The Judgment Day’s Damian Priest has officially raised the stakes in his ongoing war with Aleister Black, issuing a challenge that promises to settle their months-long feud once and for all. During Friday night’s SmackDown, Priest called for a Last Man Standing match against the former NXT Champion, setting up what could be the explosive finale to one of WWE’s most personal rivalries.
A Feud That Refuses to Die
This intense rivalry between Priest and Black has been simmering since their first encounter on August 1st ended without a decisive winner. The two powerhouses have been circling each other like apex predators, each looking to prove their dominance over the other.
Their most recent singles showdown took place on September 5th, where Black managed to secure a victory over the former United States Champion. That win gave the Dutch Destroyer momentum heading into his title opportunity against Sami Zayn, though unfortunately for Black, he came up short in his quest for championship gold on Friday night.
Pretty Deadly Interference Adds Another Layer
The drama didn’t end with Black’s title match loss. During a backstage interview segment with Cathy Kelley, Priest found himself dealing with an unexpected interruption from Pretty Deadly’s Kit Wilson. The situation highlighted the ongoing tension between these competitors, with Wilson once again targeting Priest as what he considers a “figure of toxic masculinity.”
Priest’s response was swift and brutal. Still feeling the effects of their previous encounter, Wilson appeared in a wheelchair, but that didn’t stop The Archer of Infamy from making his point crystal clear. Priest unceremoniously shoved Wilson back into his chair and removed him from the scene, ensuring nothing would distract from his primary focus.
Taking Things “As Far as They Need to Go”
When Kelley pressed Priest about how far he was willing to push this feud with Black, his answer was both ominous and definitive. The former United States Champion made it clear that he’s prepared to take their rivalry to its absolute limit.
“I’ll take things as far as they need to go,”
Those words carried significant weight as Priest then issued his challenge for the Last Man Standing stipulation. This match type is notorious for ending careers and creating lasting grudges, making it the perfect battleground for two competitors who seem unable to coexist.
Last Man Standing: The Ultimate Test
WWE officials wasted no time making this dream match a reality. The announcement came before SmackDown’s main event, confirming that next week’s blue brand episode will feature this brutal encounter.
Last Man Standing matches have a storied history in WWE, often serving as the final chapter in heated rivalries. The rules are simple but unforgiving: the first competitor who cannot answer a ten-count loses, meaning both men will need to dig deep into their reserves of punishment and endurance.
With Priest’s power game meeting Black’s striking expertise in an anything-goes environment, SmackDown viewers are in for a treat that could redefine both men’s trajectories. Will the Judgment Day member finally put an end to his rivalry with the enigmatic Black, or will we see another chapter added to this already compelling story?
