref> * '''''Wrestling Observer Newsletter''''' ** Worst Gimmick (2022) <small>as part of Maximum Male Models</small><ref>{{Cite journal |last=Meltzer |first=Dave |author-link=Dave Meltzer |date=February 2023 |title=February 2023 Wrestling Observer Newsletter: Results of the 2022 Wrestling Observer Newsletter Awards |journal=Wrestling Observer Newsletter}}</ref> ** Worst Match of the Year (2023) {{small|vs. Bray Wyatt at Royal Rumble}}<ref name="Melz23">{{cite web |last1=Meltzer |first1=Dave |title=February 26, 2024 Observer Newsletter: 2023 Observer Awards issue |url=https://www.f4wonline.com/newsletters/wrestling-observer-newsletter/february-26-2024-observer-newsletter-2023-observer-awards-issue |work=Wrestling Observer Newsletter |date=February 23, 2024 |access-date=February 23, 2024}}</ref> *'''WWE''' ** WWE United States Championship (2 times) **Million Dollar Championship (1 time)<ref>{{Cite web |title=Million Dollar Championship |url=https://www.wwe.com/classics/titlehistory/million-dollar-championship |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230430092820/https://www.wwe.com/classics/titlehistory/million-dollar-championship |archive-date=April 30, 2023 |access-date=May 13, 2023 |publisher=WWE}}</ref> **SummerSlam Slim Jim Battle Royal (2023) ** WWE United States Championship #1 Contender Tournament (2025) ** Slammy Award (2 times) *** Breakout Superstar of the Year (2024)<ref name="s615">{{cite web | last=Mukherjee | first=Subhojeet | title=LA Knight Wins Breakout Star of The Year at 2024 Slammy Awards | website=Ringside News | date=2024-04-07 | url=https://www.ringsidenews.com/2024/04/07/la-knight-wins-breakout-star-of-the-year-at-2024-slammy-awards/ | access-date=2024-07-31}}</ref> *** Fan Chant of the Year (2024) – {{small|"YEAH!"}}
==References== {{Reflist}}
==External links== {{Commons category}} * {{Twitter|RealLAKnight|LA Knight}} * {{Professional wrestling profiles|name=LA Knight}} * {{IMDb name|nm3823508|Shaun Ricker}} {{Navboxes| |list1= {{WWE personnel}} {{WWE United States Championship}} {{TNA King of the Mountain Championship}} {{Impact World Championship}} {{Impact World Tag Team Championship}} {{Million Dollar Championship}} {{NWA World Tag Team Championship}} {{Gauntlet for the Gold}} {{Feast or Fired}} {{Ironman Heavymetalweight Championship}} }}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Knight, L. A.}} Category:1982 births Category:21st-century male professional wrestlers Category:21st-century American professional wrestlers Category:American male professional wrestlers Category:Living people Category:Million Dollar Champions Category:Professional wrestlers from Maryland Category:Sportspeople from Hagerstown, Maryland Category:People from Hagerstown, Maryland Category:TNA World Heavyweight/Impact World Champions Category:TNA Television Champions Category:TNA/Impact World Tag Team Champions Category:Ironman Heavymetalweight Champions Category:NWA World Tag Team Champions Category:NWA/WCW/WWE United States Heavyweight Champions Category:WWE personnel Category:North Hagerstown High School alumni