Damian Priest is currently featured in a WWE SmackDown storyline alongside Aleister Black and has revealed his intentions for future title opportunities following SummerSlam. The highly anticipated two-night SummerSlam event will take place at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, on August 2-3, although Priest is not scheduled to compete. Despite this, he expressed his clear desire to pursue championship gold after the event.
Damian Priest’s Ambition for Championship Success
In a recent interview with TMZ Sports, Priest referred to himself as “El Campeon” and stated his eagerness to reclaim championship status. He remarked,
“For me? SummerSlam is next, and then from there, I mean, I’m looking for gold. Damian Priest wants some gold. I’m ready to be El Campeon again.”
This comment confirms his focus on securing a title in the near future, signaling his ambition to be a dominant force on the SmackDown roster.
Priest has not been in action since June 13, when he took part in a fatal four-way match on SmackDown. That match featured high-profile competitors including Cody Rhodes, Andrade, and Shinsuke Nakamura, with Rhodes emerging victorious after 17 intense minutes. The former Judgment Day member’s absence from the ring has not diminished his determination for a championship run in the coming months.
Potential Championship Targets for Priest in WWE
During 2024, Damian Priest held the World Heavyweight Championship for a notable 118 days after cashing in his Money in the Bank contract on Drew McIntyre. Additionally, Priest has enjoyed success as a two-time Tag Team Champion alongside Finn Balor, as well as holding the North American and United States Championships at different points throughout his WWE career.
On SmackDown, Priest’s logical pursuit would be either the Undisputed WWE Championship or the United States Championship. Cody Rhodes is set to defend the Undisputed WWE Championship against John Cena at SummerSlam, while Solo Sikoa currently holds the United States title. As such, these championships present the most immediate and prestigious opportunities for Priest to stake his claim for singles gold.
The WWE Tag Team Championship exclusive to SmackDown is currently held by The Wyatt Sicks duo of Dexter Lumis and Joe Gacy, who recently defeated The Street Profits’ Angelo Dawkins and Montez Ford to capture the titles. Given Priest’s past tag team success, this division could also factor into his championship ambitions in the future.
The Road Ahead After SummerSlam
Even though Damian Priest is not on the SummerSlam card this year, his focus on championship hunting afterward highlights a significant direction for his career. Whether he contends for the Undisputed WWE Championship or another singles title, Priest’s statement signals a renewed push toward the top of the WWE hierarchy. Fans of The Archer of Infamy can expect his pursuit of gold to become a central storyline on SmackDown as the company moves beyond SummerSlam.
