WWE Changes Name of NXT Talent EK Prosper, Formerly Eli Knight

The name change is believed to be due to similarities with another wrestler's previous ring name.

Apr. 4, 2026 at 1:07am

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Former WWE EVOLVE star Eli Knight, who recently joined the WWE NXT brand, has had his name changed to EK Prosper. According to reports, the name change is due to the similarity between 'Eli Knight' and 'LA Knight', the latter of whom also went by 'Eli Drake' in TNA. Prosper has been featured in recent NXT storylines, including the recent NXT Speed Championship tournament.

Why it matters

Name changes are common in WWE as the company seeks to establish unique identities for its talent. This particular change appears to be an effort to avoid potential confusion with another wrestler's previous ring name.

The details

Prosper, whose real name is Eli Knight, wrestled multiple matches under his real name on NXT, including involvement in the recent NXT Speed tournament. However, WWE filed for the trademark on 'EK Prosper' earlier this week, leading to the official name change. Prosper will be making his first appearance at the upcoming NXT Stand & Deliver premium live event, competing in a 10-person mixed tag team match.

  • Prosper's first match on NXT came in December 2025, when he lost a Speed Championship number one contender's match to Tavion Heights.
  • WWE filed for the 'EK Prosper' trademark earlier this week, leading to the name change.
  • Prosper will be competing at the NXT Stand & Deliver event on April 4, 2026 in St. Louis, Missouri.

The players

EK Prosper

Formerly known as Eli Knight, he is a wrestler currently signed to WWE's NXT brand.

LA Knight

A wrestler who previously went by the name 'Eli Drake' in TNA, whose similar name to Eli Knight is believed to be the reason for the name change.

Tavion Heights

An NXT wrestler who defeated Prosper in a Speed Championship number one contender's match in December 2025.

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What they’re saying

“The belief internally for the name change is because 'Eli Knight' is too similar to 'LA Knight,' who also went by Eli Drake in TNA.”

— WrestleVotes Radio, Fightful Select

What’s next

Prosper will be competing in a 10-person mixed tag team match on the NXT Stand & Deliver pre-show on April 4, 2026.

The takeaway

This name change for EK Prosper is a common practice in WWE as the company seeks to establish unique identities for its talent. The similarity between 'Eli Knight' and 'LA Knight' (formerly 'Eli Drake') appears to be the driving factor behind this particular change, as WWE looks to avoid potential audience confusion.