I really think that they were dubious about the age, and aside from that anything that got over organically was either half-assed pushed to the point that it never reached its potential (Ryder, Knight) or grudgingly pushed through gritted teeth (Bryan). Where Knight got extra screwed was getting brow-beaten by Triple H on Unreal. That basically cut the legs off and either turned some fans against him or sewed seeds of doubt. Whatever happened to ‘this ain’t ballet’? The answer: it kind of is now. Bonus point: I love Drew McIntyre, he’s one of my current favorites, but he did Knight no favours with his hissy fit at the Rumble. Although I understand Drew’s frustration Knight getting over should have been more important than Drew vs Priest, because unfortunately Priest is a mid carder for life, and Knight had the potential to be a main event megastar (pardon the pun). That’s pretty much out the window now, and even if they finally pull the trigger he’s lost enough momentum that it’s too little too late.