At WWE’s 2024 Money in the Bank pay-per-view show on Saturday evening, Damian Priest did not successfully counter a pinning assault by Seth Rollins in their World Heavyweight Title bout. Following Rollins’ falcon arrow, Priest’s shoulders were still pinned to the mat as the referee counted a two-count. Triple H confirmed this unfortunate blunder in the post-show media briefing.
Fightful Select reports that the referee on duty during the match was Rob Zapata. Interestingly, Zapata is the same referee who was fined after a controversial count at WrestleMania 35 when Ronda Rousey failed to lift her shoulder, since matches are expected to be conducted like professional shoots. Even though this incident took place during the Vince McMahon regime, no disciplinary action is expected for Priest or Zapata under the new order.
Various sources have supported that Priest was supposed to eject from the pin. Even though he seemed visibly frustrated, it was reported he was coping well backstage following the match. Supposedly, if Zapata had delivered a three-count, Rollins would have claimed the title. This would have impacted other bouts, for instance, Drew McIntyre’s cash-in match would have become a singles match, making CM Punk’s interruption less probable due to the lack of a “No DQ” provision for Triple Threat matches. Furthermore, keeping up with Rollins’ stipulation of not contesting for the title if he lost to Priest, Priest would have been ousted out of The Judgment Day.
“It was an regrettable scenario, notwithstanding, these instances aren’t common with Damian Priest, who was likely more perturbed by it than anyone. Given his commitment, it would be absurd for anyone to hold it against him. It’s just an unfortunate ‘stuff happens’ situation,” expressed one individual close to the scenario.
Many fans assumed the botch was because Drew McIntyre’s entrance theme was set to interrupt the pin count, but no confirmation could be obtained regarding this. One show producer specifically disconfirmed this narrative, stating that entrance music is not intended to interfere with pinfall counts.
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