WWE Star Had “Residual Heat” On Return To Company

A WWE Superstar has said that he had “residual heat” when he returned to the company after his original exit back in 2014.

LA Knight returned to WWE in early 2021 after previously being part of the developmental system in the company between 2013 and 2014. Knight found success in TNA and the NWA during his absence and when he rejoined as part of the NXT brand, the good times continued as he proved to be a popular character.

Things changed somewhat when he debuted as Max Dupri on WWE’s main roster under the direction of Vince McMahon. Dupri was the manager of the Maximum Male Models but when McMahon left the company, Dupri eventually did as well, with the star returning to his LA Knight character.

Speaking to Sports Illustrated, LA Knight explained that when he returned to WWE there were still some issues lingering from his first spell in the company where he had a very fractious relationship with former NXT trainer and WCW star, Bill DeMott:

“When I came back [to WWE in 2021], there was residual heat from my first time around. There was a little bit of headbutting between me and the former head coach back then. It’s a new head coach [Matt Bloom] in place, but there was still the question of whether I could be a team player. I never saw myself as trouble, but I am a very proud guy, so I do speak up.”

“That’s kept me very authentic to myself, but it’s also made my path take a lot longer. I always knew I had something to offer. And to be quite honest, I don’t have a backup. Persevering and being better were the only choices I had. There is still no choice for me but to keep going and make this work… Maybe I wasn’t quite for this ride back then. But I am damn sure ready now.”

LA Knight might not want heat but he’ll be hoping for some kind of light when he goes one-on-one with Bray Wyatt in a Mountain Dew Pitch Black match at the Royal Rumble.