Google News 
L.A. Knight, previously known as Eli Drake, has steadily become a fan-favorite in the WWE Universe. Despite his burgeoning popularity within WWE, Knight's career spans far beyond his current tenure. A veteran of the wrestling circuit, Knight has honed his craft in diverse arenas such as Impact Wrestling and NWA.
During an interview on "Busted Open," All Elite Wrestling (AEW) star and NWA alumnus Thunder Rosa spoke highly of Knight's journey and success in WWE. Rosa recalled a recent interview with Knight, revealing his ten-year struggle with financial insecurity due to his unwavering dedication to wrestling.
She expressed her admiration and joy in witnessing Knight's perseverance bear fruit as he competed in the high-profile WWE event, Money in the Bank. "LA Knight's journey truly personifies grit and determination," Rosa said, recalling their time together in NWA.
"His kindness, intelligence, and charisma were palpable then, and I'm overjoyed to see him performing on such a monumental platform now."
Knight's Notable Money in the Bank Performance
Rosa referred to the men's Money in the Bank match, where Knight was a crowd favorite.
Ultimately, the victory was claimed by Damian Priest, but Knight's performance left a significant impression on fans and fellow wrestlers alike. LA Knight's meteoric rise to prominence in WWE has been generally well-received, earning him widespread acclaim.
While some critics have noted similarities between his persona and those of iconic wrestlers like The Rock and "Stone Cold" Steve Austin, Rosa downplayed these criticisms. She emphasized that Knight should not be defined by these parallels but celebrated for realizing his dreams after years of perseverance.
"Regardless of any criticisms, the fact remains that LA Knight is living his dream," Rosa stated passionately. "He's worked tirelessly for it, and that's incredible to witness." Rosa then compared Knight's journey and John Cena's rise to stardom.
"John Cena once said his initial WWE paycheck was just 12,000 dollars. Despite the hardships, he remained devoted to professional wrestling, and today, he is one of the most revered superstars worldwide." Indeed, these stories serve as a testament to the indomitable spirit of wrestling, where commitment and tenacity are just as important as talent and charisma.
Knight's and Cena's journeys inspire aspiring wrestlers worldwide, reminding them that dreams can come true with relentless pursuit and unwavering dedication.