3 Reasons why Finn Balor betrayed Damian Priest at WWE SummerSlam 2024
Damian Priest's first World Heavyweight Championship reign came to an end courtesy of Gunther at WWE SummerSlam 2024. After a hard-fought and bloody battle, The Archer of Infamy succumbed to a sleeper hold from The Ring General, ending his run with the title at 118 days. However, Finn Balor's betrayal of his Judgment Day teammate earlier in the match stole all the headlines.
The Prince cost The Punishment the victory by placing his challenger's foot on the rope when the latter had the pin. This left Priest enraged, causing him to lose focus on the Imperium leader while trying to get his hands on Balor. Ultimately, it was the opening the Austrian superstar needed to lock in his submission and seal the win.
So why, after two years of camaraderie, did Finn Balor betray Damian Priest in the semi-main event of WWE SummerSlam 2024? Here are three reasons:
#3 Tensions had been building long before WWE SummerSlam 2024
Over their two years together in The Judgment Day, Damian Priest and Finn Balor had many good times, including a long reign as Undisputed WWE Tag Team Champions. The duo found much success as part of arguably the top faction in the company, developing a bond close to brotherhood. However, the cracks in their relationship were always clear to see.
From Priest inadvertently costing Balor world title shots as Señor Money in the Bank to various miscommunications and subtle verbal jabs in their promos, the duo was always growing apart. It was only a matter of time until one turned against the other, and in the end, it was Finn Balor's jealousy that finally triggered a long-simmering snap.
#2 Damian Priest no longer fit in with The Judgment Day on WWE RAW
The Judgment Day is arguably the top heel faction in WWE. Since its inception under the leadership of Edge, the group has been villainous both by looks and actions, driving Damian Priest and Rhea Ripley to world title gold. However, since becoming champions, The Punishment and Eradicator's popularity with the audience skyrocketed, making them unofficial babyfaces.
As a result, they have constantly been at odds with their stablemates, bickering where they used to be in sync. Priest did not belong in The Judgment Day any longer, and his stint in the group was on borrowed time. Finn Balor's betrayal now frees him up to fully embrace the babyface role that the fans have chosen for him while making the former an even bigger villain.
It just makes sense.
#1 Finn Balor might be working with Dominik Mysterio and Liv Morgan after his WWE SummerSlam 2024 betrayal
Finn Balor's betrayal of Damian Priest was not the first act of treachery within The Judgment Day at WWE SummerSlam 2024. Earlier in the night, Dominik Mysterio aligned with Liv Morgan after helping the latter retain the Women's World Championship against Rhea Ripley. After 'Dirty' Dom's shocking actions, Priest furiously stormed the faction's clubhouse demanding answers.
Mysterio was nowhere to be found, with Balor, JD McDonagh, and Carlito volunteering to find him. What are the chances that the former Universal Champion knew exactly where Dominik was, and was in fact working with the ex-con? It's very likely that this was the case, and that The Judgment Day has chosen Morgan, turning its back on Ripley and by extension, Priest.