Damien Priest recently shared insights about his tough experience in Ring of Honor (ROH), revealing that despite his efforts, he struggled to connect with the audience. He explained on Bust Open Radio that his approach focused heavily on developing compelling characters, but ROH seemed more interested in high-impact wrestling moves rather than character-driven storytelling.
“I was trying to be a character in a non-character company. They were just trying to do something different because they wanted to see a cool move,” Priest reflected.
Bully Ray, who observed Priest’s path closely, noted that his strong character work often went unnoticed by ROH fans who preferred in-ring action over deeper character development. Still, Priest’s talent shone through, leading him to sign with WWE after a significant run as ROH’s World Television Champion in 2018.
In WWE, Priest has found the platform to fully express his persona, evolving from the “notorious archer” to darker, more enigmatic roles during his stint on Judgment Day. While his time in ROH may not have highlighted his full potential, his journey demonstrates that success in wrestling relies on more than just impressive moves—it’s also about the art of character building.
Fan Take: This revelation matters to WWE fans because it highlights how WWE’s strong focus on character development allows talents like Damien Priest to thrive and connect more deeply with audiences. It also signals a shift in pro wrestling where storytelling and persona are just as crucial as athletic ability, pushing the sport to evolve in exciting new ways.
