Damian Priest debuts on SmackDown with victory over Carmelo Hayes, reveals motivation behind brand switch following four-year RAW tenure.
Damian Priest made his SmackDown debut on January 25, 2025, after departing Monday Night RAW. Nick Aldis introduced Priest as the newest addition to the blue brand’s roster and announced his match against Carmelo Hayes, which Priest won.
Priest concluded his RAW tenure with a Street Fight victory over Finn Balor on January 13, 2025. During his four years on the red brand, he captured multiple championships, including the World Heavyweight Championship, United States Championship, and Tag Team Championships.
Following his victory over Hayes, Priest addressed his brand switch in a backstage interview with Byron Saxton.
It’s a big one, man. Four years in WWE, all Monday Night RAW, and I feel like, this is the right time to move. I accomplished everything that I wanted to accomplish on Monday Night RAW. World Champion, United States Champion, [and] multiple-time tag team champion. Now, it’s time for something new, a new challenge, new rivals, and I am here on SmackDown, ready to take them all on.
I’m 26 years old and live in Brazil. I'm fluent in English, a journalist, and a pro wrestling fan for 15 years. Creator of the Brazilian website Wrestling Notícias. Fan of CM Punk and Chelsea Green.
