Damian Priest and Rhea Ripley’s WWE friendship origin dates back to an unexpected encounter at a holiday party, marking the start of a partnership that deeply influenced their careers. Their bond, forged in the shared challenges and triumphs of wrestling, flourished as they rose through the ranks and became an iconic duo.
From Acquaintances to Close Friends in WWE
Damian Priest’s career in WWE NXT set the stage for greater things, eventually leading to his spot on the main roster in 2021. The transition proved to be a significant turning point, as it was during his involvement in the Judgment Day faction that Priest’s path would meaningfully intersect with Rhea Ripley. Both Priest and Ripley became key figures in the group, joining forces with Dominik Mysterio and Finn Balor to create a tight unit known as “The Terror Twins” for their remarkable partnership on WWE television.
Although Priest and Ripley had crossed paths in WWE NXT and the Performance Center, their true friendship didn’t blossom until a memorable WWE holiday party. Recalling the moments that sparked their connection, Priest described the dry, alcohol-free gathering as the place where he and Ripley truly became friends, despite him “not getting the memo” about the nature of the party. Their camaraderie grew as they bonded over shared interests, particularly music, and both superstars soon realized they had found more than just a colleague in each other.
So we met at a holiday christmas, well I had met her before but we became friends at … NXT , PC holiday party … dry party but, I didn’t get the memo.
The exchange at the party set off a series of regular interactions between Priest and Ripley, as they started to spend more time together outside of the ring and bonded over various topics. Ripley, too, fondly recalled the day Priest approached her group, quickly making everyone laugh and capturing her attention with his humor and warmth. It was these lighthearted conversations that would shape their enduring connection and lead them to support each other through the rigors of WWE’s demanding schedules.
Per Rhea’s … her memory of what happened and I said, I came up to her or her group and I just started talking, making everybody laugh and me and her just like started talking about music and stuff and she said I was putting everybody over, then we just stayed friends, she just thought I was historical and just gravitated towards me and she would always feel comfortable around me and we just became best friends immidiately.
Shared Success as “The Terror Twins” on WWE’s Main Roster
As their relationship strengthened, Priest and Ripley continued their journey almost in tandem, receiving promotion to WWE’s main roster at roughly the same time. Once there, they both contributed to the dominance and appeal of the Judgment Day, a group originally established by Edge. Their chemistry as performers was not confined to the ring; their off-screen friendship informed their dynamic, helping them stand out as a memorable team within WWE.
Their nickname, “The Terror Twins,” highlights how their friendship translated into captivating entertainment for fans. Despite diverging paths on occasion, Priest and Ripley’s frequent reunions on WWE television continue to underscore the unique camaraderie that defines their relationship, offering a rare glimpse of genuine rapport behind the spectacle of professional wrestling.
Damian Priest’s Role in Rhea Ripley’s WWE Ascent
While Priest has shared insights about how he and Ripley became fast friends, Ripley herself has spoken about Priest’s profound impact on her WWE journey. The former WWE Women’s World Champion credited Priest not just for his friendship but for being the anchor who helped her gain confidence when she needed it most. Their partnership was especially important during Ripley’s early days in the Judgment Day, as she navigated new challenges and adapted to working with wrestling legend Edge.
When Edge came to me talking about The Judgement Day, knowing that Priest was in, it was pretty much a solid choice for me. I was like, okay, I’m down 100 percent. I loved Edge growing up, but I was also very terrified of being with someone that I looked up to so much. So having Priest there, he’s like my comfort person. He makes me feel good. He makes me feel comfortable. I know he’s always going to be there for me.
Ripley’s words reveal the depth of trust and emotional support fostered between them. With Priest by her side, she found reassurance and motivation as she established herself as one of WWE’s most prominent superstars, overcoming moments of doubt and embracing the opportunities that her association with Judgment Day provided.
Lasting Friendship Beyond the Ring
Even after moving on from their time as members of the same faction, Damian Priest and Rhea Ripley have remained steadfast friends. Their dynamic as “The Terror Twins” captivated WWE audiences and left an enduring mark on both their careers. Occasional reunions on WWE programming serve as a reminder of the unique bond that continues to thrive away from the spotlight, defying the transient nature of wrestling partnerships.
As both superstars progress in their individual careers, the foundation of trust, humor, and mutual support built from that one fortuitous holiday party remains central to their enduring friendship. The story of Damian Priest and Rhea Ripley’s WWE friendship origin stands as a testament to the importance of authentic relationships within the world of sports entertainment, offering inspiration both inside and outside the ring.
