Damian Priest WWE career is at a pivotal point following his loss at SummerSlam 2024. The former WWE World Heavyweight Champion, who has been a prominent singles competitor on Friday Night SmackDown, recently ended his reign after falling to Gunther and moving on from his role within The Judgment Day faction. Fans and analysts alike are watching closely to see how Priest will navigate this next chapter in his career.
Background of Damian Priest’s Rise and Recent Challenges
Damian Priest’s popularity surged after he joined the dominant heel group, The Judgment Day, on Monday Night RAW. Known as The Archer of Infamy, Priest achieved significant milestones by winning the 2023 Money in the Bank briefcase and then claiming the World Heavyweight Championship at WrestleMania XL. However, his alliance with The Judgment Day ended abruptly when Finn Balor expelled him from the faction ahead of SummerSlam 2024.
Following the loss of his World Heavyweight Title to Gunther at SummerSlam, Priest parted ways with his former faction and transitioned from RAW to SmackDown to refocus on a singles career. This shift marks a fresh start for the 43-year-old superstar, who is currently embroiled in a heated storyline against Aleister Black, another former NXT Champion.
Damian Priest’s Current Storyline and Industry Reactions
Priest’s ongoing feud with Aleister Black has generated considerable interest, with both competitors exchanging intense promos. On the BroDown segment of Sportskeeda WrestleBinge, former WWE head writer Vince Russo expressed admiration for Priest’s latest promo and the direction of the storyline. Russo commented on Priest’s character persistence after his return, highlighting the frustration present in the angle and hinting at future developments.
“I do love the fact about the promo where he said, you know, he went away and he came back and nothing had changed. There was a little truth to that, and you know, that he basically came back, and it’s the same stuff. He’s in the same spot, but you know those are the things you got to really pick up on, man, because that’s where the frustrations are coming through. An awkward finish with the ref spot, but this just tells me they’re going to just continue on with this Priest and Black angle,” Russo said.
The input from industry veterans like Russo suggests that Priest’s storyline with Aleister Black will remain a focus, while the Triple H-led creative team is expected to craft further developments in the coming weeks.
Significance of Damian Priest’s Career Transition and Future Prospects
Damian Priest’s career shift following the loss at SummerSlam underscores a moment of both challenge and opportunity. As he moves fully into his role as a singles star on SmackDown, his character is positioned for potential growth and new rivalries. With The Judgment Day no longer part of his narrative, Priest has the freedom to redefine his persona and chase new goals without faction constraints.
Moreover, his recent performances and the growing fan support indicate that WWE’s creative team recognizes his potential to remain a significant figure within the promotion. How the storyline with Aleister Black evolves, alongside possible fresh angles, will be key to maintaining Priest’s momentum. Given his age and experience, Damian Priest’s ability to adapt will be critical to extending his impact in WWE.
Beyond his in-ring work, Priest also reached a personal milestone recently, celebrating his 43rd birthday on September 26, 2025. This moment marks not only another year in his life but also the ongoing journey of a wrestler who continues to evolve within the demanding world of professional wrestling.
Happy Birthday @ArcherOfInfamy
Wishing you a wonderful day filled with Joy, Love & Happiness
🥳🥳 #HappyBirthday pic.twitter.com/UruVs4avUi— Damian Priest Fan Source | Fanpage (@DamianFanSource) September 26, 2025
