LA Knight, born Shaun Ricker, has become one of WWE’s most popular Superstars on the main roster, showing audiences his charisma, mic skills, and undeniable presence over the past couple of years. From his early days on the independent circuit to his current status on WWE’s SmackDown roster, Knight has carved out an interesting career for himself.
Field
Details
Full Name
Shaun Edward Ricker
Ring Name
LA Knight
Nicknames
The Megastar, The Self-High-Five, The Namer of Dummies
Date of Birth
November 1, 1982
Hometown
Hagerstown, Maryland, USA
Height
6’1″ (185 cm)
Weight
240 lbs (109 kg)
Nationality
American
Billed From
Los Angeles, California
Trainer
Cody Hawk
Debut
February 15, 2003
LA Knight Age
Born on November 1, 1982, in Hagerstown, Maryland, LA Knight is 42 years old as of May 2025. He began his wrestling career in 2003, steadily climbing the ranks through various promotions before making a significant impact in WWE.
LA Knight Movies and TV Shows
Beyond wrestling, LA Knight has shown his versatility through appearances in television and film. In 2013, he participated in the reality competition show The Hero, hosted by Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, where he competed in various challenges. He also made a cameo as bodybuilder Mario in a 2015 episode of the sitcom Brooklyn Nine-Nine. Additionally, Knight has contributed to the WWE 2K video game series, providing motion capture for several characters.
Is LA Knight married? Who is his wife?
LA Knight is in a long-term relationship with fitness model Michelle Yavulla. The couple has been together since 2018, often sharing glimpses of their life on social media. Despite public speculation, Knight has clarified that they are not married.
LA Knight Height
LA Knight stands at 6 feet 1 inch (185 cm) tall and weighs approximately 240 pounds (109 kg).
Real Name
LA Knight’s real name is Shaun Edward Ricker. Throughout his career, he has performed under various ring names, including Eli Drake, Max Dupri, and Slate Randall.
Early Life & Background
Shaun Ricker was born in Hagerstown, Maryland, and developed an early passion for professional wrestling. He began training under Cody Hawk and debuted in 2003. Ricker gained prominence on the independent circuit under the ring name Eli Drake, showcasing his charisma and mic skills. His journey took him through various promotions, including Impact Wrestling and the National Wrestling Alliance (NWA), before signing with WWE.
Wrestling Career
Debut Information
Type
Date
Pro Wrestling Debut
February 15, 2003
WWE NXT Debut
February 14, 2021
WWE Main Roster
2022
Championships & Achievements
Championship/Title
Number of Reigns
WWE United States Championship
2
Million Dollar Championship (WWE/NXT)
1
Impact World Championship
1
TNA King of the Mountain Championship
1
Impact World Tag Team Championship
1 (with Scott Steiner)
NWA World Tag Team Championship
1 (with James Storm)
Promotions Worked With
Promotion
Years Active
WWE (NXT and Main Roster)
2021–present
Impact Wrestling (TNA)
2015–2019
National Wrestling Alliance
2019–2021
Championship Wrestling from Hollywood
2010–2013
Various Independent Promotions
2003–2010
Wrestling Style & Moves
Category
Moves
Wrestling Style
Charismatic powerhouse with strong promo skills and brawling offense
Signature Moves
Leaping Elbow Drop, Neckbreaker, Skylord Slam (Front Powerslam), DDT, Superplex
Finishing Moves
BFT (Blunt Force Trauma), Gravy Train (Sit-out Powerslam)
Entrance Theme
Theme Name
Artist
“Yeah!”
WWE Music Group
Notable Rivalries
Opponent
Rivalry Highlights
Cameron Grimes
Feud over the Million Dollar Championship in NXT
Bray Wyatt
High-profile feud leading up to the 2023 Royal Rumble
The Miz
Series of matches showcasing mic battles and in-ring competition
2× WWE United States Champion, 1× Million Dollar Champion, 1× Impact World Champion, 1× TNA King of the Mountain Champion, 1× Impact World Tag Team Champion, 1× NWA World Tag Team Champion
WWE Debut
2021 (NXT), 2022 (Main Roster)
Promotions Worked
WWE, Impact Wrestling, NWA, Championship Wrestling from Hollywood, Various Independent Promotions
