COVID-19 now seems like a distant memory, but many companies still have to play it safe when it comes to the impact that virus can have on their workforce. That's the case in both Hollywood and professional wrestling, and is the reason LA Knight missed Friday's SmackDown.
According to Fightful Select, Knight is said to have tested positive for the virus shortly before the show went on the air and was forced to leave the building, as a result.
This was particularly bad timing as Knight had been slotted in for a huge main event segment.
As we're sure you'll recall, SmackDown ended with John Cena's tag team partner at Fastlane, AJ Styles, being taken out by Solo Sikoa and Jimmy Uso. As a result, the leader of the Cenation no longer has someone to ally himself with to take on two-thirds of The Bloodline at the upcoming PLE.
The idea was for Knight to make the save by taking out Sikoa and Uso, with a storyline injury for Styles paving the way for the red-hot babyface to then take his place. Needless to say, being inserted into The Bloodline drama and tagging with Cena would further cement Knight as a top star in WWE.
We're also learning that WWE wanted Knight to compete in a dark match once cameras stopped rolling, so it's a shame he was sidelined in this manner. With any luck, he can now recover quickly and take his place by Cena's side at Fastlane.
Having Knight eventually challenge Roman Reigns for the Undisputed WWE Universal Championship would also help secure his place at the top of the card on a regular basis, even if it's likely in a losing effort. Either way, this suggests WWE has faith in him as a huge star in the company moving forward.
Check out some highlights from SmackDown below:
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