Damian Priest won the world title this year–and he wants the Yankees to do the same
A look at Priest’s connection with the New York Yankees–and more details on Bryan Danielson’s final match
The Week in Wrestling is published every week and provides beneath the surface coverage of the business of pro wrestling.
Damian Priest on the Yankees: “There are a lot of guys on the team who like wrestling”
Damian Priest is working to regain the world title.
Just like the New York Yankees.
The Yanks have won the title 27 times, yet the franchise has been title-deprived since defeating the Philadelphia Phillies in the World Series fifteen years ago. Since then, it is their eternal rivals–the Boston Red Sox–who have won two championships, adding salt to the wound of New York’s title drought.
But this year feels different for the Yanks. Leading the Cleveland Guardians, two games to none, in the American League Championship Series, New York sits six wins away from regaining their place as the best in the world.
Priest–whose real name is Luis Martínez Jr.–grew up in Castle Hill, a neighborhood in the Bronx. He turned 14 in the fall of 1996 when the Yanks started their epic run of dominance in the 90’s, winning four World Series titles in five years.
“The Yankees, they’re my team,” said Priest. “That’s why I was so honored to bring the title to Yankee Stadium.”
Only days after winning the World Heavyweight Championship this past April at WrestleMania 40, Priest brought the belt to Yankee Stadium and met with the players before that evening’s game against the Miami Marlins. Priest had the chance to connect with Aaron Judge–letting him know that he used the “All Rise” catchphrase in his honor–and Juan Soto, as well as formed a friendship with catcher Jose Trevino, who is one of the biggest wrestling fans in the Yanks’ clubhouse.
During the premiere screening of Priest’s WWE Network documentary, WWE 24: Damian Priest, Priest wore his “Hip Hip Jose” Jose Trevino t-shirt while onstage at the live event.
“Jose Trevino’s a big WWE fan, and we’ve kept in touch,” said Priest. “I love to support my friends, and he’s a friend.”
Priest was also impressed with Yanks’ reliever Tommy Kahnle’s wrestling knowledge, as well as YES analyst/former Yankee outfielder Nick Swisher.
“There are a lot of guys on the team who like wrestling,” said Priest. “Trevino and Tommy are the two biggest wrestling fans on the team, and Swisher is a huge fan, too.”
The Yanks now travel to Cleveland for Games 3, 4, and 5 of the seven-game series. For Priest, Cleveland was the site of his SummerSlam loss, where he dropped the title to Gunther.
Yet he is confident that New York will rewrite the narrative in Ohio. It has been a career-altering year for Priest, who is operating at an entirely new level in the ring and on the mike. Winning the belt put him in a bright spotlight, an opportunity he seized. Beginning his title run as a heel in a faction, Priest is now one of the top babyfaces in wrestling.
He is looking to repeat as champion. And he wants the Yankees to win the title, too.
“I’m always pulling for them,” said Priest. “I really think this is their year.”
This past week…
… Never known for his promos, Jimmy Uso shined on SmackDown in his segment with Roman Reigns this past Friday–and began recruiting twin brother Jey back to The Bloodline on Raw.
… Congratulations to Zack Sabre Jr., New Japan Pro-Wrestling’s newest IWGP World Heavyweight Champion.
… Two more major notes to come out of New Japan this past weekend: Hiroshi Tanahashi will have his last full year in 2025, retiring in 2026 at Wrestle Kingdom (unless he is world champion!), and the Young Bucks are returning to NJPW this January for the first time since 2019.
… Tiffany Stratton made an appearance on Raw this week, but I don’t think she’ll cash-in her Money in the Bank contract on Liv Morgan. However, I do think it’s time that she cashes in on Nia Jax.
… The latest edition of the High Above Ringside podcast features the new “From The Archives” segment, which this week highlights an interview from 2018 with “Mean” Gene Okerlund.
… Rest in peace to Joe Koff, who led Ring of Honor during a time when pro wrestling desperately needed opposition to WWE.
Bryan Danielson leaves on his own terms
Bryan Danielson left AEW after being the recipient of a gruesome, violent beatdown.
In other words, exactly what he wanted.
Speaking with multiple people inside AEW, Danielson was adamant that he go out in defeat. While there was instant disappointment on social media that he did not have a similar send-off to Sting, who retired in glory this past March, Danielson had that moment in August when he won the title at Wembley Stadium. For his last match, Danielson wanted to go out on his back. And that is literally what he did as he was stretchered out of the ring at WrestleDream.
Danielson is particularly close with Jon Moxley, and he relished the idea of losing to him in his last match. Never the type to refuse to lose, Danielson would have dropped the belt to whoever Tony Khan wanted, but Moxley–who helped build the foundation of the company the moment he arrived–made the most sense. AEW is now back in Moxley’s hands, appropriate considering he is the backbone of the brand.
Multiple people on the AEW roster also confirmed some frightening news: Danielson’s neck was in even worse condition than he let on. It is remarkable to think he worked such a compelling match against Moxley while in pain, but Danielson is genuinely in love with pro wrestling–to the point where he is willing to hurt himself to accomplish his objective in the ring.
In his exit, Danielson made Moxley, Claudio Castagnoli, Marina Shafir, and PAC all look stronger. And he opens up a path for Darby Allin to win the world title. That is no guarantee, especially with Will Ospreay and Adam Copeland (and Swerve and perhaps even Kenny Omega) all excellent choices to dethrone Moxley, but there is a route to the belt for Allin. The pay-per-view ended with a close shot of his face, which did not happen by accident.
Danielson leaves behind a gaping hole in his wake. Yet, as he departs, he also leaves the industry in a much better place than when he started.
Tweet of the Week
Sierra… Hotel… India… Echo… Lima… Delta… The Shield still runs pro wrestling.