What did Damian Priest do before the WWE?

By Ali Hammad May 03, 2024 20:57

Photo by WWE

Damian Priest, also known as Luis Martinez, is a prominent American professional wrestler renowned for his time in Ring of Honor (ROH) and New Japan Pro Wrestling (NJPW) before joining the World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE).

Early Life and Training

Born on September 26, 1982, in New York City, USA, Damian Priest's passion for combat sports was ignited during his childhood, particularly when he watched World Wrestling Council while residing in Dorado, Puerto Rico.

His father, a martial artist, played a pivotal role in shaping his interest in combat sports by teaching him Japanese Gōjū-ryū karate. These early influences laid the foundation for his future career in professional wrestling.

Independent Circuit and ROH (2003-2018)

Damian Priest commenced his wrestling journey in 2003, working for various independent promotions where he achieved significant success and earned several championships.

In 2014, he made a defining move by joining the ROH Dojo, marking the beginning of his association with Ring of Honor.

During his time with ROH from 2015 to 2018, Priest's career soared as he also ventured into NJPW, solidifying his reputation as a formidable wrestler. Notably, he engaged in a compelling feud with Rowan and eventually set his sights on the ROH Television Championship.

In 2018, Priest clinched the ROH Television Championship by defeating Silas Young, demonstrating his prowess in the ring.

Transition to WWE

In October 2018, Damian Priest transitioned to WWE and commenced his journey with NXT. Undergoing a rebranding as Damien Priest, he quickly garnered attention and was prominently featured on NXT television.

Notable matches and feuds during his tenure in NXT include bouts against Pete Dunne, Keith Lee, and Dominick Dijakovic for the North American Championship.

Priest's pivotal moment arrived at TakeOver XXX in 2020, where he triumphed in a ladder match to seize the NXT North American Championship. Subsequently, he engaged in a memorable feud culminating in a loss of the title to Johnny Gargano at Halloween Havoc.

This marked a significant chapter in his career trajectory, leading to his transition to the main roster.

Professional Achievements

Damian Priest's tenure in WWE has been marked by several remarkable achievements and notable matches, cementing his status as a formidable force in the wrestling world.

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Notable highlights include his alliance with Bad Bunny and their victory over The Miz and John Morrison at WrestleMania 37.

Priest's triumph over Sheamus at SummerSlam led to him securing the United States Championship, further solidifying his standing in WWE.

Ring Names and Height

Throughout his career, Damian Priest has been known by various ring names, including Punishment Martinez, Punisher Martinez, and Luiz Martinez. Standing at an imposing height of 6'5" (1.96 m), he possesses a commanding presence in the ring, which has contributed to his success as a professional wrestler.

On the whole, Damian Priest's pre-WWE career is a testament to his unwavering dedication, exceptional talent, and relentless pursuit of excellence in the world of professional wrestling.

With an impressive list of accolades and captivating performances, Damian Priest's impact on the wrestling industry prior to his time in the WWE is truly commendable and serves as a testament to his enduring legacy in the realm of sports entertainment.

By providing a comprehensive account of Damian Priest's pre-WWE career, this article seeks to shed light on the formative experiences and pivotal moments that have shaped his remarkable journey as a professional wrestler, setting the stage for his subsequent achievements and contributions to the world of WWE.