Jump to content

LA Knight

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

This is an old revision of this page, as edited by 80.79.145.161 (talk) at 19:46, 10 September 2023. The present address (URL) is a permanent link to this revision, which may differ significantly from the current revision.

LA Knight
Ricker as Eli Drake in November 2017
Birth nameShaun Michael Ricker
Born (1982-11-01) November 1, 1982 (age 42)
Hagerstown, Maryland, U.S.
Professional wrestling career
Ring name(s)Deuce
Dick Rick
Dick Rick Leykis
El Hijo de Trump
Eli Drake
LA Knight
Max Dupri
Shaun Ricker
Slate Randall
Billed height6 ft 2 in (188 cm)[1]
Billed weight230 lb (104 kg)[1]
Billed fromHagerstown, Maryland
Los Angeles, California
Trained byCody Hawk
DebutFebruary 15, 2003

Shaun Michael Ricker (born November 1, 1982) is an American professional wrestler. He is currently signed to WWE, where he performs on the SmackDown brand under the ring name LA Knight. He is also known for his time in Impact Wrestling, where he performed under the ring name Eli Drake.

Ricker began his wrestling career on the independent circuit in 2003. He joined Championship Wrestling from Hollywood (CW) in 2010, when the promotion was affiliated with the National Wrestling Alliance (NWA). After leaving in 2013, he signed a developmental contract with WWE and performed in its then-developmental territory NXT under the ring name Slate Randall, before being released in 2014. He signed with Impact Wrestling in 2015 and soon found breakout success, becoming a one-time Impact World Champion, one-time TNA King of the Mountain Champion, and one-time Impact World Tag Team Champion alongside Scott Steiner. He also won Impact's Feast or Fired briefcase twice.

After leaving Impact in 2019, Ricker signed with the rebooted NWA, where he became a one-time NWA World Tag Team Champion alongside James Storm. He left the NWA in 2021 to rejoin WWE, where he returned to NXT and was renamed LA Knight. During his time in NXT, he won the Million Dollar Championship after defeating Cameron Grimes. He moved up to the main roster in 2022 and was given a manager role, portraying a talent agent named Max Dupri who led the Maximum Male Models group. He betrayed the group a few months later and reverted back to his LA Knight persona, subsequently resuming his in-ring wrestling career. He soon accumulated an enormous level of fan support due to his promo delivery skills and character work despite being booked to lose most of his matches, a trend which was slowly reversed in response to the increasingly fervent support he received from fans.

Outside of wrestling, Ricker appeared as a cast member on Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson's 2013 reality show The Hero, had a small role in a 2015 episode of the comedy series Brooklyn Nine-Nine, and provided the motion capture for other WWE wrestlers in many of the WWE 2K series of video games.

Early life

Shaun Ricker[2] was born in Hagerstown, Maryland, on November 1, 1982.[3] He has two older siblings and started watching professional wrestling at the age of three.[citation needed] He graduated from North Hagerstown High School.[4]

Professional wrestling career

Early career (2003–2010)

Ricker moved to Cincinnati after high school 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.[4] He began working regularly for the Heartland Wrestling Association (HWA) later that year under the ring name Deuce.[3][5] On November 9, 2004, Deuce won the HWA Television Championship, and dropped it on January 4, 2005.[6]

National Wrestling Alliance (2009–2012)

Ricker wrestling as Slate Randall in February 2014

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.[7] 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.[7] Ricker then feuded with Cage for several months, staying even on victories until he defeated Cage to end their feud in late 2012.[5]

On December 24, Ricker unsuccessfully challenged Adam Pearce for the NWA Worlds Heavyweight Championship.[5] However, he won the Percy Pringle III Cup, where the winner earned a shot at any championship, any time, any place..[8] 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.[9] That same night, he successfully defended the title against Ryan Taylor.[9]

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.[9] 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.[5]

WWE (2013–2014)

In May 2013, Ricker was one of many independent wrestlers undergoing the necessary medical testing required to be signed by WWE before he reported to the WWE Performance Center.[3][10] He had previously made sporadic appearances in WWE over the years; he teamed with Jon Moxley in a losing effort against Big Show in a dark handicap match in May 2006,[4] teamed with Gene Snitsky in a losing effort against Cryme Tyme (JTG and Shad Gaspard) on ECW in 2008,[4] and played a security guard during a segment featuring CM Punk and Kevin Nash on Raw in August 2011.[11]

Upon signing to 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.[5] Following that victory, he competed only as an enhancement talent for NXT, losing to names such as Baron Corbin, Mojo Rawley, and Mason Ryan.[5] He was released from his WWE contract on August 1, 2014.[12]

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.[13] On November 21, Ricker defeated Kenny King at FSW Luck of the Draw.[14]

Drake lost a fatal four way at Maverick Pro Wrestling's event on May 11, 2019.[15] On August 17, he made his debut for World Wrestling Council in Puerto Rico at WWC Aniversario, wrestling Carlito Colon.[16]

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.[17] 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.[18] 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.[19] 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.[20] At No Surrender on August 5, Drake defeated Galloway.[21] On August 19 at Turning Point, Drake was defeated by Galloway in a No Disqualification match.[22] At Bound for Glory on October 4, Drake competed in the Bound For Gold Gauntlet, which was won by Tyrus.[23] Drake participated in the TNA World Title Series as a member of group Future 4, along with Jessie Godderz, Micah and Crimson, advancing the round of 16 along with Godderz, where he lost in the round of 16 to Mahabali Shera, being eliminated from the tournament.[24] On January 5, 2016, the first live edition of Impact Wrestling on Pop, Drake and Jessie Godderz started feuding with Kurt Angle and Drew Galloway,[25] leading to a match at TNA One Night Only Live three days later, which The Wolves won.[26]

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.[27] 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.[28] On the following episode of Impact Wrestling, Drake lost to Grado, who was masked as Odarg the Great.[29] 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.[30]

Fact of Life and Namer of Dummies (2016–2017)

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.[31] On June 12 at Slammiversary, Drake retained the title against Bram.[32] On the June 28 episode of Impact Wrestling, Drake hosted a Fact of Life segment, inviting James Storm as his guest and proceeded to insult him; Storm eventually hit Drake with the Last Call, igniting a feud between the two.[33] 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.[34] However, on the August 4 episode of Impact Wrestling, Drake lost the championship to Storm.[35] Drake then entered the Impact Grand Championship tournament, defeating Jessie Godderz in the first round,[36] but lost to Aron Rex in the semi-finals.[37] On October 2 at Bound for Glory, Drake won the Bound for Gold Gauntlet by last eliminating Tyrus.[38] On the October 6 episode of Impact Wrestling, Drake started a feud against Ethan Carter III, after his Fact of Life segment.[39] On the October 27 episode of Impact Wrestling, Drake and Rex defeated EC3 and Jessie Godderz.[40] 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.[41] 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.[42]

On the January 5, 2017, episode of Impact Wrestling, Eli Drake had a confrontation against The Broken Hardys during his returning Fact of Life segment.[43] At One Night Only: Live! the next day, Drake and Tyrus unsuccessfully challenged the Hardys for the TNA World Tag Team Championship.[44] Tyrus helped Drake take the red case during the Race for the Case on the January 19 episode of Impact Wrestling.[45] 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.[46] On the following episode of Impact Wrestling, Drake abandoned Tyrus during their handicap match against The Death Crew Council, causing them to lose.[47] 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.[48] On the March 16 episode of Impact Wrestling, Drake and Tyrus were defeated by Garza Jr. and Laredo Kid after Drake unintentionally hit Tyrus, causing the loss.[49] On the April 13 episode of Impact Wrestling, Drake and Tyrus, alongside Bram and Lashley as Team Josh Mathews, were defeated by Team Jeremy Borash (Alberto El Patron, Chris Adonis, Magnus and Matt Morgan).[50]

On the May 4 episode of Impact Wrestling, Drake lost to Alberto El Patron, failing to be the #1 contender for the GFW Global Championship.[51] The following week, with help from Tyrus and Chris Adonis, he attacked Impact Grand Champion Moose after his match against Marshe Rockett.[52] On the June 1 episode of Impact Wrestling, Drake failed to win the Impact Grand Championship from Moose.[53] At Slammiversary on July 2, Drake and Adonis lost to Moose and DeAngelo Williams.[54]

Impact Global Champion (2017–2018)

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, from the second entrant position, 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.[55] Drake would defend the title against Matt Sydal on Impact,[56] and against Cody Hall in Japan for Pro Wrestling Noah.[57] He would soon begin feuding with Johnny Impact for the title, as Drake retained the title against Impact on September 28 at Victory Road after repeated interference from Adonis and a low blow.[58] At Bound for Glory on November 5, Drake retained the title against Impact in a rematch after the returning Alberto El Patron hit Impact with a steel chair.[59] On January 25, 2018, Drake would retain the title against Impact and El Patron in a Six Sides of Steel match at Genesis.[60] 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.[61][62] On the February 15 episode of Impact Wrestling, Drake failed to regain the title from Aries.[63]

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 did not want as he no longer had a tag team partner.[64] Then, he challenged Moose for his World Championship briefcase on the April 5 episode of Impact Wrestling, which he won, thanks to an intervention of Ohio Versus Everything.[65] At Redemption on April 22, Drake and his tag team partner Scott Steiner defeated The Latin American Xchange to become the new Impact World Tag Team Champions.[66] On the April 26 episode of Impact!, Drake and Steiner defeated LAX in a rematch to retain the Tag Team Championship.[67] Two weeks later, Drake cashed in his World Championship briefcase against Pentagón Jr., but failed to win the title.[68] On the May 17 episode of Impact Wrestling, Drake and Steiner lost the titles against D&E (DJZ and Andrew Everett).[69] After some tensions between the two partners, on May 31 at Under Pressure, Drake won a match against Steiner after a chair shot.[70]

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.[71] The following week at House of Hardcore, Drake lost to Moose.[72] On June 25, Eli Drake signed a new contract with Impact Wrestling.[73] 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.[74] 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.[75] Drake issued various open challenges by this time, including one at Bound for Glory.[76] 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.[77]

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.[78] 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.[79] 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 become a No Disqualification match, which Drake won.[80] On the January 3 episode of Impact Wrestling, Drake was confronted and attacked by Dreamer and Raven.[81] At Impact Wrestling Homecoming three days later, Drake defeated Abyss in a Monster's Ball match.[82]

On the January 11, 2019, episode of Impact Wrestling, Drake confronted Eddie Edwards, talking down about his hardcore style. On the February 22 episode of Impact Wrestling, Edwards defeated Drake with a roll-up.[83] Two weeks later, Eli saved Edwards from the Desi Hit Squad.[84] Now having formed a tag team, on the April 5 episode of Impact Wrestling, Drake and Edwards defeated LAX with the help of the Lucha Bros.[85] Two weeks later, Drake and Edwards challenged the Lucha Bros for the Impact World Tag Team Championship, but failed to win the titles.[86] 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. Following this, Impact tried to lock him into a non-compete clause due to breach of contract.[87][88][89][90] On June 4, Drake released a statement speaking positively about his time at Impact and announced that he was now a free agent.[91]

National Wrestling Alliance (2019–2021)

On June 28, 2019, 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).[92] 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.[93] On November 10 at UWN Primetime Live, Drake and Storm would drop the titles to Aron Stevens and JR Kratos.[94] 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.[95]

Return to WWE

NXT (2021–2022)

On February 14, 2021, it was reported that Ricker had re-signed with WWE.[95] At NXT TakeOver: Vengeance Day later that night, he debuted as a heel under the new ring name LA Knight.[96] He made his in-ring debut on the March 17 episode of NXT,[97] defeating August Grey.[98] On the first night of TakeOver: Stand & Deliver on April 7, he participated in a Gauntlet Eliminator for a future NXT North American Championship match,[99] but was eliminated.[100] Knight then aligned himself with Ted DiBiase. At TakeOver: In Your House on June 13,[101] he defeated Cameron Grimes in a ladder match to win the re-introduced Million Dollar Championship.[102] Knight later turned on DiBiase, attacking him during the championship ceremony before being driven off by Grimes.[103] Knight defeated Grimes at The Great American Bash on July 6,[104] with Grimes becoming his personal butler per the stipulation of the rematch.[105] 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.[106][107] At the event on August 22, Knight lost the title to Grimes following interference from DiBiase, ending his reign at 70 days.[108]

On the September 14 episode of NXT, Knight lost to the debuting Bron Breakker.[109] Later that night, he failed to win a fatal four-way match for the vacant NXT Championship.[110] In October, he began a feud with Grayson Waller. On the November 23 episode of NXT, Waller turned heel by berating the fans and Knight turned face by confronting him; before his match with Joe Gacy, he was attacked by Waller.[111] At WarGames on December 5, Knight teamed with Johnny Gargano, Pete Dunne, and Tommaso Ciampa as Team Black & Gold,[112] where they were defeated by Team 2.0 (Breakker, Carmelo Hayes, Grayson Waller, and Tony D'Angelo) in a WarGames match.[113] On March 8 at Roadblock, Knight faced Waller in a Last Man Standing match,[114] which he lost.[115] The following week on NXT, he unsuccessfully challenged Dolph Ziggler for the NXT Championship.[116] After this, he started a brief feud with Gunther, who had taken offense at Knight getting an NXT Championship match simply by calling out Ziggler. The next week, Knight confronted Gunther after his match with Duke Hudson and challenged him to a match at NXT Stand & Deliver on April 2.[117] He was defeated by Gunther in what would be his final NXT match before being promoted to the main roster.[118]

Main roster (2022–present)

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).[119] In a dark segment before the April 15 episode of SmackDown, Knight appeared as a villainous manager by announcing his new stable, "Knight Model Management", and became the manager of Mace and Mansoor.[120][121] 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.[122] On July 1 episode of SmackDown, Dupri announced Mace and Mansoor, under the tweaked names "ma.çé" and "mån.sôör", as Maximum Male Models,[123] and was joined by his storyline sister Maxxine Dupri (formerly known as Sofia Cromwell from NXT).[124] Dupri ended his relationship with Maximum Male Models on the September 30 episode of SmackDown.[125] The following week, he beat down Mace and Mansoor and reverted to his LA Knight persona.[126]

After a brief feud with Ricochet,[127] Knight became involved in a feud with Bray Wyatt in November and lost to him in a Mountain Dew Pitch Black match at the Royal Rumble in January 2023; this would be Wyatt's final match before his unexpected death eight months later at age 36.[128][129][130] On the March 31 episode of SmackDown, Knight competed in the André the Giant Memorial Battle Royal, but was eliminated by Bronson Reed.[131] Over the next few months, his popularity with fans began increasing despite his poor win record and his onscreen character being a villainous one.[132] On the June 2 episode of SmackDown, Knight defeated Montez Ford to qualify for the men's Money in the Bank ladder match.[133] At the namesake event, the match was won by Damian Priest, who threw Knight off the ladder in order to grab the briefcase.[134][135][136] Knight participated in the United States Championship Invitational tournament but lost at the semifinal stage.[137] The next week, he defeated Ashante "Thee" Adonis and was confirmed to be an entrant in the Slim Jim Battle Royal match at the upcoming SummerSlam event in August,[138] which he eventually won by last eliminating Sheamus.[139] Two nights later on Raw, after months of performing as a tweener, he turned face when he began a feud with The Miz.[140] At Payback, he defeated Miz with John Cena as the surprise special guest referee.

Professional wrestling persona and popularity

Many fans have favorably likened Knight's brash gimmick and promo style to that of Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson 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.[141]

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 during promos throughout the feud led fans to start siding with him. He stated in an interview with Chris Van Vliet that he first noticed how fast his popularity was growing when the crowd cheered loudly when his entrance music hit as he walked out to confront Drew McIntyre and Sheamus on SmackDown on March 3, 2023.[142]

Since early 2023, fans and critics alike have been vocal about WWE's poor booking of Knight; this includes his high rate of losses since joining the main roster, not appearing at WrestleMania 39 despite WWE promising an "LA Knight moment" at the event, and losing the 2023 Money in the Bank ladder match after WWE acknowledged him as the clear favorite to win by allowing him more promo time than the other competitors in the weeks leading up to the match. Many former wrestlers and wrestling personalities, such as Konnan[143] and Jim Cornette,[144] have been critical of WWE's poor treatment of Knight and failure to capitalize on him despite his popularity continuing to grow among fans. Triple H, the head of WWE's creative team, acknowledged Knight's popularity during the Money in the Bank post-show press conference and said that "great things come to those who wait".[145]

Other media

In 2013, Ricker appeared on the TNT reality television show The Hero, which was hosted by Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson.[2]

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. Detective Terry Jeffords (Terry Crews) plays the minister.[146]

In January 2020, Ricker shot scenes for the ultimately-abandoned 4th season of the Netflix dramedy GLOW as a character named DJ Henderson, alongside Ryan Nemeth.[147][148]

In 2021, Ricker appeared in a CarShield advert 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.[149]

As LA Knight, Ricker appears as a playable character in WWE 2K22 and WWE 2K23. He also voiced "Paragon Jay Pierce" in the MyRise mode of WWE 2K22, as well as performing the motion capture for other WWE wrestlers in many of the WWE 2K games.[150]

Personal life

Ricker is in a long-term relationship with fitness instructor Michelle Yavulla.[151] They have two dogs and reside in Orlando, Florida.[152]

Championships and accomplishments

Ricker is a former Impact World Champion

References

  1. ^ a b "WWE Profile Page - LA Knight". ESPN. November 2022. Archived from the original on January 27, 2023. Retrieved January 26, 2023.
  2. ^ a b Schelle, Crystal (June 5, 2013). "Holding out for 'The Hero'". The Herald-Mail. Herald-Mail Media. Archived from the original on May 12, 2023. Retrieved May 11, 2023. Hagerstown native Shaun Ricker believes he might be the next American hero.
  3. ^ a b c Reddick, Jay (January 7, 2018). "Impact Wrestling's Eli Drake longs to tell stories, not do flips". Orlando Sentinel. Tribune Publishing. Archived from the original on May 12, 2023. Retrieved May 11, 2023.
  4. ^ a b c d Baines, Tim (October 21, 2017). "From shy kid to wrestling champ, Eli Drake makes an Impact". Ottawa Citizen. Postmedia Network. Archived from the original on November 2, 2017. Retrieved May 12, 2023.
  5. ^ a b c d e f "Eli Drake profile". Online World of Wrestling. Archived from the original on July 1, 2020. Retrieved May 11, 2023.
  6. ^ a b "Heartland Wrestling Association Television Title". Wrestling Titles. Archived from the original on November 21, 2006. Retrieved June 24, 2023.
  7. ^ a b c "NWA/CWFH Heritage Tag Team Title (California)". Wrestling Titles. Archived from the original on April 27, 2014. Retrieved July 15, 2013.
  8. ^ Jeremies, Adam. "What is the PP3 Cup Tournament?". Championship Wrestling from Hollywood. Archived from the original on May 11, 2023. Retrieved May 11, 2023.
  9. ^ a b c d Ronquillo, Steven (May 6, 2013). "5/5 CHAMPIONSHIP WRESTLING FROM HOLLYWOOD 'RED CARPET RUMBLE' LIVE REPORT". PWInsider. Archived from the original on May 12, 2013. Retrieved May 11, 2023.
  10. ^ Pena, Daniel (May 16, 2013). "WWE Signs Independent Wrestler To Developmental Contract, Over Twenty More Signings To Come?". Wrestling Inc. Archived from the original on May 12, 2023. Retrieved May 11, 2023.
  11. ^ Nemer, Paul (August 15, 2011). "Raw Results – 8/15/11". WrestleView.com. Archived from the original on June 18, 2018. Retrieved May 11, 2023.
  12. ^ Johnson, Mike (August 1, 2014). "Five WWE releases". PWInsider. Archived from the original on August 4, 2014. Retrieved August 1, 2014.
  13. ^ Trionfo, Richard (September 5, 2014). "FIP FALLOUT 2014 iPPV REPORT: WHICH TEAM WOULD SURVIVE THE TOURNAMENT OF SIX MAN TAG TEAMS?". PWInsider. Archived from the original on November 6, 2014. Retrieved December 12, 2014.
  14. ^ Kreikenbohm, Philip. "FSW Luck Of The Draw results". Cagematch.net. Archived from the original on March 28, 2020. Retrieved January 30, 2020.
  15. ^ Bryant, Steve (May 12, 2019). "Maverick Pro - 11 May 2019 - Results". SoCalUncensored.com. Archived from the original on May 17, 2019. Retrieved May 17, 2019.
  16. ^ Lambert, Jeremy (August 2, 2019). "Wrestling News, Scott Dawson Tease, Gangrel At WWE PC, Raw Commercial Breaks, More". Fightful. Archived from the original on August 2, 2019. Retrieved August 2, 2019.
  17. ^ Johnson, Mike (February 17, 2015). "TNA GUTCHECK ONE NIGHT ONLY PPV SPOILERS". PWInsider. Archived from the original on July 25, 2015. Retrieved May 12, 2023.
  18. ^ Boutwell, Josh (March 28, 2015). "TNA Impact Wrestling Results – 3/27/15 (Six Sides of Steel)". WrestleView.com. Archived from the original on March 26, 2016. Retrieved May 12, 2023.
  19. ^ Martin, Adam (July 2, 2015). "TNA Impact Wrestling Results – 7/1/15 (New TNA Champion)". WrestleView.com. Archived from the original on March 31, 2016. Retrieved May 12, 2023.
  20. ^ Boutwell, Josh (July 16, 2015). "TNA Impact Wrestling Results – 7/15/15 (Bully Ray returns!)". WrestleView.com. Archived from the original on March 30, 2016. Retrieved May 12, 2023.
  21. ^ Peeples, Jeremy (August 6, 2015). "TNA Impact August 5 TV results & recap: EC3 vs. Matt Hardy battle in a TLC match". Wrestling Observer Newsletter. Archived from the original on October 15, 2022. Retrieved October 15, 2022.
  22. ^ Peeples, Jeremy (August 20, 2015). "TNA Impact TV results & recap (August 19): EC3 vs. PJ Black World title match". Wrestling Observer Newsletter. Archived from the original on November 26, 2022. Retrieved May 12, 2023.
  23. ^ Boutwell, Josh (October 5, 2015). "TNA Bound for Glory PPV Results – 10/4/15 (New Champion)". WrestleView.com. Archived from the original on July 17, 2016. Retrieved May 12, 2023.
  24. ^ Martin, Adam (December 3, 2015). "TNA Impact Wrestling Results – 12/2/15 (Climb to Round of 8)". WrestleView.com. Archived from the original on March 30, 2016. Retrieved May 12, 2023.
  25. ^ Boutwell, Josh (January 6, 2016). "TNA Impact Wrestling Results – 1/5/16 (New TNA Champion)". WrestleView.com. Archived from the original on March 10, 2016. Retrieved May 12, 2023.
  26. ^ Csonka, Larry (January 8, 2016). "Csonka's TNA One Night Only: Live Review 1.08.16". 411Mania. Archived from the original on August 20, 2016. Retrieved May 12, 2023.
  27. ^ Boutwell, Josh (January 27, 2016). "TNA Impact Wrestling Results – 1/26/16 (Hardy Boyz Implode)". WrestleView.com. Archived from the original on February 29, 2016. Retrieved May 12, 2023.
  28. ^ Boutwell, Josh (February 10, 2016). "TNA Impact Wrestling Results – 2/9/16 (Angle vs. Galloway II)". WrestleView.com. Archived from the original on March 14, 2016. Retrieved May 12, 2023.
  29. ^ Boutwell, Josh (February 17, 2016). "TNA Impact Wrestling Results – 2/16/16 (Monsters Ball)". WrestleView.com. Archived from the original on August 14, 2016. Retrieved May 12, 2023.
  30. ^ Boutwell, Josh (March 16, 2016). "TNA Impact Wrestling Results – 3/15/16 (The Era of Galloway)". WrestleView.com. Archived from the original on June 19, 2016. Retrieved May 12, 2023.
  31. ^ Martin, Adam (April 24, 2016). "SPOILERS: 4/23 TNA Impact Wrestling taping results from Orlando, Florida to air on Pop TV beginning in May". WrestleView.com. Archived from the original on March 29, 2020. Retrieved January 30, 2020.
  32. ^ Caldwell, James (June 12, 2016). "6/12 TNA Slammiversary PPV Results – CALDWELL'S Complete Report". Pro Wrestling Torch. TDH Communications Inc. Archived from the original on October 22, 2016. Retrieved May 12, 2023.
  33. ^ Boutwell, Josh (June 29, 2016). "TNA Impact Wrestling Results – 6/28/16 (Lashley retains TNA Championship in triple threat, Bennett defends X Division Title)". WrestleView.com. Archived from the original on July 4, 2016. Retrieved May 12, 2023.
  34. ^ Boutwell, Josh (July 5, 2016). "TNA Impact Wrestling Results – 7/5/16 (Matt Hardy vs. Jeff Hardy headlines in a Final Deletion match)". WrestleView.com. Archived from the original on July 9, 2016. Retrieved May 12, 2023.
  35. ^ Martin, Adam (August 5, 2016). "TNA Impact Wrestling Results – 8/4/16 (EC3 vs. Mike Bennett to determine Bound for Glory Playoffs)". WrestleView.com. Archived from the original on August 9, 2016. Retrieved May 12, 2023.
  36. ^ Bocook, Gerald (September 9, 2016). "TNA Impact Wrestling Results – 9/8/16 (#DELETEorDECAY, Billy Corgan makes major announcement)". WrestleView.com. Archived from the original on September 15, 2016. Retrieved May 12, 2023.
  37. ^ Martin, Adam (September 22, 2016). "TNA Impact Wrestling Results – 9/22/16 (EC3 and Moose vs. Lashley and Bennett, Cody Rhodes debuts)". WrestleView.com. Archived from the original on September 26, 2016. Retrieved May 12, 2023.
  38. ^ Namako, Jason (October 2, 2016). "TNA Bound For Glory Results – 10/2/16 (Live from Orlando, Lashley vs. EC3, debut of Cody Rhodes)". WrestleView.com. Archived from the original on October 11, 2016. Retrieved May 12, 2023.
  39. ^ Bocook, Gerald (October 7, 2016). "TNA Impact Wrestling Results – 10/6/16 (Eddie Edwards beats Lashley to become the new TNA Champion)". WrestleView.com. Archived from the original on October 13, 2016. Retrieved May 12, 2023.
  40. ^ Csonka, Larry (October 27, 2016). "Csonka's TNA Impact Review 10.27.16". 411Mania. Archived from the original on October 29, 2016. Retrieved May 12, 2023.
  41. ^ Bocook, Gerald (November 11, 2016). "TNA Impact Wrestling Results – 11/10/16 (Eddie Edwards vs. Eli Drake for TNA Title, The DCC revealed)". WrestleView.com. Archived from the original on November 18, 2016. Retrieved May 12, 2023.
  42. ^ Csonka, Larry (November 24, 2016). "Csonka's TNA Impact Review 11.24.16". 411Mania. Archived from the original on November 26, 2016. Retrieved May 12, 2023.
  43. ^ Martin, Adam (January 6, 2017). "TNA Impact Wrestling Results – 1/5/17 (Live from Orlando, Davey Richards returns, triple threat main event)". WrestleView.com. Archived from the original on January 7, 2017. Retrieved May 12, 2023.
  44. ^ Csonka, Larry (January 6, 2017). "Csonka's TNA One Night Only LIVE! January Review 1.06.17". 411Mania. Archived from the original on February 8, 2017. Retrieved May 12, 2023.
  45. ^ Martin, Adam (January 20, 2017). "Impact Wrestling Results – 1/19/17 (Drew Galloway captures Impact Grand Title, Race for the Case match)". WrestleView.com. Archived from the original on February 7, 2017. Retrieved May 12, 2023.
  46. ^ Namako, Jason (February 3, 2017). "Impact Wrestling Results – 2/2/17 (Open Fight Night special)". WrestleView.com. Archived from the original on February 6, 2017. Retrieved May 12, 2023.
  47. ^ Namako, Jason (February 10, 2017). "Impact Wrestling Results – 2/9/17 (Lashley vs. Edwards, Richards turn)". WrestleView.com. Archived from the original on July 11, 2017. Retrieved May 12, 2023.
  48. ^ Bocook, Gerald (February 24, 2017). "Impact Wrestling Results – 2/23/17 (Josh Barnett, The Hardys expedition)". WrestleView.com. Archived from the original on July 11, 2017. Retrieved May 12, 2023.
  49. ^ Martin, Adam (March 17, 2017). "Impact Wrestling Results – 3/16/17 (LAX returns, El Patron vs. EC3)". WrestleView.com. Archived from the original on March 19, 2017. Retrieved May 12, 2023.
  50. ^ Bocook, Gerald (April 14, 2017). "Impact Wrestling Results – 4/13/17 (Team Borash vs. Team Mathews)". WrestleView.com. Archived from the original on June 16, 2017. Retrieved May 12, 2023.
  51. ^ Bocook, Gerald (May 5, 2017). "Impact Wrestling Results – 5/4/17 (Alberto El Patron vs. Eli Drake)". WrestleView.com. Archived from the original on July 8, 2017. Retrieved May 12, 2023.
  52. ^ Csonka, Larry (May 11, 2017). "Csonka's Impact Wrestling Review 5.11.17". 411Mania. Archived from the original on October 17, 2017. Retrieved May 12, 2023.
  53. ^ Martin, Adam (June 2, 2017). "Impact Wrestling Results – 6/1/17 (Patron vs. EC3 in Six Sides of Steel)". WrestleView.com. Archived from the original on June 3, 2017. Retrieved May 12, 2023.
  54. ^ Powell, Jason (July 2, 2017). "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". Pro Wrestling Dot Net. Archived from the original on July 29, 2017. Retrieved May 12, 2023.
  55. ^ Martin, Adam (August 18, 2017). "SPOILERS: 8/17 GFW Impact TV taping results from Orlando, Florida". WrestleView.com. Archived from the original on August 18, 2017. Retrieved August 17, 2017.
  56. ^ Bath, Dave (September 7, 2017). "GFW Impact results: Eli Drake defends against Matt Sydal". Wrestling Observer Newsletter. Archived from the original on June 22, 2022. Retrieved May 12, 2023.
  57. ^ "Great Voyage 2017 in Yokohama vol.2". Pro Wrestling Noah (in Japanese). Archived from the original on October 1, 2017. Retrieved October 1, 2017.
  58. ^ Bath, Dave (September 28, 2017). "Impact Wrestling results: Three titles on the line at Victory Road". Wrestling Observer Newsletter. Archived from the original on April 6, 2023. Retrieved May 12, 2023.
  59. ^ Meltzer, Dave (November 5, 2017). "Bound for Glory 2017 live results: Eli Drake vs. Johnny Impact". Wrestling Observer Newsletter. Archived from the original on April 16, 2022. Retrieved May 12, 2023.
  60. ^ Bath, Dave (January 25, 2018). "Impact Wrestling results: World title on the line at Genesis". Wrestling Observer Newsletter. Archived from the original on April 16, 2022. Retrieved May 12, 2023.
  61. ^ Johnson, Mike (January 10, 2018). "MAJOR, MAJOR IMPACT WRESTLING SPOILER". PWInsider. Archived from the original on January 12, 2018. Retrieved May 12, 2013.
  62. ^ Martin, Adam (February 2, 2018). "Impact Results – 2/1/18 (New Impact World Champion, New era for Impact Wrestling)". WrestleView.com. Archived from the original on February 3, 2018. Retrieved May 12, 2023.
  63. ^ Martin, Adam (February 16, 2018). "Impact Results – 2/15/18 (Austin Aries vs. Eli Drake for the Impact World Title headlines)". WrestleView.com. Archived from the original on February 22, 2018. Retrieved May 12, 2023.
  64. ^ Namako, Jason (March 15, 2018). "Impact Results – 3/15/18 (Feast or Fired, Abyss and James Mitchell return to Impact)". WrestleView.com. Archived from the original on June 15, 2018. Retrieved May 12, 2023.
  65. ^ Martin, Adam (April 6, 2018). "Impact Results – 4/5/18 (Eli Drake vs. Moose in Case vs. Case, Hype for Redemption PPV)". WrestleView.com. Archived from the original on June 8, 2018. Retrieved May 12, 2023.
  66. ^ Bath, Dave (April 22, 2018). "Impact Redemption live results: Aries vs. Pentagon Jr. vs. Fenix". Wrestling Observer Newsletter. Archived from the original on January 23, 2023. Retrieved May 12, 2023.
  67. ^ Bath, Dave (April 26, 2018). "Impact Wrestling results: Fallout from Redemption". Wrestling Observer Newsletter. Archived from the original on May 13, 2023. Retrieved May 12, 2023.
  68. ^ Martin, Adam (May 11, 2018). "Impact Results – 5/10/18 (Pentagon Jr vs. Eli Drake, Sami Callihan attacks Don Callis)". WrestleView.com. Archived from the original on July 17, 2018. Retrieved May 12, 2023.
  69. ^ Namako, Jason (May 18, 2018). "Impact Results – 5/17/18 (Tag main event, Edwards-Callihan, new Tag Champs, Rosemary funeral)". WrestleView.com. Archived from the original on July 25, 2018. Retrieved May 12, 2023.
  70. ^ Bath, Dave (May 31, 2018). "Impact Wrestling results: Pentagon Jr. vs. Aries at Under Pressure". Wrestling Observer Newsletter. Archived from the original on December 10, 2022. Retrieved May 12, 2023.
  71. ^ Martin, Adam (June 8, 2018). "Impact Results – 6/7/18 (Sami Callihan vs. Eddie Edwards in Unsanctioned Match, Eli Drake)". WrestleView.com. Archived from the original on June 12, 2018. Retrieved May 12, 2023.
  72. ^ Thompson, Andrew (May 20, 2018). "House Of Hardcore 43 Results (5/19/18): Match Taped For An Upcoming Episode Of IMPACT, 'Twitch Television' Title Match, More". Fightful. Archived from the original on April 16, 2023. Retrieved May 12, 2023.
  73. ^ Currier, Joseph (June 26, 2018). "Eli Drake signs multi-year deal with Impact Wrestling". Wrestling Observer Newsletter. Archived from the original on October 4, 2022. Retrieved May 12, 2023.
  74. ^ Martin, Adam (July 13, 2018). "Impact Results – 7/12/18 (Six Man Tag Main Event, NFL star D'Angelo Williams appears)". WrestleView.com. Archived from the original on July 19, 2018. Retrieved May 13, 2023.
  75. ^ Namako, Jason (August 3, 2018). "Impact Results – 8/2/18 (Lucha Brothers vs. oVe headlines, Austin Aries in action, LAX-OGz)". WrestleView.com. Archived from the original on October 10, 2018. Retrieved May 13, 2023.
  76. ^ Rose, Bryan (October 11, 2018). "Bound for Glory notes: Willie Mack, Eli Drake open challenge, more". Wrestling Observer Newsletter. Archived from the original on October 4, 2022. Retrieved May 13, 2023.
  77. ^ Boutwell, Josh (October 14, 2018). "Impact Bound for Glory Results – 10/14/18 (Austin Aries vs. Johnny Impact for World Title)". WrestleView.com. Archived from the original on May 13, 2023. Retrieved May 13, 2023.
  78. ^ McMahon, Mike (October 18, 2018). "10/18 IMPACT WRESTLING RESULTS: Brian Cage vs. Rich Swann, Trevor Lee vs. Ethan Page, BFG fallout". Pro Wrestling Torch. TDH Communications Inc. Archived from the original on May 13, 2023. Retrieved May 13, 2023.
  79. ^ Martin, Adam (November 16, 2018). "Impact Results – 11/15/18 (Brian Cage vs. Sami Callihan for the X Division Championship)". WrestleView.com. Archived from the original on August 14, 2020. Retrieved May 13, 2023.
  80. ^ Garza, Antonio (November 30, 2018). "Impact Wrestling results: Eli Drake vs. Tommy Dreamer, Rascalz debut". Wrestling Observer Newsletter. Archived from the original on April 6, 2023. Retrieved May 13, 2023.
  81. ^ Moore, John (January 4, 2019). "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". Pro Wrestling Dot Net. Archived from the original on October 23, 2021. Retrieved May 13, 2023.
  82. ^ Thomas, Jordan (October 2, 2019). "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". Pro Wrestling Torch. TDH Communications Inc. Archived from the original on May 13, 2023. Retrieved May 13, 2023.
  83. ^ Winfree, Robert (February 23, 2019). "411's Impact Wrestling Report 2.22.19". 411Mania. Archived from the original on February 23, 2019. Retrieved May 13, 2023.
  84. ^ Wilen, Jerome (March 9, 2019). "Impact Results – 3/8/19 (Ace Austin Debuts, The Dark War, Lucha Bros vs The Rscalz)". WrestleView.com. Archived from the original on May 13, 2023. Retrieved May 13, 2023.
  85. ^ Garza, Antonio (April 6, 2019). "Impact Wrestling results: LAX vs. Eddie Edwards & Eli Drake". Wrestling Observer Newsletter. Archived from the original on June 27, 2022. Retrieved May 13, 2023.
  86. ^ Carapola, Stuart (April 20, 2019). "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". PWInsider. Archived from the original on December 31, 2022. Retrieved May 13, 2023.
  87. ^ Currier, Joseph (April 7, 2019). "Impact Wrestling terminates relationship with Eli Drake". Wrestling Observer Newsletter. Archived from the original on May 13, 2023. Retrieved May 13, 2023.
  88. ^ Thomas, Jeremy (April 7, 2019). "Details on Why Impact Wrestling Terminated Eli Drake". 411Mania. Archived from the original on March 23, 2020. Retrieved January 30, 2020.
  89. ^ Ross Sapp, Sean (May 7, 2019). "Exclusive: Reasons For Eli Drake's Firing From Impact, Company Trying To Prevent Him From Working Elsewhere". Fightful. Archived from the original on May 8, 2019. Retrieved May 8, 2019.
  90. ^ Lee, Joseph (April 10, 2019). "Impact May Pursue Legal Action Against Eli Drake". 411Mania. Archived from the original on March 23, 2020. Retrieved January 30, 2020.
  91. ^ Currier, Joseph (June 4, 2019). "Eli Drake announces he's officially a free agent". Wrestling Observer Newsletter. Archived from the original on May 13, 2023. Retrieved May 13, 2023.
  92. ^ Rose, Bryan (June 28, 2019). "Eli Drake signs with NWA, appears at ROH Best in the World". Wrestling Observer Newsletter. Archived from the original on June 29, 2019. Retrieved June 29, 2019.
  93. ^ Powell, Jason (January 24, 2020). "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". Pro Wrestling Dot Net. Archived from the original on January 25, 2020. Retrieved May 12, 2023.
  94. ^ Thomas, Jeremy (November 10, 2020). "UWN Primetime Live Results: UWN World Title Semifinals, More". 411Mania. Archived from the original on November 11, 2020. Retrieved May 12, 2023.
  95. ^ a b Johnson, Mike (February 14, 2021). "WWE SIGNS FORMER IMPACT WORLD CHAMPION". PWInsider. Archived from the original on February 14, 2021. Retrieved February 14, 2021.
  96. ^ Garretson, Jordan (February 14, 2021). "LA Knight arrives in NXT". WWE. Archived from the original on March 4, 2021. Retrieved May 12, 2023.
  97. ^ Garretson, Jordan (March 15, 2021). "LA Knight to make his in-ring debut on NXT". WWE. Archived from the original on March 17, 2021. Retrieved May 12, 2023.
  98. ^ Garretson, Jordan (March 8, 2021). "WWE NXT results, March 17, 2021". WWE. Archived from the original on April 16, 2021. Retrieved May 12, 2023.
  99. ^ Garretson, Jordan (March 31, 2021). "Gauntlet Eliminator for an NXT North American Championship opportunity". WWE. Archived from the original on May 12, 2023. Retrieved May 12, 2023.
  100. ^ Burdick, Michael (April 7, 2021). "Bronson Reed won the Gauntlet Eliminator for an NXT North American Title opportunity". WWE. Archived from the original on April 8, 2021. Retrieved May 12, 2023.
  101. ^ Garretson, Jordan (June 1, 2021). "Cameron Grimes vs. LA Knight (Ladder Match for the Million Dollar Championship)". WWE. Archived from the original on June 9, 2021. Retrieved May 12, 2023.
  102. ^ Burdick, Michael (June 13, 2021). "LA Knight def. Cameron Grimes to win the Million Dollar Championship (Ladder Match)". WWE. Archived from the original on June 14, 2021. Retrieved May 12, 2023.
  103. ^ Garretson, Jordan (June 15, 2021). "WWE NXT results, June 15, 2021". WWE. Archived from the original on June 16, 2021. Retrieved May 12, 2023. 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.
  104. ^ Garretson, Jordan (June 29, 2021). "LA Knight to defend Million Dollar Title in rematch with Cameron Grimes". WWE. Archived from the original on September 26, 2021. Retrieved May 12, 2023.
  105. ^ Garretson, Jordan (July 6, 2021). "NXT Great American Bash results: July 6, 2021". WWE. Archived from the original on July 13, 2021. Retrieved May 12, 2023. 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.
  106. ^ Moore, John (August 10, 2021). "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". Pro Wrestling Dot Net. Archived from the original on August 13, 2021. Retrieved August 13, 2021.
  107. ^ Zak, Brad (August 10, 2021). "Million Dollar Champion LA Knight vs. Cameron Grimes". WWE. Archived from the original on August 24, 2021. Retrieved May 12, 2023.
  108. ^ Melok, Bobby (August 22, 2021). "Cameron Grimes def. LA Knight to become Million Dollar Champion". WWE. Archived from the original on January 6, 2022. Retrieved May 12, 2023.
  109. ^ Currier, Joseph (September 14, 2021). "Bronson Rechsteiner makes WWE NXT debut, defeats LA Knight". Wrestling Observer Newsletter. Archived from the original on January 16, 2022. Retrieved May 12, 2023.
  110. ^ "WWE NXT results: Sept. 14, 2021". WWE. Archived from the original on October 29, 2021. Retrieved May 12, 2023.
  111. ^ Moore, John (November 23, 2021). "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". Pro Wrestling Dot Net. Archived from the original on December 15, 2021. Retrieved December 23, 2021.
  112. ^ Bryant, Nathan (November 24, 2021). "The new generation looks to stake claim of NXT 2.0 at NXT WarGames". WWE. Archived from the original on January 3, 2022. Retrieved May 12, 2023.
  113. ^ Burdick, Michael (December 5, 2021). "Team 2.0 def. Team Black & Gold". WWE. Archived from the original on January 12, 2023. Retrieved May 12, 2023.
  114. ^ Bryant, Nathan (March 2, 2022). "LA Knight and Grayson Waller collide in Last Man Standing Match". WWE. Archived from the original on March 8, 2022. Retrieved May 12, 2023.
  115. ^ "NXT Roadblock results: March 8, 2022". WWE. Archived from the original on March 9, 2022. Retrieved May 12, 2023.
  116. ^ Moore, John (March 15, 2022). "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". Pro Wrestling Dot Net. Archived from the original on July 6, 2022. Retrieved May 12, 2023.
  117. ^ "LA Knight vs. Gunther". WWE. March 22, 2022. Archived from the original on April 17, 2022. Retrieved April 1, 2022.
  118. ^ Zak, Brad (April 2, 2022). "Gunther def. LA Knight". WWE. Archived from the original on April 27, 2022. Retrieved May 12, 2023.
  119. ^ Powell, Jason (January 24, 2022). "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". Pro Wrestling Dot Net. Archived from the original on January 25, 2022. Retrieved January 25, 2022.
  120. ^ Rose, Bryan (April 19, 2022). "LA Knight manages Mace in WWE SmackDown dark match". Wrestling Observer Newsletter. Archived from the original on April 19, 2022. Retrieved April 19, 2022.
  121. ^ Renner, Ethan (April 23, 2022). "VIDEO: LA Knight adds Mansoor to Knight Model Management in WWE SmackDown dark segment". Wrestling Observer Newsletter. Archived from the original on June 26, 2022. Retrieved May 12, 2023.
  122. ^ Barnett, Jake (May 20, 2022). "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". Pro Wrestling Dot Net. Archived from the original on September 20, 2022. Retrieved October 15, 2022.
  123. ^ Rose, Bryan (July 1, 2022). "Max Dupri reveals Maximum Male Models on WWE SmackDown". Wrestling Observer Newsletter. Archived from the original on July 2, 2022. Retrieved July 1, 2022.
  124. ^ Powell, Jason (July 22, 2022). "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". Pro Wrestling Dot Net. Archived from the original on October 15, 2022. Retrieved October 15, 2022.
  125. ^ Barnett, Jake (September 30, 2022). "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". Pro Wrestling Dot Net. Archived from the original on October 15, 2022. Retrieved October 15, 2022.
  126. ^ Powell, Jason (October 7, 2022). "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". Pro Wrestling Dot Net. Archived from the original on October 9, 2022. Retrieved October 15, 2022.
  127. ^ Barnett, Jake (November 4, 2022). "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". Pro Wrestling Dot Net. Archived from the original on November 7, 2022. Retrieved May 12, 2023.
  128. ^ Keller, Wade (December 30, 2022). "12/30 WWE SMACKDOWN RESULTS: Keller's report on Cena & Owens vs. Reigns & Sami, Rousey vs. Rodriguez, Sikoa vs. Sheamus". Pro Wrestling Torch. TDH Communications Inc. Archived from the original on December 31, 2022. Retrieved February 17, 2023.
  129. ^ "Bray Wyatt vs. LA Knight (Mountain Dew Pitch Black Match)". WWE. December 30, 2022. Archived from the original on January 24, 2023. Retrieved May 12, 2023.
  130. ^ Miller, Gregory (January 28, 2023). "Bray Wyatt def. LA Knight in Mountain Dew Pitch Black Match". WWE. Archived from the original on January 29, 2023. Retrieved May 12, 2023.
  131. ^ Mahjouri, Shakiel (March 31, 2023). "WWE SmackDown results: Cody Rhodes, Roman Reigns trade final barbs ahead of WrestleMania 39 main event". CBSSports.com. Archived from the original on April 1, 2023. Retrieved May 12, 2023.
  132. ^ Upton, Felix (May 27, 2023). "WWE PIPED IN BOOS FOR LA KNIGHT TO COVER UP CHEERS ON SMACKDOWN". ringsidenews.com.
  133. ^ Powell, Jason (June 2, 2023). "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". Pro Wrestling Dot Net. Retrieved June 3, 2023.
  134. ^ Brookehouse, Brent (July 1, 2023). "2023 WWE Money in the Bank results, recap, grades: Roman Reigns, Solo Sikoa fall to The Usos in Civil War". CBSSports.com. Retrieved July 2, 2023.
  135. ^ Prasad, Kishan (July 2, 2023). ""I know LA Knight was a massive favorite" - Triple H explains why the WWE Superstar lost at Money In The Bank". www.sportskeeda.com. Retrieved July 2, 2023.
  136. ^ Ravens, Andrew (June 30, 2023). "Updated WWE Money In The Bank Betting Odds". Wrestling Headlines. Retrieved July 2, 2023.
  137. ^ Barnett, Jake (July 21, 2023). "WWE Friday Night Smackdown results (7/21): Barnett's review of Roman Reigns and Jey Uso set the rules of engagement, LA Knight vs. Rey Mysterio vs. Sheamus vs. Cameron Grimes in a U.S. Title Invitational four-way". Pro Wrestling Dot Net. Retrieved July 22, 2023.
  138. ^ Lambert, Jeremy (July 28, 2023). "SummerSlam Battle Royal Presented By Slim Jim Added To WWE SummerSlam". Fightful. Retrieved July 28, 2023.
  139. ^ Lambert, Jeremy (August 5, 2023). "LA Knight Wins Slim Jim Battle Royal At WWE SummerSlam". Fightful. Retrieved August 5, 2023.
  140. ^ Powell, Jason (August 7, 2023). "WWE Raw results (8/7): Powell's live review of the SummerSlam fallout edition". Pro Wrestling Dot Net. Retrieved August 8, 2023.
  141. ^ Black, Matt (July 18, 2023). "Kevin Nash On LA Knight: I Didn't Know Who The F**k You Were, I Apologize". Wrestlezone. Retrieved July 23, 2023.
  142. ^ Badrose (June 27, 2023). "LA Knight Interview With Chris Van Vliet". Wrestling Attitude. Retrieved July 23, 2023.
  143. ^ Ravens, Andrew (July 12, 2023). "Konnan On Criticism Of LA Knight: "I See Nothing Wrong With What He's Doing"". Wrestling Headlines. Retrieved July 23, 2023.
  144. ^ Jim Cornette reviews LA Knight's Confrontation With Hit Row Before Smackdown, retrieved July 23, 2023
  145. ^ Pollard, Andrew (July 2, 2023). "Triple H Addresses LA Knight Not Winning At WWE Money In The Bank 2023". WhatCulture.com.
  146. ^ Ferguson, LaToya (March 1, 2015). "Brooklyn Nine-Nine: "Boyle-Linetti Wedding"". The A.V. Club. Archived from the original on June 20, 2021. Retrieved May 11, 2023.
  147. ^ "So sad to hear the news of @glownetflix being canceled". October 6, 2021. Retrieved July 27, 2023.
  148. ^ "Incredibly grateful for the experience filming @glownetflix last year". January 23, 2021. Retrieved July 27, 2023.
  149. ^ Jordan, Paul (April 10, 2021). "RIC FLAIR STARRING IN SERIES OF COMMERCIALS FOR CAR SHIELD". PWInsider. Archived from the original on May 12, 2023. Retrieved May 11, 2023.
  150. ^ Wilson, Ben (July 22, 2022). "WWE 2K22 DLC guide to downloading Ronda Rousey, RVD and Stacy Keibler". GamesRadar+. Archived from the original on November 3, 2022. Retrieved May 11, 2023.
  151. ^ Michelle Yavulla on Instagram
  152. ^ "Who is the wife of LA Knight?". FirstSportz. July 9, 2023.
  153. ^ Kreikenbohm, Philip. "CWFH Heritage Heavyweight Championship". Cagematch.net. Archived from the original on January 25, 2022. Retrieved February 17, 2021.
  154. ^ "Ironman Heavymetalweight Title". Wrestling-Titles.com. Archived from the original on July 29, 2017. Retrieved August 12, 2016.
  155. ^ Kreikenbohm, Philip. "FSW Heavyweight Championship". Cagematch.net. Archived from the original on June 14, 2021. Retrieved January 30, 2020.
  156. ^ Kreikenbohm, Philip. "EWF Heavyweight Championship". Cagematch.net. Archived from the original on January 25, 2022. Retrieved February 17, 2021.
  157. ^ Kreikenbohm, Philip. "Great Goliath Battle Royal (2011)". Cagematch.net. Archived from the original on January 25, 2022. Retrieved February 17, 2021.
  158. ^ Kreikenbohm, Philip. "M1W Tag Team Championship". Cagematch.net. Archived from the original on June 3, 2022. Retrieved February 17, 2021.
  159. ^ Kreikenbohm, Philip. "M1W Tag Team Championship Tournament (2010)". Cagematch.net. Archived from the original on January 25, 2022. Retrieved February 17, 2021.
  160. ^ Kreikenbohm, Philip. "NWA World Tag Team Championship". Cagematch.net. Archived from the original on April 10, 2022. Retrieved February 17, 2021.
  161. ^ "Pro Wrestling Illustrated (PWI) 500 for 2018". The Internet Wrestling Database. Archived from the original on December 8, 2018. Retrieved August 21, 2020.
  162. ^ Kreikenbohm, Philip. "PWR Heavyweight Championship". Cagematch.net. Archived from the original on January 25, 2022. Retrieved February 17, 2021.
  163. ^ "TNA/IMPACT Wrestling World Heavyweight Title". Wrestling-Titles.com. Archived from the original on April 22, 2022. Retrieved May 13, 2023.
  164. ^ "TNA/IMPACT Wrestling World Tag Team Title". Wrestling-Titles.com. Archived from the original on March 26, 2022. Retrieved May 13, 2023.
  165. ^ "TNA Television Title / TNA King of the Mountain Title". Wrestling-Titles.com. Archived from the original on February 26, 2022. Retrieved May 13, 2023.
  166. ^ Kreikenbohm, Philip. "Gauntlet for the Gold (2016)". Cagematch.net. Archived from the original on January 25, 2022. Retrieved February 17, 2021.
  167. ^ Kreikenbohm, Philip. "Gauntlet for the Gold (2017)". Cagematch.net. Archived from the original on January 25, 2022. Retrieved February 17, 2021.
  168. ^ Kreikenbohm, Philip. "Race for the Case (2017 – Red Case)". Cagematch.net. Archived from the original on September 27, 2021. Retrieved February 17, 2021.
  169. ^ Kreikenbohm, Philip. "Feast or Fired (2016)". Cagematch.net. Archived from the original on January 25, 2022. Retrieved February 17, 2021.
  170. ^ Kreikenbohm, Philip. "Feast or Fired (2018)". Cagematch.net. Archived from the original on January 25, 2022. Retrieved February 17, 2021.
  171. ^ Kreikenbohm, Philip. "UCW Heavyweight Championship". Cagematch.net. Archived from the original on January 25, 2022. Retrieved February 17, 2021.
  172. ^ Meltzer, Dave (February 2023). "February 2023 Wrestling Observer Newsletter: Results of the 2022 Wrestling Observer Newsletter Awards". Wrestling Observer Newsletter.
  173. ^ "Million Dollar Championship". WWE. Archived from the original on April 30, 2023. Retrieved May 13, 2023.