Top WWE Star Dealing With Injuries: Report
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources.
Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content.
A new report has revealed that Damian Priest was working through significant injuries during his recent feud with Drew McIntyre. While many fans assumed McIntyre was the one who was "banged up," it was actually his rival who was performing hurt.
The report from Fightful Select clarifies that McIntyre's current absence from WWE is scheduled time off. It was Priest who sustained and worked through several injuries during their program.
Pushing Through For A 'Home Game'
The rivalry between Priest and McIntyre was a violent one. It included a Sin City Street Fight at WrestleMania 41 and a brutal Steel Cage match at the May 24th Saturday Night's Main Event.
Despite being injured, Priest has no plans to take time off. According to the report, working at the upcoming SummerSlam premium live event is important to him as he considers it a "home game."
Backstage Praise And SummerSlam Plans
Sources within WWE have reportedly praised Priest for his toughness and commitment. His efforts to work through the injuries have been well-received backstage.
As a result, he is expected to be featured in a significant manner at SummerSlam. Creative plans are reportedly being made to ensure he has a prominent role on the show.
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - OCTOBER 11: A WWE logo is shown on a screen before a WWE news conference at T-Mobile Arena on October 11, 2019 in Las Vegas, Nevada. It was announced that WWE...
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - OCTOBER 11: A WWE logo is shown on a screen before a WWE news conference at T-Mobile Arena on October 11, 2019 in Las Vegas, Nevada. It was announced that WWE wrestler Braun Strowman will face heavyweight boxer Tyson Fury and WWE champion Brock Lesnar will take on former UFC heavyweight champion Cain Velasquez at the WWE's Crown Jewel event at Fahd International Stadium in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia on October 31. More
This new information reframes the entire narrative of the McIntyre-Priest feud. It highlights the toughness of the former Judgment Day member as he moves toward a major spot at one of WWE's biggest events of the year.
More news: WWE News: Steve Austin Reveals Real-Life Vince McMahon Confrontation
Priest's WWE career is a story of a steady climb, culminating in main event success as both a singles star and a key member of a dominant faction.
After a successful run in Ring of Honor as Punishment Martinez, he signed with WWE in 2018 and debuted in NXT. As Damian Priest, his "Archer of Infamy" persona quickly connected with fans, leading to him capturing the NXT North American Championship at TakeOver XXX in a thrilling ladder match.
Priest made his main roster debut at the 2021 Royal Rumble and immediately made an impact, teaming with international music superstar Bad Bunny to defeat The Miz and John Morrison at WrestleMania 37. Later that year, he won the United States Championship from Sheamus at SummerSlam.
His career reached a new level in 2022 when he became a founding member of The Judgment Day. The faction became a dominant force on Raw, with Priest and Finn Bálor capturing the Undisputed WWE Tag Team Championship on two separate occasions.
In 2023, he won the Men's Money in the Bank ladder match. He successfully cashed in his contract at WrestleMania 40 to defeat Drew McIntyre and win the World Heavyweight Championship for the first time, cementing his place as a top star in the company.
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