3 reasons why LA Knight should not have an open challenge for the next title contender on SmackDown
LA Knight is the reigning United States Champion. The Megastar won the championship at SummerSlam 2024 by defeating Logan Paul in The Maverick's hometown.
Knight has been a fighting champion, willing to issue open challenges to any star in the locker room. Ludwig Kaiser stepped up in Berlin last month but failed to dethrone the champion.
While US open challenges are usually enjoyable additions, several reasons show they are not ideal for LA Knight on SmackDown.
#3. Regular open challenges will remove the surprise element
The primary objectives of open challengers are getting the champion over and giving title opportunities to under-utilized stars. Unfortunately, in the presence of limited credible talent, such endeavors risk losing their element of surprise and becoming redundant.
If Knight regularly does US Title open challenges, Triple H will struggle to find credible opponents. With no serious contenders, fans might lose interest in the champion.
For example, if someone like Giovanni Vinci, currently struggling for momentum, challenges Knight, few would take him seriously.
#2. SmackDown has so much going on, and LA Knight's open challenge might get lost in the shuffle
Roman Reigns and Cody Rhodes' brokered alliance against The Bloodline 2.0 is the primary selling point of SmackDown these days. In addition, The American Nightmare's friendship has also received attention.
Furthermore, the WWE Women's Championship scene is a mess with prominent names like Tiffany Stratton and Bayley taking center stage. Therefore, Hunter has much to address on SmackDown in two hours.
If WWE squeezes a US Title open challenge somewhere in between, there is a danger of the segment getting lost in the shuffle, which spells trouble for the credibility of the championship.
#1. Knight needs a legitimate competitor with a plausible storyline
Over on RAW, Jey Uso, riding on a wave of momentum and emotion, dethroned Bron Breakker to become the Intercontinental Champion. Since it involved Jey and the program had a background story, the WWE Universe was interested.
Triple H should do the same with the US Championship, and give LA Knight a credible opponent with a legitimate storyline. Logan Paul returning for a rematch doesn't sound like a bad idea as there is plenty of history between the two rivals.
A returning AJ Styles could also give Knight a run for his money, especially if one considers their mutual disdain and the limited time The Phenomenal One has left in the ring.