Swan song for The Judgment Day? 4 directions for Damian Priest after big win at WWE Money in the Bank
Damian Priest left Money in the Bank with the World Heavyweight Championship still firmly in his grasp. However, his title match wasn't without controversy as Drew McIntyre and CM Punk both factored in his defense against Seth Rollins.
The Archer of Infamy was noticeably upset after he pinned McIntyre as doubt and disappointment crept into his mind. Can he truly do it on his own or will outside influences continue to mar his title run?
The World Heavyweight Champion has a pre-scheduled title defense against Gunther at WWE SummerSlam. However, he needs to clear his plate of unwanted food before that match. Priest could do the next four things before his huge showdown at The Biggest Party of the Summer.
#4. He addresses the cloud around his Money in the Bank win
While he retained his title with some serious stipulations attached to the match, Damian Priest cannot be happy with how he remained champion. He has consistently said he doesn't need anyone's help to be the top guy.
That still hasn't stopped members of The Judgment Day from interfering in his matches. While they listened to him at Money in the Bank, Punk and McIntyre affected the outcome of the one-on-one bout.
Rollins and Priest never got a definitive answer based on their words on WWE RAW. Rollins now can't challenge for the title as long Priest is still the champion. Fans won't know what would have happened had The Visionary beat Priest.
Since he was clearly unhappy with how things played out, The Archer of Infamy should address Punk, Rollins, and McIntyre. It could lead to a three-way match since the trio have been the main players in the RAW title picture. Priest will also have words with Punk since he interfered in his business.
#3. Finn Balor challenges him for the title
Finn Balor, Rhea Ripley, and Damian Priest have been the foundation of The Judgment Day after kicking Edge out of the group. Balor and Priest are former tag champs and have often called themselves brothers.
Over the last few months, the dynamics within The Judgment Day have changed. Rhea Ripley is out of action, Priest is the World Heavyweight Champion, and Liv Morgan is the little sister who won't go away.
Balor is one of the stars who has benefitted from Morgan's meddling in group business. The Prince has also confronted his friend about how he's changed since becoming champion. Damian Priest did what Finn Balor couldn't do - win the World Heavyweight Title.
He might be jealous of that fact but he is right about Priest's attitude since capturing the belt. Brothers fight and they should settle it in the ring. It doesn't matter who initiates a potential fight.
#2. The Judgment Day faces an ultimatum
The actions of Liv Morgan have caused a slight fracture within The Judgment Day. Dominik has tried to repel her advances. Priest has repeatedly told Dirty Dom to end it because Rhea Ripley isn't happy.
Those three seem to be on the same page. Since Morgan's actions have helped Balor and JD McDonagh, those two seem more amenable to working with the Women's World Champ. Carlito will go either way since he's not an official member of the group yet.
Damian Priest could definitely make an ultimatum - shape up and stop dealing with Liv Morgan or get out of The Judgment Day. It could lead to a six-person match or a civil war like where The Bloodline is headed.
#1. Damian Priest decides to leave The Judgment Day
Most of Priest's claims as World Heavyweight Champion have involved doing things without help. When he has a title match, he wants to win or lose on his own merits. When there's other group business to attend to, it's all hands on deck.
He mentioned this as the group has dealt with the LWO and Braun Strowman. Money in the Bank was one of the first instances where the rest of his allies didn't interfere in one of his matches.
The problem was, however, that other forces affected the outcome of the match. To prove that he can truly do it on his own and that he doesn't need The Judgment Day, Damian Priest could simply take himself out of the group. It would track with his statements and cause a split on slightly good terms.