Former WWE writer reveals when Damian Priest finally solidified spot as champion of RAW

The WWE RAW brand has been dominated by Damian Priest since his World Heavyweight Championship win at WrestleMania XL. However, one key figure is offering his unique perspective on how Priest just recently cemented his spot.

The Archer of Infamy has retained his World Heavyweight Championship over names like Jey Uso, Drew McIntyre, and Seth Rollins since WrestleMania while also dealing with The Judgment Day's internal issues. Priest is set to battle Gunther at SummerSlam, and two weeks ago, champion and challenger engaged in an intense promo segment. This led to a pull-apart brawl, which went backstage last week.

Former WWE writer Freddie Prinze Jr. said Priest finally solidified his spot as the champion of RAW with last week's promo aimed at The Ring General. Speaking on his Wrestling With Freddie podcast, the actor said Priest did not take "a single bullet" in the exchange with Gunther.

"He was the man in this promo, he looked great. ... I just thought Damian finally looked strong and like a champion that I want to root for, instead of a champion that makes mistakes," Freddie Prinze Jr. said. [H/T to WrestlingInc]

Gunther and Priest have worked three Fatal 4-Way matches in the past but no singles bouts. The Imperium leader retained the Intercontinental Championship over Priest, Matt Riddle, and Shinsuke Nakamura at two non-televised live events in June 2023, while Priest retained the World Heavyweight Championship over Gunther, Jey Uso, and Chad Gable at a live event in May.

Gunther to receive first World Championship match at WWE SummerSlam

Gunther holds the records for the longest Intercontinental Championship reign and the longest NXT UK Championship reign in the company's history. However, the King of the Ring winner has never received a proper shot at the WWE Championship or World Heavyweight Championship until now.

Saturday's SummerSlam PLE will see Gunther challenge Damian Priest for the World Heavyweight Championship. Below is the current lineup:

CM Punk vs. Drew McIntyre (Special Guest Referee: Seth Rollins)
United States Champion Logan Paul defends vs. LA Knight
Intercontinental Champion Sami Zayn defends vs. Bron Breakker
Women's Champion Bayley defends vs. Nia Jax
Women's World Champion Liv Morgan defends vs. Rhea Ripley
Undisputed Champion Cody Rhodes defends vs. Solo Sikoa
World Heavyweight Champion Damian Priest defends vs. Gunther

The 37th annual SummerSlam event will take place this Saturday from Browns Stadium in Cleveland, Ohio. The main card will begin at 7 p.m. ET on Peacock.