On the recent New Year‘s episode of WWE Friday Night SmackDown, Women’s World Champion Rhea Ripley played a significant role, not only wrestling in the opening match but also intervening in the main event to support Damian Priest‘s WWE title pursuit. Her presence helped Priest achieve a key win, positioning him for potential Undisputed WWE Championship contention as the promotion approaches its high-profile events.
Rhea Ripley Opens the Night with Tag Team Action
The show began with Rhea Ripley, known as “The Nightmare,” taking part in an eight-woman tag team contest. She joined forces with Charlotte Flair, Alexa Bliss, and IYO SKY, competing against The Kabuki Warriors, Nia Jax, and Lash Legend. The bout showcased several major names from the WWE roster and set the stage for both excitement and rivalry to come.
Major Interference in the Main Event
As the evening progressed, the main event featured Damian Priest facing off against Aleister Black in an Ambulance Match, where the stakes ran high. Zelina Vega repeatedly attempted to disrupt Priest’s path during the bout, but Rhea Ripley intervened, assisting her “Terror Twin” by neutralizing Vega. This decisive move enabled Damian Priest, often referred to as “The Archer of Infamy,” to secure a notable victory after a challenging contest.
After his ordeal in the ring, Ripley showed public support for Priest by sharing a photo on her social media account. The image depicted Priest leaving the arena with an ice pack on his head—an evident display of the toll the night had taken during his hard-fought win.
Damian Priest Eyes the Undisputed WWE Championship
Damian Priest’s victory over his opponent immediately fueled speculation about his WWE title ambitions. As a former leader of The Judgment Day, Priest had not been considered in the championship mix for some time. However, with this latest win on SmackDown, Priest’s prospects have improved, suggesting he could soon be a prominent contender for the Undisputed WWE Championship.
Pundits and fans alike are looking ahead to the aftermath of the ongoing Rhodes-McIntyre storyline, which is set to conclude with their anticipated Three Stages of Hell match next week in Berlin. Priest’s recent efforts and his association with Rhea Ripley have put him in a strong position once that feud wraps up on the blue brand.
The Build to Road to WrestleMania and Royal Rumble 2026
With Triple H and WWE’s creative team at the helm, all eyes turn to what lies ahead for Damian Priest as the organization inches closer to the Road to WrestleMania 42. The first major milestone, Royal Rumble 2026, is on the horizon and is traditionally seen as the beginning of the season leading up to the “Showcase of Immortals.” Priest’s current momentum, driven by his recent win and Rhea Ripley’s backing, could see him step into the spotlight during these banner events.
The partnership between Ripley and Priest, highlighted on this episode of Friday Night SmackDown, has altered the landscape for several key WWE names, including Alexa Bliss, Lash Legend, and The Kabuki Warriors. As the Stamford-based promotion continues its march toward marquee events, expectations run high for what is next in store for both performers—especially as the WWE Universe awaits further developments in Damian Priest’s WWE title pursuit.
