WWE Chairman Vince McMahon wanted to make LA Knight the manager of the ill-fated Maximum Male Models, renaming him Max Dupri. Thankfully, Triple H scrapped the idea and Knight has since become something of a sensation.
As is often the case with these things, it's hard to pinpoint when exactly his connection with fans began taking on a life of its own. However, Knight is now one of WWE's most popular Superstars, receiving the loudest reactions and pops even main event talents aren't receiving on a weekly basis.
Fans have made it clear they want to see Knight receive a push, though it's not like this would be the first time WWE has rejected what they want.
Still, it's a new era with The Game in charge and it sounds like there are finally some big plans being put in place for Knight (who has not only gone viral for his past acting roles in recent weeks but is also one of WWE's top merchandise sellers).
According to the inside Twitter account @BoozerRasslin, the current idea is for Knight's push to begin after SummerSlam on August 5. We don't have any details beyond that, but his match on tonight's SmackDown could be telling.
There, he'll face Sheamus, Cameron Grimes, and Rey Mysterio in a Fatal 4-Way match which will see the winner face Santso Escobar on the July 28 SmackDown. The victor will then challenge Austin Theory for his United States Championship, presumably at the PLE.
How better to make Knight a red-hot babyface than by having him dethrone one of WWE's most hated heels? Only time will tell whether it happens, but it's clear Knight is a major draw for the company and they need to capitalise on that.
After all, he's even stealing the show before SmackDown begins...