The main event of WWE SmackDown’s latest episode ended with Damian Priest defeating Aleister Black in the highly anticipated Ambulance match, a result that surprised many fans of the blue brand. This outcome sparked debates online, with supporters questioning why the former NXT Champion suffered a loss during this key wrestling moment.
There are three significant factors that contributed to Aleister Black’s defeat in this latest WWE SmackDown Ambulance match. Each reason suggests a deeper plan for both Black and Priest in the Stamford-based promotion’s ongoing storylines.
Damian Priest’s Rising Status in WWE
One of the main reasons for Aleister Black’s loss appears to be WWE’s intention to promote Damian Priest as a top star on the SmackDown roster. Priest, who is no longer part of Judgment Day, is a former World Champion with notable achievements and a growing fanbase. By handing Priest such a decisive victory, WWE is likely working to rebuild his momentum and solidify him as a credible singles competitor.
This win may be a sign that Priest is on track for bigger opportunities, possibly setting him up for a mid-card title challenge soon. The company’s consistent focus on showcasing Priest’s strength as a character indicates a strategic effort to move him further up the ranks of SmackDown’s singles stars.
A Possible Hiatus for Aleister Black
Another plausible reason behind Black’s loss relates to WWE’s approach to storytelling, especially when management wants to write a wrestler off television for a short period. It is typical in professional wrestling for stars to take a break from the spotlight after a major defeat, providing time for fresh creative directions.
Triple H’s reported influence on booking decisions could mean this loss is simply part of a larger narrative, allowing Black to take a hiatus. With ongoing speculation about his future in WWE, and hints pointing toward an appearance in the Men’s Royal Rumble 2026, Black’s absence could be temporary as WWE reshapes its main-event scene.
The End of a Heated Rivalry
The storyline rivalry between Aleister Black and Damian Priest stretched back almost half a year, featuring multiple matches and heated exchanges on WWE programming. According to backstage discussions, the Ambulance match was designed to serve as the conclusion to this prolonged feud.
Throughout their conflict, Priest has often been cast in the role of the babyface—the heroic wrestler—while Black employed questionable strategies to gain an advantage. By allowing Priest to win cleanly, WWE gave the fan-favorite character the final word in their rivalry, offering emotional closure for viewers who had followed the feud’s many twists.
With momentum now in Priest’s corner, the company is expected to move both wrestlers into separate storylines. Triple H, overseeing creative, will likely ensure that the rivalry does not continue, signaling a new chapter for both Priest and Black after the aftermath of the Ambulance match.
The result of the WWE SmackDown Ambulance match reflects larger strategic moves by the promotion. Damian Priest gains renewed attention as a singles star, while Aleister Black may soon return in a new context, possibly as part of future high-profile events like the Royal Rumble. As fans await the next episode, many are eager to see how these pivotal choices will impact both wrestlers’ careers on SmackDown moving forward.
DAMIAN PRIEST WINS THE AMBULANCE MATCH 🚑@ArcherOfInfamy pic.twitter.com/KKFiPwhU6S
— WWE (@WWE) January 3, 2026
