Damian Priest expressed frustration after being eliminated by Royce Keys—formerly known as Powerhouse Hobbs—in the 2026 Men’s Royal Rumble Match held in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia this past Saturday. The elimination marked a significant moment for Priest, who had been hoping to reestablish himself as a contender for the WWE Championship.
Royce Keys’ Surprise Debut Shakes Up the Match
Royce Keys made an unexpected WWE debut during the Royal Rumble, marking his first appearance after officially departing AEW in mid-January. At 35 years old, Keys immediately made an impact by eliminating Damian Priest, a former WWE World Heavyweight Champion. This debut generated buzz given Keys’ transition from AEW to WWE, influencing the dynamics of the match considerably.
Priest’s Recent Struggles in WWE Championship Pursuits
Damian Priest’s elimination continues a challenging period for the SmackDown star, who recently failed to secure the number one contender spot in a four-way match at Saturday Night’s Main Event on January 24. His hopes to re-enter the WWE Championship landscape took another hit with his early exit in the Royal Rumble.
Priest’s Candid Backstage Comments Draw Attention
Shortly after the match, WWE released a video showing Priest’s honest reaction while backstage. Frustrated by his recent streak of losses, Priest did not hold back, describing the situation as “bulls**t.”
“Damn it. I don’t even know what else I have to do. Lose in the four-way, got a bunch of newcomers, this is bulls**t.”
– Damian Priest, WWE Superstar
Additional Wrestlers’ Reactions Capture the Event’s Atmosphere
The video also features responses from other prominent WWE talents such as Chelsea Green, Becky Lynch, and Bron Breakker, providing a wide range of perspectives on the outcomes at the Royal Rumble. These candid moments offer fans insight into how top stars are processing their performances and future prospects in the company.
Implications for Damian Priest and WWE Storylines
Damian Priest’s continued setbacks could signal a shift in his role within WWE’s SmackDown brand, especially as new competitors like Royce Keys emerge. With WWE’s evolving roster and upcoming events, Priest’s reaction highlights the pressures faced by established stars to maintain prominence. Fans will be keen to watch how Priest rebounds from these losses and whether Keys’ debut will lead to new rivalries or storylines in the near future.
