On the September 19 episode of SmackDown, Damian Priest’s escalating anger sparked significant developments in his ongoing rivalry, highlighting a potential shift in his character. The intense Damian Priest SmackDown rage has raised questions about his future trajectory after a violent outburst following a demand for a match against Aleister Black.
Damian Priest’s Feud with Aleister Black Intensifies
Damian Priest and Aleister Black have been embroiled in a heated feud on SmackDown for several months, with tensions rising steadily since the rivalry’s inception. Originally, the conflict began between Black and R-Truth, but Priest became involved as an ally of R-Truth. This alliance led to a series of confrontations that have kept fans captivated, culminating in Priest’s aggressive behavior in the latest episode.
Earlier on the September 5 show, Black secured a victory over Priest, who managed a win only by disqualification without a clean pinfall or submission. This lack of a definitive win seemed to frustrate Priest, who showed signs of losing control of his temper during the September 19 SmackDown broadcast.
Unleashing a Fierce New Persona on SmackDown
In a backstage segment, Priest demanded a singles match against Aleister Black, but his frustration quickly turned violent. He ominously referenced his earlier wrestling persona, ‘Punishment Martinez,’ threatening Nick Aldis about resurrecting the ‘Punisher’ image. This hinted at a possible return to his darker, more aggressive character from his days in ROH and his early NXT appearances.
Priest’s rage was made clear when he violently attacked Kit Wilson, throwing him through a wall. This violent outburst marked a stark contrast to the more controlled version of Priest that fans have seen recently. Known previously as a heel with a sadistic streak, Priest’s unrestrained aggression may signal an impending heel turn or lead to consequences from WWE authorities.
After the attack, Kit Wilson responded on X (formerly Twitter), implying that a personal rivalry with Priest could be on the horizon.
Bravado Impulsiveness Trash talking Competative Hostility Put me through a wall but proved my point! Damian Priest has TOXIC MASCULINITY and it doesn’t look good on him
Potential Reunion with Rhea Ripley: Looking Back and Ahead
Damian Priest’s recent turmoil comes at a time when fans wonder if he might reconnect professionally with Rhea Ripley, his longtime partner in The Judgment Day faction. At last year’s Bad Blood post-show press conference, Priest shared insights on their dynamic and his desire to forge a solo path while maintaining respect for Ripley.
The idea of the Judgment Day was to grab some talent where we were all capable of being main events and being ‘the person’ on the billboards, but for whatever reason we weren’t there. We got together to push each other. Rhea and I achieved that.While it was fun as far as doing it with your friends and what not, at the same time, there is something to, ’Alright, now I’m here, let’s see what I can do on my own.’ I love Rhea, that’s my best friend in the world. Obviously, she’s in the women’s division, I’m in the men’s division. Although we’re friends, we have to follow our own path.
While Ripley and Priest have been close allies and friends for an extended time, their current focus is on separate individual goals in their respective divisions. This personal and professional distance may make any potential reunion uncertain, especially as Priest’s recent actions suggest a turbulent phase in his career.
The Impact of Damian Priest’s Outburst and What Lies Ahead
Damian Priest’s sudden eruption of rage on SmackDown underscores a critical point in his storyline, possibly indicating a significant character transformation. His attack on Kit Wilson and references to his Punishment Martinez persona suggest he is wrestling not just with Aleister Black but with his own identity in WWE. This shift could lead to new rivalries, increased tensions on SmackDown, and possible disciplinary actions by management.
The fallout from this violence might shape Priest’s narrative for weeks to come, especially with Kit Wilson calling out Priest openly and the possibility of reinstating past personas. The landscape of SmackDown rivals is likely to evolve as these dramatic events continue to unfold, keeping audiences eagerly anticipating what Damian Priest’s next move will be.
.@RealNickAldis tried to warn you, @KitWilson_PD! Don't mess with @ArcherOfInfamy! #SmackDown pic.twitter.com/IhrcLRuq7D
— USA Network (@USANetwork) September 20, 2025
Bravado
Impulsiveness
Trash talking
Competative
HostilityPut me through a wall but proved my point!
Damian Priest has TOXIC MASCULINITY and it doesn’t look good on him 💁🏻♀️ https://t.co/64vksEOeHP
— Kit Wilson 😍☠️ (@KitWilson_PD) September 20, 2025
