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What Do People See in Damian Priest? (Because I Still Don’t See It.)

Writer's picture: Scott BarrattScott Barratt

Alright, here we go again. Another year, another push for Damian Priest—and I still don’t get it.

Now, I’ll be fair. Over the past year, WWE has done everything in its power to establish Priest as a main eventer. He’s held Money in the Bank, cashed in at WrestleMania, had a run as World Heavyweight Champion, and even been at the center of the Judgment Day drama.

But even after all of that, I still don’t see him as the guy.

Why?

Because while WWE keeps throwing opportunities his way, nothing Priest does ever feels truly special.


The Judgment Day Fallout: The Most Interesting Thing About Him… Wasn’t Him

The biggest shift in Priest’s career happened when Judgment Day turned on him.


Finn Bálor kicked him out of the faction after SummerSlam, siding with Dominik Mysterio, JD McDonagh, Carlito, and Liv Morgan to form a new Judgment Day. Ripley—who had also been betrayed... came to Priest’s aid, and the two formed a unit known as The Terror Twins.


For the first time in a long time, Priest was completely on his own. No faction backing him up, no briefcase to rely on. If he was going to prove he was a top star, this was his chance.


And… well, did he?

  • He defeated Bálor at Bad Blood, despite outside interference.

  • He became #1 contender for the World Heavyweight Championship in a fatal four-way match.

  • He failed to win the title from Gunther at Survivor Series after Bálor interfered.

  • He lost again in a triple-threat rematch at Saturday Night’s Main Event.

  • He finally ended his feud with Bálor in a street fight, despite more interference.

  • Then, he got moved to SmackDown, where he beat Carmelo Hayes in his debut match.

  • He entered the 2025 Royal Rumble at #28, eliminated Mysterio and Drew McIntyre, but was tossed out by LA Knight.


So, let’s break this down: what’s the biggest takeaway from Priest’s last six months?


That Judgment Day was more interesting than him.


Seriously. The biggest reaction Priest has gotten in a year came when he was betrayed. Not because of what he did, but because of what was done to him. The more dramatic stories were happening around him—Bálor turning heel, Ripley being betrayed, the faction falling apart.


And Priest? He just became the guy who was trying to prove himself, again.


Another World Title Run? No Thanks.


Since moving to SmackDown, WWE has positioned Priest as a potential top guy on the blue brand. But let’s be honest—does anyone really want to see him back in the world title picture?


His first reign lasted 118 days, and outside of a couple of decent defenses, it was completely forgettable.

  • He never felt like the champion of Raw.

  • His promos didn’t improve.

  • His in-ring work was fine, but never must-see.

  • And the moment he lost the title, it was like the whole thing never happened.


When a title reign is over, you should feel like the champion left a mark on the division. With Priest? It just felt like a placeholder run before WWE figured out what to do next.


And now that he’s on SmackDown, what’s the plan?


Have him feud with LA Knight? Maybe challenge Cody Rhodes? Do we really think Priest is going to be the guy to dethrone someone like Gunther, Cody, or even an eventual return of Roman Reigns?


Because I don’t.


What’s Holding Priest Back?


At this point, I feel like I’m repeating myself, but the problem with Priest hasn’t changed:

  • His matches are good, but never great.

  • His promos are okay, but never captivating.

  • His personality is… what exactly?


He’s got the look. He’s got the presence. But does he have the charisma that makes people truly invest in him?


I’d argue that’s why Judgment Day worked so well for him—because the group gave him a built-in identity. But now? On his own? He’s struggling to prove that he can stand out.


The Royal Rumble Didn’t Help


The Royal Rumble is supposed to be a star-making match, but Priest’s performance in 2025? Completely forgettable.

  • He came in at #28 (so, already late enough to be a factor).

  • He eliminated Dominik Mysterio and Drew McIntyre.

  • And then… LA Knight threw him out.


That’s it. No major story arc. No "wow" moments. No massive reaction from the crowd.


Which, to me, says everything.


WWE could have used the Rumble to give Priest momentum heading into WrestleMania season. But instead? He was just another body in the match.


What’s Next for Priest? (And Do We Even Care?)


Priest is now on SmackDown, which means WWE clearly sees some potential in him. But let’s ask the real question—where does he actually fit?

  • If Cody Rhodes is still champion, is Priest really a WrestleMania-worthy challenger?

  • If Gunther moves up to the main event, does Priest stand a chance against him?

  • If LA Knight is still in the picture, is Priest a bigger star than Knight?


Because right now, I don’t see Damian Priest beating any of those guys in a major program.


He’s had all the chances. He’s been given every opportunity to prove himself. And yet, he still feels like the same guy he was two years ago—solid, dependable, but nothing more.


Final Thoughts: I Still Don’t See It.


WWE has invested so much time into building Priest into a main event player. And look—I’m not saying he’s bad. He’s a talented guy. He’s a good wrestler. He’s had some decent moments.


But is he a true main event star?


Not in my eyes.


If WWE insists on keeping him in that role, I just don’t see how it works long-term. Because right now, he’s getting overshadowed by LA Knight, Gunther, Cody Rhodes, and even Dominik Mysterio—who isn’t even good in the ring but gets bigger reactions than Priest ever has.


So, I’ll ask again—what do people see in Damian Priest?


Because I still don’t get it.


I’m Scott Barratt, I’m just a wrestling fan trying to figure this one out, and I’m just getting started.



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