The world of WWE has always been full of exciting events and intriguing storylines, and “The Judgment Day” is no exception. A villainous professional wrestling stable, The Judgment Day, has been making waves in the WWE universe with its captivating story arcs and intense rivalries. Here’s everything you need to know about this prominent WWE faction.
Members
The Judgment Day, active from 2022 to the present, consists of several notable WWE performers:
- Finn Bálor
- Damian Priest
- Rhea Ripley
- Dominik Mysterio
Formerly, the group was led by Edge, a WWE veteran and legend. However, Edge was ousted from the stable following Bálor’s addition.
The Evolution of WWE’s “Judgment Day”
“Judgment Day” – The Background
“Judgment Day,” a name with a significant history in the world of wrestling, was originally associated with a series of WWE Pay Per View (PPV) events that occurred from 1998 to 2009. Initially part of the “In Your House” series, it transitioned into an independent event in 2000 following the tragic death of Owen Hart and the consequent termination of the “Over the Edge” event in 1999.
Edge’s Challenge and the Emergence of “The Judgment Day”
The narrative took a dramatic turn on February 21, 2022, when Edge, reflecting on his numerous WrestleMania experiences, openly challenged any wrestler for a match at WrestleMania 38. Subsequently, AJ Styles accepted his challenge. Following WrestleMania, where Edge triumphed over Styles, a new storyline emerged. Edge took Damian Priest under his wing, and their alliance was officially christened “The Judgment Day.” The team quickly grew, adding new members and engaging in various feuds.
The Judgment Day vs. The Mysterios
The Judgment Day’s rivalry with The Mysterios, consisting of Rey and Dominik Mysterio, brought with it a slew of explosive matches and unexpected plot twists. A crucial moment came when Dominik turned heel for the first time in his WWE career, attacking his own father and aligning himself with The Judgment Day. However, even this new alliance had its share of internal disputes, leading to thrilling rematches and legendary “I Quit” matches.
New Rivalries and Continued Success
Following their feud with The Mysterios, The Judgment Day found new adversaries in AJ Styles and The O.C. stable. Despite suffering occasional losses, The Judgment Day continued to dominate the WWE scene, even ending their feud with a victory over The O.C. in an intense eight-person mixed tag team match.
The Royal Rumble and Ripley’s Historic Win
2023 marked a historic moment for The Judgment Day when Rhea Ripley emerged victorious from the women’s Royal Rumble match, becoming the first female and fourth overall to win the Rumble as the first entrant. With her victory, Ripley earned a shot at the SmackDown Women’s Championship at WrestleMania 39, setting the stage for another dramatic confrontation with Charlotte Flair.
WrestleMania 39 and Beyond
WrestleMania 39 brought with it a mixed bag of results for The Judgment Day. While Dominik and Bálor suffered defeat, Ripley emerged victorious, capturing the SmackDown Women’s Championship and earning the group’s first championship victory. After WrestleMania, the team’s rivalry with The Latino World Order (LWO) and Bad Bunny intensified, culminating in a San Juan street fight at Backlash.
Championship Challenges and Future Endeavors
Despite their occasional setbacks, The Judgment Day remained a dominant force in WWE. Their members continued to participate in significant championship matches, even as internal friction began to show. The road ahead seems filled with more thrilling matches, championship opportunities, and dramatic twists as The Judgment Day continues to leave its mark on WWE history.
Reception of “The Judgment Day”
Fans and Backstage Acclaim for “The Judgment Day”
The formation and progress of “The Judgment Day” have garnered considerable acclaim, both from the audience and backstage personnel within WWE. A notable highlight has been the unexpected heel turn of Dominik Mysterio, which has added an exciting dimension to the group’s storyline and has been particularly appreciated by fans and wrestling critics alike.
Comparisons from Outside WWE
The group’s impact and influence have reached beyond the bounds of WWE. AEW wrestler Malakai Black, who previously competed in WWE as Aleister Black, drew comparisons between “The Judgment Day” and “House of Black,” a stable he is a part of in AEW. On his Twitch stream, he acknowledged that he felt WWE was attempting to mirror the success and intrigue of “House of Black” with the formation of “The Judgment Day.” He viewed this mimicry as an indication of the group’s success and interest among wrestling fans. This comparison, while somewhat controversial, underlines the significance of “The Judgment Day” in the contemporary wrestling landscape.
Championships and Accomplishments of “The Judgment Day”
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“The Judgment Day” stable has a plethora of impressive accomplishments and championships to their credit. This includes recognition from Pro Wrestling Illustrated and multiple WWE titles.
Pro Wrestling Illustrated
Pro Wrestling Illustrated, one of the industry’s most respected publications, has honored several members of “The Judgment Day” in its rankings:
- Rhea Ripley ranked as No. 42 out of the top 150 women’s singles wrestlers in the PWI Women’s 150 in 2022.
- Damian Priest was ranked as No. 57 of the top 500 singles wrestlers in the PWI 500 in 2022.
- Finn Bálor took the No. 63 spot of the top 500 singles wrestlers in the PWI 500 in 2022.
- Dominik Mysterio was placed at No. 292 of the top 500 singles wrestlers in the PWI 500 in 2022.
WWE Championships
In addition to their PWI recognitions, members of “The Judgment Day” have made significant strides in WWE title victories:
- Rhea Ripley has held the WWE SmackDown Women’s Championship, now known as the Women’s World Championship, once and is the current titleholder.
- Ripley also achieved the notable victory of winning the Women’s Royal Rumble in 2023.
