Damian Priest (real name Luis Martínez) has quickly risen to prominence in WWE, capturing fans’ attention with his charisma, athleticism, and dark, edgy persona. Known for his success on WWE’s NXT brand and now as a member of The Judgment Day on the main roster, Priest has positioned himself as one of WWE’s most exciting superstars. Here are 10 things to know about Damian Priest and his WWE journey.
1. Damian Priest Has a Martial Arts Background
Before joining WWE, Damian Priest trained in martial arts, which has influenced his hard-hitting, physical in-ring style. He studied Japanese Goju-Ryu Karate and was also proficient in kickboxing.
- His martial arts experience adds a unique flair to his wrestling style, as he often incorporates powerful strikes and kicks in his matches.
- This background contributes to his versatility, allowing him to blend striking and wrestling moves seamlessly.
Priest’s martial arts expertise gives him a competitive edge in WWE, making him a dangerous opponent in the ring .
2. He Was a Standout in NXT
Damian Priest debuted in WWE NXT in 2019 and quickly established himself as one of the brand’s rising stars. Known for his dark, gothic persona, he brought an edgy, mysterious presence to NXT.
- Priest’s success in NXT included winning the NXT North American Championship, which he captured at NXT TakeOver XXX in 2020.
- His championship reign and memorable matches against stars like Johnny Gargano and Cameron Grimes solidified him as a mainstay in the NXT roster.
Priest’s time in NXT allowed him to hone his skills and develop his character, preparing him for his eventual main roster debut .
3. His Character Draws Inspiration from Nightlife and Rock Culture
Priest’s character is inspired by a “rockstar lifestyle,” embracing elements of nightlife, mystique, and edginess. This “dark, cool” persona aligns well with his aesthetic and in-ring style.
- His entrance, with fire and a dark theme, embodies this unique persona, adding to his mystique and presence in the ring.
- The character’s inspiration came from Priest’s personal interests in music and nightlife, which he’s seamlessly integrated into his WWE persona.
This rockstar vibe makes him stand out as one of WWE’s more unique and charismatic superstars .
4. Priest Won the United States Championship on the Main Roster
After moving to WWE’s main roster, Damian Priest quickly made his mark by winning the United States Championship in 2021. He defeated Sheamus at SummerSlam to capture the title, marking a significant milestone in his career.
- Priest held the title for 191 days, defending it against several top stars, including Jeff Hardy and Finn Bálor.
- His reign helped elevate the United States Championship, as he consistently delivered high-quality matches and showcased his growing fan base.
The title win solidified Priest as a serious competitor and rising star on the main roster .
5. He’s a Key Member of The Judgment Day
One of the biggest changes in Priest’s career came when he joined The Judgment Day faction in 2022, alongside Edge, Rhea Ripley, and Finn Bálor.
- Priest’s role in The Judgment Day allowed him to showcase a darker side and expand his character, aligning with the faction’s supernatural, rebellious themes.
- After Edge was betrayed by the group, Priest and his Judgment Day partners fully embraced their villainous personas, engaging in high-profile feuds.
The Judgment Day has become one of WWE’s most compelling factions, with Priest as a core member .
6. Damian Priest Won the Money in the Bank Briefcase in 2023
In 2023, Priest achieved another career milestone by winning the Money in the Bank ladder match, earning him a guaranteed shot at a WWE World Championship.
- Priest’s victory at Money in the Bank placed him in the ranks of elite WWE Superstars and set up future opportunities to cash in for a major title.
- His win has added intrigue to his storyline with The Judgment Day, as fans anticipate when he will cash in his briefcase.
Winning Money in the Bank has elevated Priest’s status and made him one of WWE’s most promising stars with main event potential .
7. He Has a Finishing Move Called “The Reckoning”
Damian Priest’s signature finishing move, The Reckoning (a spinning facebuster), is one of the most devastating moves in his arsenal. He has used this move to finish off several top opponents.
- “The Reckoning” combines power and precision, fitting perfectly with his character’s hard-hitting style.
- This move, along with his powerful strikes and agility, makes him a versatile in-ring performer.
Priest’s finishing move has become a key part of his in-ring persona, adding to his reputation as a force to be reckoned with .
8. He Has Puerto Rican Heritage and Represents His Roots
Damian Priest is of Puerto Rican descent, and he has often represented his heritage in WWE. His background is important to his identity and has influenced his style and presentation.
- In 2023, Priest took part in Backlash in San Juan, Puerto Rico, facing Bad Bunny in one of the event’s main attractions.
- This match showcased his pride in his heritage and highlighted WWE’s growing presence in Puerto Rico.
Priest’s connection to Puerto Rico resonates with fans and brings diversity to WWE’s roster .
9. His Entrance and Presentation Are Unique in WWE
Priest’s entrance is one of the most memorable in WWE, featuring dark lighting, pyrotechnics, and a gothic rock vibe that aligns with his character.
- The fire and shadows in his entrance add to his mystique, creating an atmosphere that perfectly fits his edgy persona.
- His entrance has become a fan favorite and is often one of the most anticipated parts of his matches.
The presentation sets Priest apart as a character, making him memorable before the match even begins .
10. He’s Considered a Future Main Event Star in WWE
With his unique look, in-ring talent, and growing popularity, Damian Priest is widely seen as a future WWE main eventer. His recent accomplishments and alliances hint at his potential for even bigger success.
- Priest’s work with The Judgment Day and his Money in the Bank win have shown he can carry major storylines and attract fan interest.
- His versatility and charisma have made him one of WWE’s most exciting rising stars, and fans are eager to see what’s next for him.
As he continues to evolve, Priest’s future in WWE looks incredibly promising .
