LA Knight drew major attention on 1 Jul 2026 when WWE legend Teddy Long praised him on the *Road Trip After Hours* podcast, just hours after Knight lost to Jimmy Uso on Monday night’s RAW. The endorsement, coupled with AJ Styles’ call for a title shot, has put Knight squarely in the conversation for a future heavyweight championship.
What happened on RAW?
On 1 Jul 2026, Jimmy Uso defeated former United States Champion LA Knight on RAW, with Jey Uso interfering and Solo Sikoa creating a distraction. After the match, Knight retaliated by delivering a BFT to Jey Uso, a move that underscored his willingness to fight back despite the loss. The bout was part of Knight’s ongoing rivalry with The Bloodline, a storyline that has intensified over the past few weeks.
Why Teddy Long’s praise matters
Teddy Long, a former WWE executive and on‑air personality, appeared on the *Road Trip After Hours* podcast with host Mac Davis and called Knight “The Megastar.” Long admitted Knight isn’t the best in‑ring performer but emphasized his entertainment value and potential. “I always told you I love LA Knight. He’s got something,” Long said, adding that the veteran isn’t sure what’s holding Knight back in the company. Such a commendation from a respected figure adds legitimacy to Knight’s push and may influence booking decisions.
AJ Styles backs a heavyweight run
Later in the week, wrestling veteran AJ Styles voiced his support on the *Phenomenally Retro* podcast. Styles praised Knight’s mic work and argued he deserves a heavyweight championship opportunity. “I do hope he gets to be a world champion. He’s got the mouth to back it up,” Styles declared. The endorsement from a multiple‑time world champion amplifies the narrative that Knight is ready for a bigger stage.
How this could affect Knight’s future
Knight’s recent loss, combined with high‑profile endorsements, creates a paradoxical storyline: a wrestler who can’t win a match but is being positioned for a title run. The upcoming King of the Ring finals saw Jey Uso fall to Oba Femi, who now faces Brock Lesnar in a Hell in a Cell at Summer Slam. If the winner is slated for a championship match, Knight could be inserted as a surprise challenger, especially with Long and Styles publicly urging management to give him a shot.
What’s next for LA Knight?
Fans can expect Knight to appear on the next RAW episode, likely continuing his feud with The Bloodline. With the Summer Slam card shaping up, speculation is high that Knight might receive a surprise title opportunity, either in a multi‑person match or as a replacement if an injury occurs. The combination of veteran praise and a recent high‑profile loss sets the stage for a dramatic push that could see Knight finally holding a heavyweight belt.
Why this matters for WWE’s landscape
Knight’s growing popularity, fueled by his charisma and now veteran endorsements, offers WWE a fresh face to lead the next generation. If the company follows through, Knight could become the first major champion who rose from a series of losses, adding a compelling underdog narrative to the brand’s storytelling.
The next few weeks will reveal whether Knight’s “Megastar” label translates into championship gold or remains a buzz‑worthy talking point.