During a recent episode of WWE Friday Night SmackDown at the TD Garden in Boston, Massachusetts, which is not far from John Cena’s hometown of West Newbury. LA Knight, who is reportedly seen as WWE Smackdown’s top babyface internally, triumphed over former WWE United States Champion Austin Theory.
Before the match, Grayson Waller confronted Knight, engaged in a war of words with the outspoken superstar, and introduced his new friend, Theory. The two boastful Superstars now seem to have officially formed an alliance after securing a tag team victory over the LWO last Friday night.
Paul Heyman formally introduces himself to LA Knight. 👀 #Smackdown #YEAHMovement pic.twitter.com/g6zHVNrSR1
— The YEAH! Movement (@YEAHMovement_) September 9, 2023
After securing his victory, Knight headed to the backstage area and directly confronted WWE authority figure Adam Pearce. He insisted on a match against The Miz, and Pearce acquiesced, officially scheduling the match for the upcoming week, presumably on SmackDown.
After Pearce exited the room, Paul Heyman, who had been discussing Jey Uso’s move to RAW and SmackDown’s potential acquisition with him earlier, formally introduced himself to Knight.
Paul Heyman & LA Knight 👀 pic.twitter.com/7YGoon5f95
— B/R Wrestling (@BRWrestling) September 9, 2023
“My name is Paul Heyman, and I am a huge admirer of your work,” he said. “Yeah! It’s catchy”. After showering Knight with what seemed like insincere compliments, Heyman delivered a stern message.
He instructed Knight that the next time he encounters security at his locker room door, and they indicate it’s occupied, he should “knock first“. Heyman then asked, “Do we have an understanding?” Knight leaned in close to Heyman and whispered, “Yeah“.
There’s curiosity about Roman Reigns’ response to the situation. LA Knight’s interference with Paul Heyman’s plans leaves uncertainty: Will Reigns challenge Knight to a match, or will it be Knight who issues the challenge? The arena will hold the answers when The Tribal Chief makes his move.
Is WWE planning Roman Reigns vs. LA Knight next?
During tonight’s SmackDown, a backstage encounter unfolded between Paul Heyman and LA Knight, piquing the interest of fans. Heyman introduced himself to LA Knight in a surprisingly composed manner.
“I’m a huge admirer of your work.”@HeymanHustle @RealLAKnight #SmackDown pic.twitter.com/d1UZ2JuV2c
— WWE on FOX (@WWEonFOX) September 9, 2023
This interaction has fans speculating that it might be the beginning of a storyline leading to a potential match between Roman Reigns and LA Knight.
As a fan expressed on X, “Seeds planted for Reigns vs Knight down the line”. Another fan’s comment on X stated, “Oh shit the seeds being planted for the Tribal Chief!” After the events of the recent SmackDown, fans are speculating along these lines.

Undisputed WWE Universal Champion Roman Reigns was once again absent from WWE Friday Night Smackdown this week. Once he returns, The Tribal Chief will be looking for fresh competition, and, with as hot as the Yeah Movement is, he could be talking about LA Knight as his next opponent.
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