In late 2025, Damian Priest and Aleister Black engaged in a fierce rivalry on SmackDown, culminating in Priest defeating Black in a dramatic Ambulance Match. Recently, WWE analyst Sam Roberts suggested on the Notsam Wrestling podcast that Priest might team up with Black and Zelina, creating a new faction amid a seeming lack of clear direction for Priest’s character on SmackDown. This intriguing idea centers on the possibility of Priest forming a tag team with Black, potentially reviving both wrestlers’ momentum.
“He is playing the part of the character that wants to be back on top but really, he has to take advantage of these opportunities, and this could be another one that sets him back. For Damian Priest, I think again, Priest I would turn, but I would have Damian Priest, Zelina, and Aleister Black as a group together. I think that should be a tag team, Damian Priest and Aleister Black,” Roberts said. (H/T Inside the Ropes)
Current Status of Damian Priest on SmackDown
At present, Damian Priest performs as a face on SmackDown and has established a backstage alliance with R-Truth. However, given the recent intense feud with Aleister Black, it remains uncertain whether Priest will undergo a character change to align with Black. This potential shift would mark a significant turn in his SmackDown storyline and could impact his standing within WWE’s tag team scene.
Damian Priest’s Upcoming Match and Implications
This week, Priest is slated to compete in an Elimination Chamber Qualifying Match on SmackDown against United States Champion Carmelo Hayes and Trick Williams, fighting for the last spot representing the blue brand inside the Chamber. Several wrestlers, including LA Knight, Randy Orton, Cody Rhodes, and Je’Von Evans, have already secured their places. The bouts leading up to this match have featured multiple confrontations involving Priest and Trick Williams, suggesting a possible continuation of their rivalry.
Additionally, this match marks the first main roster encounter between Carmelo Hayes and Trick Williams, who share a history from NXT. Their interaction on SmackDown could add further excitement and complexity to the qualifying bout, with all three competitors aiming to claim the crucial final spot.
What This Could Mean for Priest’s Future
The formation of a tag team or faction including Damian Priest and Aleister Black would be a noteworthy development in WWE, potentially revitalizing the careers of both performers and adding depth to SmackDown’s tag division. As Priest prepares for a critical match this week, any shift in his character or alliances might influence his trajectory in upcoming WWE events. Fans will be watching closely to see if this rumored faction materializes and how it affects storylines moving forward.
