Damian Priest, the former WWE World Heavyweight Champion, has experienced notable success on Friday Night SmackDown, including a decisive victory over Aleister Black in an Ambulance Match. However, after advancing into the number one contenders Fatal Four-Way match at Saturday Night’s Main Event XLIII, Priest was pinned by Sami Zayn, ending his chance to immediately vie for the Undisputed WWE Title.
At the event, Priest competed alongside Randy Orton, Trick Williams, and Sami Zayn for a title shot against Drew McIntyre at the 2026 Royal Rumble. Sami Zayn secured the win to become the top contender, leaving Priest with a frustrating defeat after a rising streak.
Kit Wilson Reflects on His Backstage Encounter with Damian Priest
In an interview with Chris Van Vliet, SmackDown’s Kit Wilson discussed his backstage altercation with Damian Priest, where Priest threw Wilson through a wall as part of a storyline. Wilson initially criticized Priest for exhibiting “some toxic masculinity” yet acknowledged Priest’s evolution as a teammate and individual.
Wilson highlighted Priest’s partnership with Rhea Ripley, collectively known as The Terror Twins, as evidence of his growth. He pointed out how Priest respects Ripley as an equal, which marks a shift from past behavior. Based on this, Wilson expressed a desire to extend a public apology and friendship to Priest.
“Damian Priest has some toxic masculinity. I do think he needs to address that. However, with The Terror Twins, he’s not afraid to be side by side with a female who he views as his equal, someone who raises him up as much as he raises her up. So I actually, publicly would like to say to Priest, I would shake your hand and apologize and say, I think you’ve grown. I think you’ve matured. I think you’ve come a long way in this emotional journey. And I’m proud of you. I think we can be friends,” Wilson said. (H/T: chrisvanvliet.com)
The Implications of Priest’s Current WWE Standing
Damian Priest’s recent clash and subsequent loss at Main Event XLIII signal a challenging phase in his WWE career. Despite his dominant win over Aleister Black and his integral role in The Judgment Day faction, this setback complicates his immediate trajectory toward reclaiming the Undisputed WWE Title.
With Sami Zayn advancing to challenge Drew McIntyre at the upcoming Royal Rumble, Priest will need to reassess his approach backstage and on-screen. Priest’s ongoing partnership with Rhea Ripley serves as a foundation for potential growth, both in character development and in-ring performance, which fans and commentators cautiously watch as the storyline unfolds.
