LA Knight, born Shaun Michael Ricker on November 1, 1982, is an American professional wrestler currently signed to WWE, where he competes on the SmackDown brand under the charismatic persona of LA Knight. With a career spanning nearly two decades, Knight has established himself as a versatile and dynamic performer in the world of wrestling.
| Name | LA Knight |
| D.O.B | November 1, 1982 |
| Height | 6 ft 1 in |
| Weight | 109 kg |
| Profession | American Wrestler |
| Professional Debut | February 15, 2003 |
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Shaun Ricker was born on November 1, 1982, in Hagerstown, Maryland. He has two elder siblings and began watching professional wrestling when he was three years old. He attended North Hagerstown High School. Ricker went to Cincinnati after high school and began training on March 17, 2003, at the age of 20, while working at a timber mill and a Ruby Tuesday restaurant. Later that year, he began wrestling frequently for the Heartland Wrestling Association (HWA) under the ring name Deuce. Deuce won the HWA Television Championship on November 9, 2004, and lost it on January 4, 2005.
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LA Knight’s professional wrestling career is marked by his impressive tenure in various promotions, including WWE (World Wrestling Entertainment) and Impact Wrestling. After honing his skills on the independent circuit, Knight gained significant recognition and success in major wrestling organizations.
Knight’s career took a significant turn in 2013 when he signed with Impact Wrestling (formerly known as TNA). Competing under the name “Eli Drake,” he quickly made an impact with his charismatic personality and in-ring abilities.
Knight held multiple championships during his time in Impact Wrestling, including the TNA World Heavyweight Championship and the Impact World Tag Team Championship.
In 2020, Knight’s talent caught the attention of WWE, and he signed with the company. He joined their developmental brand, NXT, and adopted the new persona of “LA Knight.”
His confident and flamboyant character immediately made an impression on fans. Knight has competed in high-profile matches and rivalries in NXT, showcasing his mic skills, athleticism, and overall charisma.
With his unique blend of athleticism, charisma, and in-ring prowess, LA Knight has cemented himself as a formidable force in professional wrestling. His career trajectory has seen him rise through the ranks of various promotions, earning championship accolades and leaving a lasting impact on the industry.
Knight’s continued success and dedication to his craft position him as a prominent figure in the world of professional wrestling.
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LA Knight’s WWE career officially began on February 14, 2021, when it was reported that he had re-signed with WWE. That very night, at NXT TakeOver: Vengeance Day, he made his debut as a heel under the ring name LA Knight. This marked the start of an exciting chapter in his career.
His in-ring debut on the March 17 episode of NXT saw him defeat August Grey, signaling his intention to make a strong impact in the black-and-gold brand. He also participated in a Gauntlet Eliminator for a future NXT North American Championship match, although he was eliminated on the first night of TakeOver: Stand & Deliver.
One of the most significant turning points in his NXT career was when LA Knight aligned himself with the legendary Ted DiBiase. Their partnership added depth to his character and storylines.
At TakeOver: In Your House on June 13, 2021, LA Knight achieved a remarkable feat by winning a ladder match against Cameron Grimes, becoming the holder of the re-introduced Million Dollar Championship. However, this success was marred by his subsequent attack on Ted DiBiase during the championship celebration, setting up a feud with Grimes.
Their rivalry continued at The Great American Bash on July 6, where Knight defeated Grimes. The stipulation of the match dictated that Grimes would become LA Knight’s personal butler, adding a unique element to their ongoing story.
Champion and Feuds:
On the August 10 episode of NXT, LA Knight agreed to defend the Million Dollar Championship against Grimes at NXT TakeOver 36, with the condition that if Knight won, DiBiase would replace Grimes as Knight’s butler. This match added intrigue to their rivalry.
However, at NXT TakeOver 36 on August 22, 2021, LA Knight lost the Million Dollar Championship to Grimes following interference from Ted DiBiase. Despite this setback, Knight continued to be a prominent figure in NXT.
In September, Knight faced a new challenge when he lost to the debuting Bron Breakker on the September 14 episode of NXT. Later that night, he also failed to secure victory in a fatal four-way match for the vacant NXT Championship.
Transition to the Main Roster:
LA Knight’s journey took an exciting turn when he made his first main roster appearance on the January 24, 2022 episode of Raw. In a backstage segment, he interacted with The Dirty Dawgs (Dolph Ziggler and Robert Roode), hinting at the potential for intriguing rivalries on the main stage.
However, it wasn’t until the April 15 episode of SmackDown that Knight made his presence felt in a more significant manner. In a dark segment, he emerged as a villainous manager, introducing his stable, “Knight Model Management,” and becoming the manager of Mace and Mansoor. This angle later transitioned to television, establishing his role on the SmackDown brand.
Maximum Male Models and Reversion to LA Knight:
LA Knight’s managerial stint took an unexpected twist on the July 1 episode of SmackDown when he announced Mace and Mansoor, now with altered names, as “ma.çé” and “mån.sôör,” forming the Maximum Male Models. He was also joined by his storyline sister, Maxxine Dupri.
However, the storyline with Maximum Male Models concluded on the September 30 episode of SmackDown when Knight decided to go his separate way, distancing himself from the stable. The following week, he unleashed a vicious attack on Mace and Mansoor and reverted to his LA Knight persona.
Feuds and Rise to Prominence:
After a brief feud with Ricochet, LA Knight found himself in a rivalry with Bray Wyatt in November. Their feud culminated in a Mountain Dew Pitch Black match at the Royal Rumble in January 2023, which Wyatt won. This match would become memorable as it was Wyatt’s final wrestling appearance before his unexpected passing at the age of 36.
Despite facing challenges and losses, LA Knight’s popularity with fans began to grow. His charisma and on-screen presence, combined with his entertaining in-ring style, endeared him to the WWE Universe. This newfound fan support marked a turning point in his career.
On the June 2 episode of SmackDown, LA Knight secured a significant victory by defeating Montez Ford in a qualifying match for the men’s Money in the Bank ladder match. His participation in this high-stakes match demonstrated his potential to compete for championship opportunities on the main roster.
Although LA Knight did not win the Money in the Bank briefcase, he continued to elevate his status as a fan-favorite. His journey in WWE showcased his ability to adapt to various roles, from a manager to a wrestler, and from a heel to a beloved face.
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