Unfortunate update on major WWE champion ahead of SmackDown - Reports

The November 8, 2024, episode of WWE SmackDown, airing live from the KeyBank Center in Buffalo, New York, will feature several top stars following their appearances at the Crown Jewel Premium Live Event. However, a recent report indicates that a major champion will be absent from this week's show.

LA Knight put his United States Championship on the line against Carmelo Hayes and Andrade in a high-stakes Triple Threat Match at the recent premium live event in Saudi Arabia. The match was filled with intense action and suspenseful moments that had fans on the edge of their seats.

Despite the stiff competition, The Megastar emerged victorious, successfully retaining his US Title. However, there's unfortunate news regarding the 42-year-old star's appearance on the upcoming Friday night show.

According to Sportskeeda Wrestling's Chris Featherstone on X (fkaTwitter), LA Knight is likely to remain absent from tonight's SmackDown due to being banged up during his recent match at Crown Jewel.

"LA Knight is currently expected to miss WWE SmackDown tonight (11/8) due to being banged up from Crown Jewel. (EXCLUSIVE)."

Check out the post below:

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Veteran praises LA Knight's match-up at WWE Crown Jewel

As mentioned earlier, The Megastar defeated El Idolo and Hayes to retain the United States Title. Hall of Famer journalist Bill Apter shared his two cents on the Triple Threat Championship Match at the PLE in Saudi Arabia.

Sportskeeda Wrestling's Senior Editor Bill Apter lauded the high-energy match of LA Knight vs. Carmelo Hayes vs. Andrade. The veteran believes WWE isn't prepared to shift the US Championship away from The Megastar.

"Nothing negative about this match. Off the charts energy, as the broadcasters said several times. Lots of high-flying action with LA Knight retaining in an 'This is awesome!' chant match. Andrade and Hayes did an excellent job, but WWE is not ready to take the U.S. honors from the hugely popular LA Knight yet," Apter said.

Fans will have to wait and see when Knight might potentially return to Friday Night SmackDown.