MAJOR LA KNIGHT SMACKDOWN PLANS PULLED DUE TO COVID-19

There was a major change for last night’s SmackDown which saw a planned segment for LA Knight pulled from the show.

With the initially reported show run sheet noting that there would be a contract signing segment in the main event, it was going to involve a surprise from LA Knight to aid John Cena as he was attacked by Solo Sikoa and Jimmy Uso of the Bloodline.

However, on television when the Bloodline just really beat up John Cena, ending the episode standing tall, rather than any assist from anyone else on the roster, clarification came swiftly thereafter.

Clarifying that the change in plans was reportedly not due to Vince McMahon after the show went off the air, Sean Ross Sapp of Fightful tweeted:

“Originally, LA Knight was listed as being involved in tonight’s contract signing. Knight was listed as a surprise to help John Cena.

“He was also internally listed as teaming with Cena in a dark match following the show.

“We’re told this was not a Vince McMahon change, it was medical related”

Sean Sapp then expanded on a livestream, saying:

“He (Knight) tested positive for COVID right before the show. I mean like, right before the show. And unfortunately had to leave the building.”

Originally announced was a contract signing segment for a John Cena and AJ Styles vs Jimmy Uso and Solo Sikoa match at Fastlane.

However, the Bloodline attacked AJ Styles backstage, which meant he was taken out in an ambulance, which likely would have paved the way for LA Knight to come out as his replacement.

Instead of John Cena teaming with LA Knight as planned, the dark match for the crowd after the taping went off the air was John Cena taking on Montez Ford in a singles match.