Damian Priest forced to retire from wrestling due to homelessness is a revelation the former WWE World Heavyweight Champion recently shared, offering an honest account of his struggles outside the ring. During a candid appearance on Cody Rhodes‘
“What Do You Want To Talk About?”
podcast, Priest opened up about the difficult period in his career when he was left with no other choice but to step away from wrestling for a year after losing his gear and becoming homeless in New Jersey.
Facing Adversity and Stepping Away from Wrestling
Damian Priest described the challenging circumstances that led to his temporary retirement. At the time, life on the independent wrestling circuit came with harsh realities. While living in New Jersey, Priest was robbed of his wrestling gear, which he depended on for matches and bookings. Unable to afford new gear and with no stable place to stay, he had to make a difficult decision to leave the profession he loved, at least temporarily.
“My gear got stolen out of my car when I lived in Jersey in the indies. And I had to retire from wrestling because I couldn’t afford new gear. Until I got a job that I could afford to buy another pair of gear a year later. And afford an apartment, and then I started wrestling again.”
—Damian Priest, WWE Superstar
During this time, Priest couldn’t maintain a permanent residence and resorted to living out of his car, sometimes staying with friends just to get by. As Cody Rhodes questioned how the theft happened, Priest admitted that homelessness was the core of his struggles.
“Because I was homeless.” —Damian Priest, WWE Superstar
A Turnaround After Homelessness
Despite this turbulent period, Damian Priest’s persistence and determination allowed him to eventually return to wrestling. After working for a year to save enough money for new gear and a place to live, Priest was able to resume his wrestling career. His journey highlights not just the physical demands of being a professional wrestler, but also the financial and personal battles faced outside the spotlight, especially for those working across smaller circuits like the indies in New Jersey.
Mention of other wrestling personalities such as Cody Rhodes and the noted presence of Mick Foley in the world of wrestling provides additional context to Priest’s position within the WWE landscape. Even while discussions bubbled about veteran wrestlers and feuds, Priest was fighting his own personal battle.
Recognition and Future Prospects
Now in a dramatically different place, Damian Priest is being recognized for both his wrestling achievements and his journey. He has been honored with an induction onto the Bronx Walk of Fame, a mark of respect from his home city that celebrates his resilience after once being homeless, living in his car, and scraping by in the independent wrestling scene.
With fresh storylines brewing and the next feud on the horizon as SummerSlam approaches, fans are waiting to see what lies ahead for Damian Priest. His recent recognition and success serve as a powerful testament to how perseverance through adversity can lead to triumph both in and out of the ring.
