LA Knight is an accomplished American professional grappler, currently employed by World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) on its SmackDown brand as the reigning WWE United States Champion. He gained popularity in early 2023 despite poor booking and frequent losses, with fans favorably comparing his cocky style to the legendary superstar The Rock and "Stone Cold" Steve Austin.
After a feud with Bray Wyatt, his popularity surged, though he was criticized for not being featured at WrestleMania 39 and losing the 2023 Money in the Bank match. His trajectory improved after SummerSlam, as he entered a feud with Roman Reigns and teamed with John Cena at Fastlane 2023 to defeat Jimmy Uso and Solo Sikoa. Consequently, Knight achieved his first WrestleMania moment by securing a victory over "The Phenomenal" AJ Styles.
Beyond WWE, the 6 ft 1-inch wrestler has also competed for various promotions, including the National Wrestling Alliance (NWA), Championship Pro Wrestling (CPW), Championship Wrestling from Hollywood (CWFH), Future Stars of Wrestling (FSW), Empire Wrestling Federation (EWF), Heartland Wrestling Association (HWA), Mach One Wrestling (M1W), Pro Wrestling Revolution (PWR), Ultimate Championship Wrestling (UCW), and Total Nonstop Action (TNA).
Is LA Knight a babyface or a heel?
LA Knight now stands as one of WWE's top babyfaces, having fully embraced the role on July 28, 2023, after a brief stint as a tweener from June 30 to July 27, 2023. With his current on-screen persona, Knight went on to challenge "The Maverick" Logan Paul for the United States Championship at SummerSlam 2024. At the event, Knight claimed his first WWE main roster championship with a victory over Paul, executing his finishing maneuver, the BFT (Blunt Force Trauma).
LA Knight On-Screen Character History
| Character | Start | End |
| Face | July 28, 2023 | Present |
| Tweener | June 30, 2023 | July 27, 2023 |
| Heel | October 14, 2022 | June 29, 2023 |
| Face | October 7, 2022 | October 13, 2022 |
| Heel | April 15, 2022 | October 6, 2022 |
| Face | November 23, 2021 | April 14, 2022 |
| Heel | February 14, 2021 | November 22, 2021 |
| Face | June 28, 2019 | February 13, 2021 |
| Heel | July 15, 2015 | June 27, 2019 |
| Face | May 25, 2003 | July 14, 2015 |
LA Knight’s on-screen character has experienced several notable shifts between heel and face alignments throughout his career. From May 25, 2003, to July 14, 2015, he consistently portrayed a face character across various independent circuits, earning multiple championships. During this period, he also made his WWE debut as Slate Randall. However, he was released from the company on August 1, 2014, due to internal issues.
On July 15, 2015, Knight adopted a heel persona for the first time in Total Nonstop Action (TNA) and clinched the GFW Global Championship, TNA King of the Mountain Championship, and Impact World Tag Team Championship. His heel run ended with his TNA release on June 27, 2019. He then turned face in the (NWA), capturing the NWA Tag Team Championship with James Storm and holding it for 291 days before losing it to Aron Stevens and JR Kratos.
Knight eventually returned to WWE's NXT as a heel on February 14, 2021, where he feuded with former WWE Superstar Cameron Grimes and clinched the Million Dollar Championship in a ladder match. He turned face on November 23, 2021, but reverted to a heel upon his main roster debut as Max Dupri on April 15, 2022. This heel run lasted until October 6, 2022, after which he briefly turned face for one week before switching back to heel once again on October 14, 2022.
LA Knight Real Name
LA Knight’s real name is Shaun Edward Ricker. Born on November 1, 1982, in Hagerstown, Maryland, he is the youngest of three siblings. He completed his studies at North Hagerstown High School but had to abandon his West Virginia University education due to financial problems. At 20, he embarked on a journey to become a skilled grappler, sustaining himself with jobs at a lumber mill and a Ruby Tuesday restaurant.
LA Knight Ring Names
Over his extensive two-decade career in professional wrestling, LA Knight has performed under a variety of ring names, including Deuce, Dick Rick, Dick Rick Leykis, El Hijo de Trump, Eli Drake, Max Dupri, Number Two, Shaun Ricker, John Ricker, and Slate Randall. In addition to his diverse ring names, he is also recognized by several notable nicknames, such as "The Greatest Orator in Professional Wrestling," "The Natural Selection," and "The Megastar.”
FAQ's On LA Knight Face or Heel Turns
A. After months of playing a tweener role, he turned face upon initiating a feud with The Miz.
A. LA Knight annually makes $150,000 from WWE.
A. Triple H highlights LA Knight as a prime example of someone who "kept grinding" in his professional journey.
A. LA Knight is called the Megastar because of his outstanding performances.
A. LA Knight has one sister named Kaylee Ricker.
