Tag: Damian Priest

More WWE Stars Switched Brands As Part Of The Transfer Window Storyline

The ever-changing landscape of WWE saw another shake-up during Friday night’s episode of SmackDown, with some stars switching brands as part of the ongoing transfer window storyline.

One of the most notable moves is Damian Priest, who now officially calls SmackDown home. Priest, who’s been riding high as a member of The Judgment Day and had a standout year following his Money in the Bank win, brings a unique intensity to the blue brand. Joining him on SmackDown is The Miz, WWE’s self-proclaimed “Most Must-See Superstar,” adding a veteran presence and endless entertainment to Friday nights.

Meanwhile, the dynamic duo of Grayson Waller and Austin Theory—collectively known as A-Town Down Under—have made their way to Raw.

These moves are part of WWE’s transfer window, which allows roster shuffles to keep the product fresh and intriguing for fans. With Priest and The Miz poised to make waves on SmackDown, and A-Town Down Under bringing their energy to Raw, fans can expect new rivalries and storylines to emerge in the coming weeks.

Who will these superstars clash with next, and how will their moves reshape the WWE landscape?

Triple H Comments On Damian Priest Kickout Botch At WWE Money In The Bank

While Damian Priest emerged with his WWE World Heavyweight Championship still in hand after WWE Money in the Bank, he also emerged to viral videos highlighting an in-ring mistake of his. The mistake in reference occurred when Seth Rollins laid out Priest with a Falcon Arrow, to which Priest was meant to kick out of. As the referee’s hand inched closer to the three count, though, Priest’s shoulder remained firmly planted on the mat. Nevertheless, the referee ruled that Priest had kicked out of the pinfall attempt. At the Money in the Bank post-show press conference, WWE Chief Content Officer Paul “Triple H” Levesque addressed the confusing spot.

“Human beings in a ring, mistakes happen, things happen. It is what it is,” Levesque said. “It’s funny, for me, now looking at that, if that was something I was involved in as a talent, I don’t care how good the rest of it was, that would be all I would think about. To me, it’s a shame that that’s all people will talk about, and that’s all people will hit Damian Priest with, while he had a phenomenal performance tonight. But a bunch of people will attack that, criticize that, comment on that.”

Knowing that the negative aspects of a match can sometimes eclipse the positive, Levesque further wishes he could have powered off Priest’s phone to allow him the proper space and time to reflect on all the shining moments in his WWE World Heavyweight Championship reign. “He has stepped up to a place where when you see him as a performer now, I feel like I’m watching a champion come out. I feel like I’m watching a top tier guy,” Levesque said.

Despite the questions surrounding Priest’s kickout, or lack thereof, Levesque asserts that the referee’s decision stands, and Priest remains the WWE World Heavyweight Champion. Looking ahead, Priest now turns his attention to WWE SummerSlam, where he is slated to defend his title against the 2024 King of the Ring, GUNTHER.

Source: Wrestling Inc. with credit to WWE

Seth Rollins Returns To WWE Raw, Will Challenge Damian Priest At Money In The Bank

While much of the audience in Corpus Christi and those watching along at home were likely anticipating an Uncle Howdy return, since the countdown clock that was propped up recently expired as “WWE Raw” hit the air, a different surprise kicked off the show as “Burn it down!” blared over the speakers. Seth “Freakin'” Rollins returned to WWE television for the first time since playing sacrificial lamb for Cody Rhodes at WrestleMania, quickly reminding the WWE Universe that this was still Monday Night Rollins.

After expressing his happiness to be back, Rollins quickly got down to business, stating his immediate intentions of reacquiring the WWE World Heavyweight Championship he lost to Drew McIntyre at WrestleMania, and eyeballing the Money In the Bank briefcase now hanging from high above the ring as the premium live event takes the “next up” place on WWE’s calendar. But before he could get into any briefcase aspirations, the current World Heavyweight Champion Damian Priest hit the ring, showing respect for Rollins before stating that “Raw” is no longer Monday Night Rollins but rather All Rise for El Campeon.

The two men jawed back and forth, with Priest reminding Rollins that he was the first to challenge for his then-newly created World Heavyweight Championship, and admitting that he lost then because Rollins was better. That, however, is not the case now, according to Priest, and ultimately, he told “The Architect” that he didn’t need to worry about ladders or briefcases and instead, challenged him to a championship match at Money In the Bank.

Source: Wrestling Inc.

WWE NXT Superstar To Get New Name And Darker Gimmick

WWE NXT Superstar Punishment Martinez is being given a new name and character – Damien Priest.

The “even darker character” change for the former ROH TV Champion was revealed in the new WWE developmental profile from Sports Business Journal. It was noted that he will receive new outfits, new entrance music and a new persona.

Martinez told SBJ that the new gimmick is a perfect fit for him.

“I’ve always been into the weird, the odd, the dark, so that’s the character I’ve always represented,” he said.

The new name for Punishment has not been reflected on the WWE roster or social media. There’s no word yet on when he will start using the new gimmick at NXT live events. Punishment signed with WWE in October 28 and later made his debut as a heel. He has received rave reviews since arriving.

Source: Wrestling Inc.