Report: Damian Priest’s Original SmackDown Debut Nixed, But His Call-Up Is Still ‘Imminent’

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Report: Damian Priest’s Original SmackDown Debut Nixed, But His Call-Up Is Still ‘Imminent’

damian priest

Photo Credit: WWE

Damian Priest will still be getting a change of scenery in WWE despite his original SmackDown debut being delayed.

According to a new report from F4WOnline.com, Priest was scheduled to debut on SmackDown last week, reportedly as a “friend” of Kevin Owens. Priest and Owens were initially scheduled to face Roman Reigns and Kevin Owens on the show, but Owens reportedly didn’t think the idea made sense as there was no context as to why he and Priest would have anything in common. Owens ultimately was willing to do the angle, but Reigns agreed with him that it didn’t make much sense, and the idea was scrapped.

Fightful Select and WrestleVotes also confirmed Priest was scheduled for a call-up, but couldn’t speak to him being involved in plans for the reported Owens storyline.

As of Wednesday, F4WOnline’s Dave Meltzer said Priest was now tabbed to be part of the RAW brand as soon as this month, but obviously, plans could change. It was noted that NXT call-ups usually have more time to plan in advance but “this flew in the face of that.”

Priest signed with WWE in October 2018 and previously went by the name Punishment Martinez. He is a former NXT North American Champion, as well as a former Ring Of Honor Television Champion (as Martinez) and a graduate of Monster Factory Pro Wrestling.