This Friday on WWE SmackDown, Damian Priest and Aleister Black will face off live at the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey, with tensions running high after Black attacked Priest two weeks ago during Priest’s match against Carmelo Hayes. The bout, scheduled the night before Night 1 of SummerSlam, has grown intensely personal as Priest seeks retribution, while Black aims to disrupt his momentum. The Damian Priest Aleister Black SmackDown encounter promises dramatic developments for both competitors.
Potential Interference from Carmelo Hayes and R-Truth
Despite the one-on-one setup, outside interference could heavily influence the outcome. Carmelo Hayes, who lost his last match due to Black’s attack on Priest, may step in to even the odds. Hayes’ own history with Black, stemming from Black’s recent targeting of The Miz, adds fuel to the fire. Although both Hayes and Black portray villainous characters, it would be simpler for Hayes to confront Priest, a rival outside his faction.
Adding to the unpredictability, WWE Superstar R-Truth could also get involved. Known for his erratic behavior and currently running hot, Truth’s intervention against Black—even after a previous win—increases the stakes. This chaotic dynamic could lead to R-Truth and Damian Priest uniting against the unexpected alliance of Black and Hayes in a tag team confrontation.
What a Clean Finish Could Mean for Damian Priest’s Career
Damian Priest has competed sparingly since his impressive Steel Cage victory over Drew McIntyre at Saturday Night’s Main Event last May 24. His recent matches include the King of the Ring Tournament’s first round and the bout against Carmelo Hayes. Securing a decisive win over Aleister Black on Friday would reinforce Priest’s return to prominence, potentially positioning him as a top contender for the Undisputed WWE Championship once again.
Aleister Black’s Chance to Rebuild Momentum with a Major Win
Aleister Black has enjoyed limited success since his post-WrestleMania return, registering wins over The Miz and Carmelo Hayes but also suffering a loss to R-Truth on SmackDown. A victory over Priest would mark Black’s most significant achievement since returning, matching his standing alongside the former World Heavyweight Champion. Though Priest would hardly be diminished by a loss given his recent successes, Black would gain considerable credibility, extending their rivalry to new heights.
Possibility of an Intense Brawl and Its Future Implications
Since Triple H took creative control of WWE, fans have seen an increase in large-scale brawls that heighten drama and fan excitement. A no-contest ending such as a double disqualification caused by a heated brawl between Aleister Black and Damian Priest could deepen their storyline and leave audiences eager for more. This scenario might prompt SmackDown general manager Nick Aldis to impose a special stipulation for a rematch, possibly setting up a headline clash at the upcoming Clash in Paris event at month’s end.
