He points to his 2023 feud with Bray Wyatt, a chance for both men to challenge his mic skills and in-ring intensity, as a turning point in his WWE main roster career. In the months that followed, it didn’t matter who was in the ring opposite Knight. When his music hit, the response matched that of some of the biggest names in the industry.
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That crowd reaction has continued throughout the past three years, maintaining the momentum of the “Yes” movement in a way that has largely defied the natural ebbs and flows of the business.
“I can’t put my finger on it,” Knight tells Uncrowned ahead of WrestleMania 42. “I hear a lot of different things that people will tell me when I’m out and about. This person will say it’s for this reason, this person will say it’s for that reason.”
“I don’t know, but whatever it is, something is rubbing off.”
That connection with the audience has given Knight a prominent role heading into WrestleMania weekend, where he will open Night 1 in a six-man tag match on ESPN2 in a venue traditionally reserved for setting the tone for pro wrestling’s biggest show of the year.
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He will team up with Jey and Jimmy Uso in a pop culture crossover against iShowSpeed, Logan Paul and Austin Theory. Knight will also take advantage of that by pulling double duty, participating in WWE’s long-standing partnership with Snickers, which will debut a new campaign during the event.
This WrestleMania weekend represents a pivotal opportunity for Knight.
If you’re not closing WrestleMania, opening it can be an opportunity to grab attention early, carry the momentum into the summer, and move on to the next level.
However, with increased opportunities comes increased pressure. And Knight says he won’t feel that pressure until Saturday, when the butterflies start appearing.
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After wrestling the last two years on WrestleMania weekend, this year feels materially different for Knight in such a prominent spot. Whether or not his first Night 1 match turns into a signature WrestleMania moment — that is, with the inclusion of social media star iShowSpeed — is not something Knight can easily chart.
Instead, he points to organic moments as the blueprint for a defining moment at WrestleMania: a hot crowd mixed with big personalities and gripping action that keeps the entire audience on their toes.
“I don’t think you can plan for those moments,” Knight says.
Instead, his focus remains on the long game, staying level, never getting too high or too low, and maintaining the hunger that has gotten him this far.
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“It’s all a game,” he continues.
“But at the same time, it’s crazy to just think about the places you’re in. Again, talk about professional experience, where I’ve been, where I’m going, all that kind of stuff, and you end up in things you didn’t think you’d be a part of.”
When Knight joined WWE in 2021, he did so after having capped a successful run in TNA and NWA as Eli Drake. He wasn’t expecting moments like winning the Million Dollar Championship in NXT, or finding himself in the middle of a global partnership between WWE and Snickers.
“You have two iconic brands and I’m in the middle of both,” Knight says.
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“When you think about it, sometimes it’s easy to lose sight and get frustrated over the little things. Then it’s like, man, I want to be here, I want more, and I’m always hungry.”
(WWE via Getty Images)
Knight emphasizes the importance of reminding yourself that you are in a great position when it comes to life and your career. He reflects on the satisfaction of his three years of career as “moments of vindication” during the last 20 years of struggle, drive and tireless advancement.
“There were so many people who hoped and hoped that I was just a fad or a trend or something that came and went,” Knight says.
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“And here we are, three years later.”
Ultimately, another WrestleMania provides Knight the opportunity to advance his goal of reaching the top level of WWE and claiming a World Heavyweight Championship. And any progress toward that goal should be seen as positive momentum.
“I’m pretty old school that way: I want first place. I want the championship. I want to be the one,” Knight says.
“I personally think it’s necessary. Some people might argue (against) that, but they would be wrong.”
Until that time comes, the challenge is to maintain perspective, not go crazy, and remember the joy that started it all.
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“You just have to find a way to make this fun again,” Knight says.
“Most of us get into this because we love it. And that being the case, you have to remind yourself from time to time.”