In a supriseing twist of events, WWE Superstar LA Knight may be replaced by 40-year-old sensation Santos Escobar as the next challenger to Shinsuke Nakamura and the coveted United States Championship. This pivotal move could have a profound impact on the blue brand, as Escobar’s ascension to the top could boost Nakamura’s status as the current titleholder.
LA Knight, the former United States Champion, has been embroiled in a storyline revolving around the US Title for months, since his successful defense against Logan Paul at SummerSlam 2024. However, his reign came to an abrupt end when he lost the title to Nakamura at the recent Survivor Series: WarGames Premium Live Event. Since then, Knight has been trying to get back into the title picture, but recent events may have foiled his plans.
In a recent episode of SmackDown, Knight confronted Nakamura once again, only to be interrupted by Andrade, who expressed his desire to take on the King of Strong Style. The two were subsequently attacked by Solo Sikoa and his Bloodline members, Jacob Fatu and Tama Tonga. This development has led some to speculate that Knight and Andrade may be booked in a storyline against The Bloodline, specifically against Tama Tonga and Jacob Fatu.
Meanwhile, Santos Escobar, the leader of Legado del Fantasma, could be positioned as Nakamura’s next challenger for the United States Championship. Escobar, who has been absent from the title picture since WrestleMania 40, could make a bold statement by attacking Nakamura and staking a claim for the belt. This booking would be a shrewd move by WWE, as it would allow Escobar to further boost Nakamura’s status as the current champion.
Furthermore, Shinsuke Nakamura is expected to retain the US Title for an extended period, as he seems to be enjoying a resurgence in popularity on the roster. Nakamura’s return to SmackDown in November marked the end of a near-seven-month hiatus, during which he competed in some dark matches. His current booking suggests that he is set to be a key player in the coming months.
