A match featuring Damian Priest, originally announced for the WWE SmackDown episode on October 3, did not take place as planned during the live broadcast. Although the official advertised lineup included Priest’s involvement in a match against an unnamed opponent, the contest was ultimately removed from the night’s program without explanation.
Priest’s Role Shifted to Interference in United States Championship Contest
Despite the canceled bout, Damian Priest appeared on the show, interrupting the United States Championship match between Sami Zayn and Aleister Black. This match resulted from Zayn’s US Title open challenge, which initially saw Carmelo Hayes step forward before being attacked en route to the ring by his former tag team partner, The Miz. Following Hayes’s exit, Black replaced him in the match against Zayn.
During the championship bout, Priest distracted Black, a disruption that contributed to Black’s loss. Priest further escalated the situation by putting Black through an announce table after the match ended, intensifying the developing rivalry between the two.
Backstage Confrontation and New Match Announced for Next Week
In a backstage interview later in the show, Priest continued to target Black verbally but was interrupted by Kit Wilson, who appeared in a wheelchair. Wilson, who Priest has attacked multiple times recently, declared his intention to end Priest’s “toxic masculinity.” The encounter included a moment where Priest humorously pushed Wilson’s wheelchair away.
Priest then revealed a new challenge: he will face Aleister Black in a Last Man Standing match during next week’s pre-Crown Jewel episode of SmackDown, taking place in Perth, Australia. No further details were given regarding the cancellation of Priest’s originally scheduled match on the current show.
Implications of the Change and Anticipation Ahead
The unexpected removal of Damian Priest’s advertised contest on SmackDown leaves fans and viewers speculating about the reasons behind the decision, as WWE has yet to provide an official explanation. Priest’s interference against Black and the buildup to their upcoming Last Man Standing match signal a significant storyline development leading into the Crown Jewel event.
This new direction emphasizes escalating tensions within SmackDown’s roster and sets the stage for a high-stakes encounter in Perth, which could have notable consequences for both competitors moving forward in WWE programming.
