Major WWE star teases face turn following heartbreaking SummerSlam defeat
The 37th annual WWE SummerSlam featured significant highs and lows for various superstars. This was also an interesting night for the heels of World Wrestling Entertainment, and now one of the biggest brutes in the business could be having second thoughts.
Damian Priest lost his faction and his title at SummerSlam. Judgment Day's implosion at The Biggest Event of the Summer began with the opener, as Dominik Mysterio turned on Rhea Ripley to help Liv Morgan. This infuriated Damian ahead of his match with Gunther, which ended in a title change thanks to a big turn by Finn Balor. Priest earlier revealed his post-SummerSlam plans for the immediate future.
A new Interview from Sports Illustrated notes that Priest's first run as a main event babyface in WWE is within reach as he has a blank canvas and a chance to redefine himself.
He recalled the premiere of his new WWE 24 documentary in Cleveland on Friday and how the fan support feels special. The former NXT babyface didn't feel authentic in the past, but now he does.
"I’d seen a rough cut, but watching all of it, it really hit me. I’ve been hated for so long. There were so many people there at the screening. It felt special. People supporting me, that felt good. I’ve been [babyface] before, but it wasn’t always me. This is me. And it’s cool to have people support me not because they’re told to, but because they want to," Damian Priest said. [H/T Sports Illustrated]
The SummerSlam finish was seemingly booked to help Priest reach that babyface level - his best friend betrayed him, refused to tap out, and only lost when he passed out.
According to SI, the increased mic time combined with the new documentary could lead to new heights for the former ROH TV Champion. Priest said he was honored to share his real-life story with fans and offer the authenticity that could carry him as a babyface.
Damian Priest meets WWE hero The Undertaker
WWE has released a video of Damian Priest meeting his idol for the first time, The Undertaker. The footage is from the new WWE 24 documentary on The Archer of Infamy.
The Phenom visited the Performance Center in January 2020 to work with the NXT talents on various aspects of the job. The clip below features Taker and Priest, along with Keith Lee, Indus Sher, Matt Riddle, and Dabba-Kato, among others.
Priest also recalled meeting legends such as Sean Waltman and Scott Hall and said his heroes have been great in person. He revealed how Hall gave him permission to use the surfer walk entrance.