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In a recent episode of Sportskeeda Wrestling's SmackTalk, wrestling veteran Dutch Mantell suggested that WWE seems to be gearing up to give Cedric Alexander a significant promotional push similar to that of LA Knight. Alexander, a former member of the Hurt Business faction, made a surprise appearance on this week's SmackDown, setting up an unexpected showdown with newcomer Dragon Lee.
Though Alexander ultimately lost the match to Lee's inverted DDT, Mantell believes this outing was more of a litmus test for fan engagement rather than a definitive outcome for the former NXT Cruiserweight Champion. "Cedric Alexander's appearance on SmackDown and his challenge to Dragon Lee appears to be WWE's way of gauging his rapport with the audience.
While he may not attain the level of stardom that LA Knight has, he could very well strike a chord with fans and secure a notable position on the SmackDown roster," Mantell commented during the SmackTalk segment.
LA Knight's Bold Move
It's worth noting that LA Knight himself had an eventful evening on the same episode of SmackDown.
Engaging in a contract signing with Universal Champion Roman Reigns, Knight was interrupted by Jimmy Uso. However, the so-called Megastar was quick to retaliate, putting Uso through a table before later defeating him in a singles match.
Reigns attempted an assault but was met with a Blunt Force Trauma finisher, signifying Knight's standing as a serious contender for the title at the upcoming Crown Jewel 2023 event. As for Cedric Alexander, Mantell cautioned that while he might not be destined for the main event spotlight, his renewed focus and push could see him finding a more prominent role within WWE.
"The objective here is to put Cedric out in front and see how he resonates with fans, much like how LA Knight's push was orchestrated. He may not reach main event status, but if the crowd takes to him, there’s a good chance he will climb the ranks," added Mantell.
For more details, you can watch the full SmackTalk episode here, and you can catch the complete results of this week's SmackDown here. Stay tuned for what promises to be a transformative period for both LA Knight and Cedric Alexander as they navigate the ever-changing landscape of WWE.