In an industry focused on discovering new young talent, Damien Priest didn’t capture his first WWE Championship until he was 42 years old. Speaking with Sal Raikata on WFAN, Priest reflected on reaching his career peak in WWE at an age when many athletes consider retirement.
Priest’s journey to the top defied traditional wrestling norms. With a 20-year career spanning Ring of Honor and the independent circuit, he achieved more in just five years than many wrestlers do in their entire careers.
He credits his breakthrough not to physical skills or fresh storylines, but to authenticity. Priest says Triple H gave him defining career advice, echoing mentorship from The Undertaker.
“My boss Triple H once told me, ‘The day you stop trying to pretend to be yourself, you’ll just be yourself, and you’ll make a lot of money in this business.’ He also mentioned that The Undertaker gave the same advice,” Priest shared.
He admitted that the advice felt ironic given the wrestling industry’s emphasis on larger-than-life personas.
“He said, ‘I know it feels strange, because how can someone teach you to be yourself when you’re not fully yourself yet?’ But he assured me, ‘One day, it will click.’ And eventually, it did,” Priest said.
This moment of authenticity happened during a match against Finbaral at NXT, which led to his main roster promotion and championship success. The lesson resonates beyond wrestling: sometimes, letting go of others’ expectations allows the best version of yourself to emerge.
Priest isn’t the first rookie WWE Champion to win at what many consider an advanced age. Buddy Rogers was also 42 when he won the WWE Championship, as was Ric Flair when he first captured the title in 1992. Bobby Lashley also secured the WWE title in 2021 at the age of 44.
As Priest prepares for SummerSlam at MetLife Stadium, his story offers hope to performers across all industries who feel their time has passed. In a business that often values youth over experience, the 42-year-old champion proves that patience and dedication can lead to real, impactful moments.
Fan Take: This breakthrough is a powerful reminder for WWE fans that it’s never too late to shine, challenging outdated norms about age in the sport. Priest’s success could inspire veterans and newcomers alike to focus on authenticity and perseverance, potentially enriching WWE with more diverse and inspiring stories.
