Damian Priest introduces new family member ahead of SmackDown

Damian Priest introduced a new family member ahead of this week's episode of WWE SmackDown. The veteran is in a rivalry with Aleister Black on the blue brand.

Priest took to social media today to share a heartfelt update on New Year's Eve. He noted that everyone could do better at helping others and also introduced his dog, Champ, to the WWE Universe. You can check out his message in the Instagram post below.

"Wishing you all the best New Year! We focus so much on what we want, what we believe should be that we forget about what is. Life is so good. Smile. Laugh. Enjoy. Pass that on to someone. To anyone. To everyone. We ain't s***. But we can do more for others. Let's try together. I'm with you. BTW, this is Champ. He's a good boy ❤️," he wrote.

Priest teamed up with Rhea Ripley to defeat Aleister Black and Zelina Vega in a mixed tag team match on the December 12, 2025, edition of WWE SmackDown. The former World Heavyweight Champion is in a relationship with NXT star Lola Vice.

Former WWE writer claims the company doesn't know what to do with Damian Priest

Wrestling legend Vince Russo recently suggested that the promotion had no idea what to do with Damian Priest on WWE television.

Speaking with Jonathan Coachman on The Coach and Bro Show, Vince Russo stated that the promotion didn't know how to book Priest and LA Knight. He suggested that the creative team should be sent home instead of the talent.

"Let's translate that for the good people watching at home. Creative does not have a clue what to do with them. And that's why, guys, Damian Priest and LA Knight should not be sent home. Creative should be sent home," he said.

Damian Priest used the company's Transfer Window to move from RAW to SmackDown earlier this year. The 43-year-old used to be a member of The Judgment Day but was betrayed by Finn Balor at SummerSlam 2024. It will be interesting to see what the company has planned for Priest moving forward.

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Edited by Robert Lentini