Damian Priest Says He’s In a ‘Good Place’ After Reduced Schedule In Late 2025

Damian Priest says that working a lighter schedule late last year has resulted in him being in a better place mentally and physically. The Smackdown star had a reduced in-ring workload last year as he was dealing with some injuries that had accumulated, describing himself at the time as pretty “banged up.”

Priest spoke on Off the Ropes about the reduced schedule and how it helped him out. He noted that he is feeling much better as a result.

“Well, we’re never okay,” Priest began (h/t to Fightful). “It is what we do, you know? No bitching and moaning, I don’t like overly talking about how my body is because I’m still showing up to do the job. It’s not an excuse. I’m not the only one banged up. So if my opponent’s banged up too, we’re on an even playing field. So I don’t like to rely on that.”

He continued, “But, I’m feeling a lot better. I got some procedures done while I never took a day off, you know what I mean? So, I got some stuff done to ease pain and I feel a lot better. I think people can see it visually. I’m training differently, I’m getting back into the shape that I used to be in and it’s all because I feel better. I’m in a better head place too, you know — I got myself down and for somebody who likes to think positively of myself and my career, I started doing the opposite and I had to check myself a little bit. So that came with my health, physically and mentally. I’m in a good place now, man. It is what it is.”

Priest is currently part of the WWE Smackdown roster and turned heel on R-Truth in early September. The two have been feuding since.