In the dynamic world of WWE, strategic alliances and unexpected betrayals shape the careers of its wrestling superstars. Recently, Damian Priest opened up about his pivotal role in the formation of The Judgment Day, a faction that quickly ascended to the pinnacle of wrestling notoriety. During an interview with The Wrestling Classic, Priest revealed the thought process behind recruiting Rhea Ripley, a decision he described as a “no-brainer.”
The Genesis of The Judgment Day
The Judgment Day was initially crafted by WWE Hall of Famer Edge and Damian Priest in 2022, marking a new chapter in WWE’s storied history of dominant groups. The duo’s vision was soon amplified with the inclusion of Rhea Ripley, a formidable wrestler whose prowess and charisma were undeniable. Priest, reflecting on the early days of the faction, explained the effortless decision to bring Ripley into the fold, citing her potential to elevate the group’s impact and visibility.
“Here’s the conversation, ‘What do you think of bringing Rhea in?’, and it’s like that’s a no-brainer for me. That’s my homie. … I obviously had to talk with her before we joined The Judgment Day, and it was like, ‘Well, this is the reasoning. I think this can help us get to where we believe we belong.’ And here we are as two of the top faces in WWE. … So as far as the Judgment Day goes, it’s mission accomplished. That’s exactly what the point of The Judgment Day was,” Priest said.
Triumphs and Tribulations
Under the leadership of Priest, Ripley, and later Finn Balor, The Judgment Day turned on their original leader Edge, setting a course for dominance that would define their legacy. The addition of Dominik Mysterio to the group after months of strategic positioning further solidified their status as one of WWE’s most influential stables.
Damian Priest, who has amassed numerous titles including the RAW and SmackDown Tag Team Championships and the World Heavyweight Championship, credits the group with boosting his career to new heights. With a challenge for the World Heavyweight Title on the horizon, Priest’s trajectory remains steeply inclined.
Reflecting on Mentorship and Legacy
More than two years since its inception, Priest looks back fondly at the early days of The Judgment Day, particularly his interactions with Edge.
“I was a fan of Edge, so now I get to have somebody who I looked up to be a mentor, and he’s like, ‘What do you think?’ And I’m like, ‘Of course it’s a yes’, and worst case scenario, I just get to have fun with somebody that I’m a fan of, and I became friends with; we’re friends to this day. I can’t thank him enough for taking me under his wing and just simplifying things for me on how to be a bigger star,” Priest remarked.
Despite Edge’s departure from WWE in late 2023 and his current hiatus due to injury, his influence on Priest and The Judgment Day’s ethos remains indelible.
The story of The Judgment Day is one of strategic brilliance and the relentless pursuit of greatness. Damian Priest’s revelations provide a rare glimpse into the mechanics of building a successful wrestling faction, highlighting the importance of camaraderie, mentorship, and clear vision in the high-stakes world of professional wrestling. As Priest continues to build his legacy, the impact of The Judgment Day’s narrative will undoubtedly resonate for years to come in the annals of WWE history.
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