Luis Martínez, born on September 26, 1982, is an American professional wrestler with Puerto Rican roots. He performs under the ring name Damian Priest on WWE’s Raw brand. As a member of The Judgment Day stable, he currently holds the Men’s Money in the Bank contract. Alongside Finn Bálor, his stablemate, he is in his second reign as one-half of the Undisputed WWE Tag Team Champions. This reign marks his second time holding both the Raw and SmackDown Tag Team Championships.
Martínez gained fame in Ring of Honor (ROH) as Punishment Martinez, where he won the ROH World Television Championship once. His work extended to Japan through ROH’s partnership with New Japan Pro-Wrestling (NJPW), where he wrestled as Punisher Martinez.[5] In 2018, WWE welcomed Martínez, assigning him to NXT under his current ring name. There, he captured the NXT North American Championship once. His move to WWE’s main roster came in 2021. Since then, he has won the WWE United States Championship once, the 2023 Men’s Money in the Bank contract, and the Raw and SmackDown Tag Team Championships twice each. During both reigns, he held these titles simultaneously as the Undisputed WWE Tag Team Championship.
Discover the comprehensive bio and wiki of Damian Priest, including his real name, age, height, and notable career in WWE. Learn about his association with The Judgement Day stable and his finishing moves. Find out about his marital status, wife, and any dental procedures. Explore his net worth and find answers to frequently asked questions (FAQs) about Damian Priest.
Damian Priest Bio/Wiki Table
| Ring Name | Damian Priest |
| Real Name | Luis Martínez |
| Origin | Puerto Rican |
| Citizenship | American |
| Physique | 6 ft 5 in (1.96 m) and 249 lb (113 kg) |
| Birth Date | September 26, 1982 |
| Current Age | 41 years |
| Financial Status | Estimated net worth of $2 million |
| Notable Achievements | Signed with WWE NXT, notable victories over Keith Lee and Raul Mendoza |
| Recognitions | Ranked 166th and 108th in PWI 500 rankings for the years 2019 and 2020 respectively |
| Known Also As | Punisher Martinez (used in Japan) |
| Personal Life | Marital status not disclosed, maintains privacy regarding personal matters |
Early Life
Luis Martínez, also known as Damian Priest, was born in New York City to Newyorican parents. However, he was primarily raised in Dorado, Puerto Rico. During his time in Dorado, he discovered his passion for professional wrestling while watching the World Wrestling Council on television. Martial arts played a significant role in his upbringing as well, as his father, a martial artist, taught him Japanese Gōjū-ryū karate.
Martínez excelled in the martial arts domain, winning two national championships. Motivated by his success and driven by his newfound love for wrestling, he decided to pursue a career in the professional wrestling industry. Upon returning to the United States, he faced a period of cultural adaptation, despite Spanish being his first language.
Damian Priest Ethnicity
Damian Priest, also known as Luis Martínez, is a prominent professional wrestler of Puerto Rican descent. Born to Newyorican parents, Priest proudly embraces his Puerto Rican heritage. With his captivating persona and impressive in-ring skills, Priest has become a well-known figure in the world of wrestling.
As a wrestler of Puerto Rican ethnicity, he brings diversity and representation to the industry, inspiring fans from similar backgrounds. Priest’s success serves as a testament to the talent and determination found within the Puerto Rican community.
Damian Priest Nationality
Damian Priest, also known as Luis Martínez, is an American professional wrestler. He holds American nationality.
Damian Priest Full Name
Damian Priest, whose full name is Luis Martínez, is a highly accomplished professional wrestler in the world of sports entertainment.
Known for his charismatic presence and remarkable in-ring abilities, Damian Priest has captivated audiences worldwide.
Under his birth name, Luis Martínez, he embarked on his wrestling journey and honed his skills to become the dynamic performer known as Damian Priest.
Damian Priest Age
Damian Priest, born on September 26, 1982, is a professional wrestler whose age stands at 41 years. With a career that spans several years, Priest has achieved great success and garnered a dedicated fan following.
Known for his athleticism and charismatic presence, Priest has made a significant impact in the world of wrestling despite his relatively young age. As he continues to showcase his talents and evolve as a performer, fans eagerly anticipate the future achievements of this 41-year-old wrestling sensation.
Damian Priest Height
Damian Priest is billed at an impressive height of 6 feet 5 inches (1.96 meters). This measurement accentuates his imposing presence inside the wrestling ring, where he towers over many of his opponents.
Standing at such a significant height, Priest commands attention and exhibits a powerful physical presence that adds to his captivating persona as a formidable wrestler.
Damian Priest Weight
Damian Priest is billed with a weight of 249 pounds (113 kilograms). This substantial weight showcases his physical strength and muscular build, emphasizing his ability to deliver impactful maneuvers and dominate his opponents in the wrestling ring.
Professional Wrestling Career
Early Career
After receiving training at the renowned Monster Factory, Martínez showcased his skills and emerged victorious in various championships held by Monster Factory Pro Wrestling. In 2014, he further honed his abilities by attending a training camp organized by Ring of Honor (ROH) and subsequently continued his training at the ROH dojo.
Ring of Honor (2015–2018)
Luis Martínez, known as Punisher and Damian Martinez, etched an indelible mark in Ring of Honor (ROH). Debuting as Luis Martínez in 2015, he showcased his potential through dark matches, conquering one out of two.
Reentering ROH as Punisher Martinez, he took part in the ROH Top Prospect Tournament. Although he lost to Lio Rush in the semifinals, his performance led to a contract with ROH. He formed alliances with B.J. Whitmer and Kevin Sullivan, setting up a feud against Steve Corino.
Participating in the 2016 Honor Rumble and Survival of the Fittest, Martinez impressed the crowd but couldn’t clinch a win. A brief feud with War Machine ended in a no-contest and a victory in a no-holds-barred match.
Through ROH’s association with New Japan Pro-Wrestling (NJPW), Martinez seized a win at Honor Rising: Japan 2017 alongside Hiromu Takahashi and Tetsuya Naito. However, he fell short in his quest for the NEVER Openweight Championship against Hirooki Goto.
Upon reentry as Damian Martinez, he contested in two Battle Royals but failed to secure victory. However, he and Whitmer claimed a win over War Machine, after which Martinez turned on Whitmer.
Martinez’s crowning achievement in ROH was on June 16, 2018, when he vanquished Silas Young to become the World Television Champion. He retained the title against Adam Page and Chris Sabin but relinquished it to Jeff Cobb upon leaving ROH. Martinez’s journey in ROH remains remarkable.
WWE Career
Early beginnings (2018–2020)
In October 2018, Luis Martinez, aka Damian Martinez, signed with WWE and joined the NXT brand six days later. He made his NXT debut on December 5 as a heel, succumbing to Matt Riddle. By April 2019, Martinez was rebranded as “Damian Priest” for television appearances, while continuing as “Punishment Martinez” in house shows. Vignettes re-introducing him as Damian Priest aired soon after.
On June 19, 2019, in his debut as Priest, he claimed victory against Raul Mendoza, followed by another win against Keith Lee in July. A feud began with Pete Dunne and Killian Dain in October, culminating in a triple threat match at NXT TakeOver: WarGames. Dunne emerged as the #1 contender for the NXT Championship.
Priest competed in the 5-on-5-on-5 Survivor Series match, representing Team NXT, but was eliminated by Randy Orton from Team Raw. In 2020, Priest got entangled in the NXT North American Championship storyline with Keith Lee and Dominik Dijakovic. Despite opportunities to clinch the title against Lee and Dijakovic in April, Priest failed to emerge victorious.
NXT North American Champion (2020–2021)
On April 22, an unknown assailant attacked Finn Bálor on NXT. On May 13, Damian Priest was unveiled as the attacker, leading to a match with Bálor at TakeOver: In Your House on June 7. Priest lost, but his performance drew commendation from Triple H. In a surprising turn, Priest praised Bálor post-match, transitioning to a face character.
On August 5, Priest bested Oney Lorcan and Ridge Holland, qualifying for the NXT North American Championship ladder match at NXT TakeOver: XXX on August 22. He triumphed, securing his inaugural WWE title. His first successful defense was against Timothy Thatcher on September 16. Priest retained the title against Johnny Gargano at NXT: TakeOver 31 on October 4, but lost to Gargano at Halloween Havoc on October 28, ending his reign at 65 days.
Priest disrupted Gargano’s November 11 title defense against Leon Ruff, resulting in Ruff’s win. This led to a triple threat match at NXT TakeOver: WarGames on December 6. Priest was assaulted by a masked character, Austin Theory, and his gang, causing his loss to Gargano.
Priest then sought retribution against Theory but fell prey to a surprise attack from Karrion Kross. Kross challenged Priest to a New Year’s Evil match, which Priest accepted but ultimately lost, marking his NXT exit.
United States Champion (2021–2022)
Damian Priest participated in the 2021 Royal Rumble, marking notable eliminations before Bobby Lashley ousted him. He debuted on Raw, winning against The Miz, and helped rapper Bad Bunny claim the 24/7 Championship. A winning streak followed, leading to a WrestleMania 37 tag-team challenge alongside Bad Bunny against The Miz and John Morrison. Their victory, however, segued into a losing handicap match against The Miz and Morrison due to Maryse’s interference.
Priest won a subsequent WrestleMania Backlash lumberjack match against The Miz before taking a brief hiatus for a back injury. Upon return, he saved Humberto Carrillo from Sheamus, sparking a rivalry. This resulted in a SummerSlam match, where Priest triumphed over Sheamus, claiming his first United States Championship. He retained his title against contenders such as Sheamus, Drew McIntyre, and Jeff Hardy.
A revamped Priest character saw a disqualification win against T-Bar and a disqualification loss against Intercontinental Champion Shinsuke Nakamura at Survivor Series. He successfully defended his title against Sami Zayn, Apollo Crews, Robert Roode, and Dolph Ziggler.
In 2022, Priest retained his title against AJ Styles and Shelton Benjamin, but eventually lost it to Finn Bálor, ending his 191-day reign. This loss turned Priest heel for the first time since May 2020 and his first on the main roster, attacking Bálor post-match.
The Judgment Day (2022–present)
Formation and Early Victories
The alliance between Damien Priest and Edge began on April 3, 2022, at WrestleMania 38, when Priest interfered in AJ Styles’ match, leading to Styles’ loss. This event marked the beginning of their partnership, which was solidified on the April 25 episode of Raw, where their team was officially named “The Judgment Day.” In the same episode, Priest achieved a notable victory over Finn Bálor, signaling the team’s rising dominance in WWE.
The Judgment Day’s presence was further established at Hell in a Cell on June 5, 2022. The trio, comprising Edge, Priest, and Rhea Ripley, triumphed over AJ Styles, Finn Bálor, and Liv Morgan in a mixed tag team match. Following this victory, the group underwent a significant change when they ousted Edge and engaged in a rivalry with the Mysterios. However, they faced setbacks, suffering defeats at major events like SummerSlam and Clash at the Castle.
Continued Rivalries and Championships
In early 2023, The Judgment Day’s momentum continued as they won a tag team turmoil match on Raw, earning a title shot. The dynamic within the group took an interesting turn around WrestleMania 39 when Priest confronted his former tag team partner, Bad Bunny, leading to a physical altercation and subsequent defeat for Priest in a San Juan street fight at Backlash.
Priest’s ambition for the World Heavyweight Championship was evident in May 2023 when he participated in the championship tournament. However, his journey was cut short in the quarterfinals. Another opportunity arose on June 5, 2023, when he challenged Seth Rollins for the title, but was unsuccessful in his pursuit.
Money in the Bank Victory and Tag Team Success
A significant achievement for Priest came at Money in the Bank 2023, where he emerged victorious in the ladder match, securing a contract for a future title shot. This victory was a major milestone, making him the third wrestler to hold a title and the Money in the Bank contract simultaneously. His success continued at Payback on September 2, 2023, where he and Bálor captured the Undisputed WWE Tag Team Championship.
Title Defenses and Challenges
On September 2 at Payback, Priest and Bálor triumphed over Kevin Owens and Sami Zayn. They captured the Undisputed WWE Tag Team Championship. Their victory came with interference from Dominik, Ripley, and JD McDonagh. Priest then made history. He became the third wrestler to simultaneously hold a title and the Money in the Bank briefcase. Previously, Rob Van Dam achieved this in 2006 with the Intercontinental title. The Miz followed in 2010 with the United States Championship.
On September 25, during Raw, Priest and Bálor faced Owens and Zayn again. They successfully defended their titles in this rematch. However, at Fastlane, their reign faced a setback. They lost the Undisputed WWE Tag Team Championship to Cody Rhodes and Jey Uso. This happened after JD McDonagh accidentally struck Priest with his briefcase. Their first reign ended at 35 days. Nevertheless, Priest and Bálor bounced back quickly. On the October 16 episode of Raw, they reclaimed the titles in a thrilling rematch.
Recent Matches
On November 4 at Crown Jewel, Priest tried to cash in on Seth Rollins. Rollins had just defended his title against Drew McIntyre. However, Zayn interfered, grabbing the briefcase and fleeing. Later, Priest faced Rhodes but lost. This happened despite Bálor, Dominik, and McDonagh’s interference. On November 13 during Raw, Priest made a decision. He accepted McDonagh as an official member of The Judgment Day. That same night, Priest and Bálor overcame Rhodes and Uso. They retained their titles, with McIntyre’s interference helping.
On November 24, SmackDown featured another title defense. Priest and Bálor outlasted The Street Profits (Angelo Dawkins and Montez Ford). Then, at Survivor Series: WarGames, Priest had his first WarGames match. He joined The Judgment Day but faced defeat. Their opponents were Rhodes, Rollins, Uso, Zayn, and the returning Randy Orton. On December 18, during Raw, Priest and Bálor stood victorious again. They defended their titles against The Creed Brothers (Brutus Creed and Julius Creed).
Damian Priest’s Triumph at Money in the Bank 2023
When it comes to surprising outcomes in the WWE, Damian Priest’s triumph at Money in the Bank 2023 stands out. The event, renowned for its unforeseeable twists and turns, outdid itself this year as Priest, a competitor who was not the crowd’s favorite, emerged victorious with the coveted Money in the Bank contract.
The Unexpected Turn of Events
LA Knight was the clear crowd favorite for the Men’s Money in the Bank Ladder Match this year. Fans were enamored by his fresh character and were keen to see him get his hands on the much-coveted briefcase. However, the WWE had a different plan in mind. In an effort to maintain viewer interest and engagement, the decision was made to take a surprise twist. The risk taken to deviate from the expected path was considerable, but it was thought to be a necessary gamble to keep the audience invested over the coming months.
The Heat on Damian Priest
Damian Priest winning the briefcase over the fan-favorite LA Knight was bound to draw unparalleled heat from the WWE Universe. This unexpected outcome is likely to make it easier to book him as a heel, as fans could completely turn their backs on him. This heat could also be exploited to book him in thrilling feuds against top babyfaces in preparation for when he cashes in his contract. Priest needs to appear credible when he challenges for either Roman Reigns’ Undisputed WWE Universal Championship, Seth Rollins’ World Heavyweight Championship, or potentially Finn Balor if he wins his match.
Damian Priest and the Judgment Day Break-Up
Damian Priest’s win has shed new light on the dynamics of the Judgment Day team. With Finn Balor set to compete against Seth Rollins for the World Heavyweight Championship on the same night, the tension is palpable. Despite assurances from Priest that he wouldn’t cash in during Balor’s title match, the possibility of an implosion within the Judgment Day team remains. This could lead to a significant feud between Balor and Priest if the latter chooses to seize Balor’s chance at winning a world championship after seven years.
Restoring Credibility to the MITB Contract
The MITB contract has had a tumultuous history, with Austin Theory’s run as the youngest Money in the Bank winner not translating into the success it had previously seen. Theory ended up using the contract to win the United States Championship, which left fans wanting more from the MITB contract. The WWE is hoping to restore credibility to the MITB contract with Priest’s win, considering it would bring a fresh face to carry one of the two world championships for a change.
Damian Priest’s victory at Money in the Bank 2023 has certainly set the stage for a fascinating future in the WWE. His win, while not expected, has the potential to reignite interest in the MITB contract and to create exciting new storylines. As he navigates the challenges and opportunities presented by his win, fans and critics alike will be watching closely.
Damian Priest Finisher
His wrestling style entails a variety of rising and speed strikes. And, his skill in martial arts has a major impact on his striking. He uses a release suplex slam known as the Broken Arrow as well as the Razor’s Edge. In fact, it is a crucifix powerbomb stolen from Razor Ramon, who is his youth wrestling hero. He uses a rolling cutter known as The Reckoning as his finisher. It changed its title to Hit The Lights after earning its main roster debut. It was possibly as a result of Mia Yim, a part of Retribution who was also called as “Reckoning” at the era, bearing the same name.
On June 16, 2018, on the 2nd night of the Award’s “State of the Art” event in Dallas, Texas, Martinez earned his first title in ROH. In fact, he got it by facing Silas Young again for the Television Network Title. In a six-person Test Bed match early that same evening, Martinez beat Cheeseburger to win a chance to play in said event. At Best in the World 2018, Martinez safely kept his title against “Hangman” Page in a Baltimore real fight. He faced Chris Sabin to fully defend his crown at Death Before Dishonor XVI. He fought Sabin after the game until Jeff Cobb halted him.
Damian Priest Wife
Damian Priest, the accomplished professional wrestler, has maintained a level of privacy when it comes to his personal life, including details about his romantic relationships. As of the information available, there is no mention of Damian Priest being married or having a wife. He prefers to keep his personal matters private, focusing on his career in the wrestling industry.
Is Damian Priest Married?
As of now, Damian Priest is not married and has no history of marriage or divorce. He maintains a highly private personal life, keeping details about his relationships under wraps.
Damian has not publicly disclosed any information about his romantic partners to his parents, nor does his Instagram account feature any romantic images with women, suggesting that he is currently single.
Due to his reserved nature, Damian Priest prefers to keep his personal life away from the public eye, allowing fans to appreciate his talent and persona solely within the realm of professional wrestling.
Damian Priest Salary, Earnings & Net Worth 2023
Damian Priest, the accomplished professional wrestler, has amassed an estimated net worth of $2 million. Known for his tenure with the World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) NXT brand, Priest has consistently delivered impressive performances, securing victories over formidable opponents such as Keith Lee and Raul Mendoza on numerous occasions.
In recognition of his talent and impact, Priest was nominated for the “Breakout of the Year” award in 2019, showcasing his rising popularity and potential. Furthermore, his achievements in the wrestling world have been acknowledged in the prestigious Pro Wrestling Illustrated (PWI) 500 rankings. In 2019, he held the position of 166th among the top 500 singles competitors, and in 2020, he climbed to the impressive rank of 108.
Expanding his reach beyond WWE, Damian Priest has also made appearances in Japan under the alias “Punisher Martinez.” With his career at its zenith, Priest stands poised to continue accumulating wealth and success in the wrestling industry. Through his ongoing endeavors and numerous opportunities, he has the potential to further increase his financial standing in the future.
Damian Priest Teeth: Before And After
Damian Priest, the esteemed professional wrestler, may have undergone dental procedures or treatments to enhance the appearance of his teeth. While specific details about the nature and timing of these procedures are not readily available from public sources, it is not uncommon for individuals in the public eye, including athletes and performers, to prioritize dental health and aesthetics.
However, dental considerations typically do not take center stage in an athlete’s public image or promotional materials. Instead, the focus tends to be on their skills, athleticism, and captivating performances.
Damian Priest, with his distinct style and persona, stands out as a remarkable performer within the WWE. As a dedicated WWE Superstar, he devotes extensive hours to training, working with coaches and trainers to continually improve his in-ring abilities and overall performance.
While details regarding Damian Priest’s dental journey may be scarce, his commitment to excellence and his captivating presence inside the wrestling ring are evident. Through his hard work and dedication, Damian Priest continues to captivate audiences and solidify his reputation as a top-tier performer in WWE.
FAQs
How Old Is Damian Priest?
Damian Priest was born on September 26, 1982. As of 2023, he is 41 years old.
How Tall Is Damian Priest?
Damian Priest is reported to be 6 feet 5 inches tall (1.96 meters).
How Much Does Damian Priest Weigh?
Damian Priest weighs approximately 249 pounds (113 kilograms).
What did Damian Priest do before WWE?
Before entering WWE, one of Damian Priest’s most notable plots saw him battling in the Ring Of Honor tag team title. Also, it was against The Viking Raider, a group that is actually a part of the WWE brand. Back then, Erik and Ivar were a great ROH team.
What martial arts does Damian Priest know?
Priest was naturally athletic. But, his skill in martial arts got him national fame. He was a two-time gold medalist in New York and learnt the Japanese karate style Goju-ryu.
Who is Damian Priest in a relationship with?
Rhea Ripley recently talked about her relationship with Damian Priest in everyday life. In fact, the two WWE stars were good friends long before they became a part of the Judgment Day team.
Is Damian Priest white or black?
American pro wrestler Luis Martnez is of Puerto Rican heritage Further, he was born on September 26, 1982. He is now in a deal with WWE. Also, he is a part of the team The Judgment Day. He fights on the Raw line under title Damian Priest.
Is Damian Priest with Rhea Ripley?
Priest and Ripley have been buddies for a long time. But, when The Judgement Day put them together, their love took on a story life of its own. In a brief podcast with Metro UK, Ripley outlined how the two ended up as a pair within one of WWE’s best leagues.
Who is Rhea Ripley’s boyfriend?
The bond between Rhea Ripley and Buddy Murphy went public after months of rumors. In fact, Buddy is a former WWE Star. He now lists himself as Buddy Matthews in the AEW and is a member of the House of Black.
