Roman Reigns’ arch rival breaks silence after winning ESPN’s Breakthrough Wrestler of the Year award

The ESPN awards for Breakthrough Star are evident of LA Knight's rise to fame in 2023.


Roman Reigns’ arch rival breaks silence after winning ESPN’s Breakthrough Wrestler of the Year award

LA Knight vs. Roman Reigns (via WWE)

The title of fastest-rising star in SmackDown history was bestowed upon LA Knight. The meteoric rise of the Megastar in 2023 made him WWE’s biggest draw. Considering his merchandise sales and the heavy pops he got throughout the world, Knight was the discovery of this year, which even gave him the title shot against Roman Reigns. To honor the same, ESPN has awarded The Defiant One as the Breakthrough Wrestler of the Year.

Knight was appreciative of the respect and posted a picture of that article on his Instagram. But his caption, though, took an arrogant turn, stating that there was no competition in that scenario. He added the fact that nobody could do his work better than him, and knows how to be a Megastar. The description in the article lauded Knight for his simple yet charismatic presence.

YouTube video

ESPN stated Knight to be a normal guy until he gets a microphone to attract the box office. LA was at the right time in the right place, as his skills were showcased in what is called the hottest period of WWE. Ever since he was a fan-favorite star entering the Money in the Bank ladder match, WWE Universe has not let go of the 41-year-old superstar.

FS Video
Because I’ve given you no other choice. Nobody does it better.
LA Knight about his Breakthrough Wrestler of 2023 honor

Other WWE individuals who received ESPN’s honors were both Royal Rumble 2023 winners. Cody Rhodes, who owned the year with the most matches and highest winning record, was the male wrestler of the year. While the World Women’s Champion Rhea Ripley displayed her dominance throughout the year with no singles losses, she was the female wrestler of 2023.

AEW raises the stakes with WWE as they receive three honors from ESPN

All Elite Wrestling has been leveling up in their fierce rivalry with WWE. Even after WWE showed their dominance over the entire professional wrestling world this year, AEW swept away some honors from them. ESPN’s wrestling awards saw AEW World Champion MJF as the promo artist of 2023.

MJF, FTR, and Kenny Omega vs. Will Ospreay
MJF, FTR, and Kenny Omega vs. Will Ospreay (via AEW and SESCoops)

Maxwell has had a note-worthy title reign that continued throughout this year. Not only were his matches incredible, but his mic skills were something that hooked the fans. Next up was FTR, who got the ‘Tag Team of the Year’ award due to their consistency when the rest of the division was not up to the mark.

Last but not least was the ‘Match of the Year’ which was a tie and yet had a single winner. The two bouts between Will Ospreay and Kenny Omega over the years were honored due to their breath-taking nature. The first one opened the year at Wrestle Kingdom 17 and the next in the mid-year AEW x NJPW: Forbidden Door.

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