Okay, so I spent some time today really digging into Damian Priest. Not just watching random matches, but trying to get a feel for his whole journey, you know?
Getting Started
First off, I just cleared my afternoon schedule. Grabbed my laptop, settled onto the couch. Needed easy access to wrestling network stuff and YouTube, basically. Had my notepad handy too, because sometimes writing stuff down helps me process.
I decided to start way back. Like, NXT Damian Priest. The whole “Archer of Infamy” deal. Remember that? Felt different.
The Watching Process
So, I fired up some old TakeOver events. Watched his North American Championship win. That ladder match was nuts. I paid attention not just to the moves, but how he carried himself. More lone wolf vibes back then, right? Focused intensity.
Then, I jumped forward. Main roster debut. Teamed up with Bad Bunny for that WrestleMania match. That was a big moment, showed he could hang on the big stage. I watched that match again, looking for differences. Seemed a bit more… polished? Maybe adapting to the bigger Raw audience.
Next up was his US Championship run. Watched a few defenses. He felt like a solid mid-card champ. Still had the same entrance, the same core moveset. But something was kinda simmering, I felt. Like he wasn’t fully unleashed.
Judgment Day Deep Dive
This is where I spent most of my time. The shift to Judgment Day. I started with the Edge stuff, then watched how his role evolved once Finn Balor took over.
- I looked at his promos. Big change there. More smug, more condescending. Less of the quiet intensity, more vocal arrogance.
- Watched his matches alongside Finn, Rhea, and Dom. He wrestles differently in a group, more opportunistic maybe? Uses the numbers game.
- Even just his look. Darker gear, the way he stands with the group. It’s a whole different presentation.
I specifically pulled up some segments where he’s holding the Money in the Bank briefcase. That added another layer. The constant tease, the power dynamic within the group itself. It’s interesting watching him navigate that.
Putting it Together
After watching all that footage, I kinda just sat back and looked at my notes. It wasn’t like some grand research project, more just me tracing the steps.
What I noticed most was the confidence shift. From the NXT guy trying to make a name, to the US Champ proving himself, to this top-tier guy in a main event faction. The core Damian Priest is still there – the size, the power, the South of Heaven – but the packaging and attitude are miles apart.
It’s kinda cool to see that evolution. Not every wrestler gets that kind of clear character arc. Took a good chunk of my day, but it was fun just immersing myself in one wrestler’s journey for a bit. Makes you appreciate the long game they play sometimes.
