Top RAW star possibly had to change finisher due to the return of Cody Rhodes
The latest episode of RAW saw Damian Priest use a new finisher possibly due to his former move, The Reckoning, being similar to Cody Rhodes' long-time finisher Cross Rhodes.
Cody Rhodes' emphatic return to WWE after six years sent shockwaves throughout the industry. The American Nightmare's first match back in the company saw him conquer Seth Rollins in a critically acclaimed match at WrestleMania 38.
Meanwhile, former United States Champion Damian Priest has aligned himself with Edge in recent weeks. The two have been gnawing at the heels of AJ Styles as they took out The Phenomenal One during a backstage segment on last week's edition of RAW.
On the latest episode of the red brand, Damian Priest took on Finn Balor while Edge was watching from the entrance ramp. Priest defeated Balor but did not use The Reckoning, an alternate version of Cross Rhodes. Instead, the Archer of Infamy used The Downward Spiral -- a move used by Edge -- as his new finisher.
"Do you like Damian Priest adopting Edge's Downward Spiral as his finisher? Had to be changed once Cody came back, so I'm into it," Ryan Satin tweeted.
Do you like Damian Priest adopting Edge's Downward Spiral as his finisher? Had to be changed once Cody came back, so I'm into it.
#WWERaw
It's not uncommon for a company to actively avoid having multiple stars using the same finisher.
A finisher is a key aspect of a wrestler's character and Cody's Cross Rhodes is a high-profile maneuver, making it understandable if his return to the company was the reason Priest now uses a new finishing move.
Cody Rhodes and Randy Orton had a heartfelt reunion on RAW
The latest episode of RAW saw Cody Rhodes have a wholesome reunion with his former Legacy faction member Randy Orton. They hugged it out before a flurry of interference resulted in the booking of an eight-man tag team match as the main event of the show.
A legacy stronger than ever.
@CodyRhodes @RandyOrton #WWERaw https://t.co/wPs8Y69OKs
Legacy, which comprised of Orton, Rhodes, and Ted DiBiase Jr., was intended to be another breakout faction along the lines of Evolution, but it didn't work out as many hoped.
Instead, Randy Orton turned into a babyface, and DiBiase Jr. would eventually leave the wrestling business. Rhodes also left WWE to take a six-year-long journey before returning.
During his time away from WWE, Rhodes helped form AEW along with Tony Khan and acted as the Executive Vice President of the promotion.
Suggested: Former WWE writer reviews Cody Rhodes - Randy Orton segment on RAW
What do you make of Damian Priest's new finisher? Let us know in the comments section below.