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WWE Scales Back Damian Priest’s In-Ring Workload in 2025

Priest cites torn shoulders, knee trouble, back pain, favoring rehab over surgery.

Overview

  • Priest says WWE officials have been forcing him to take it easy this year to protect his long-term health.
  • He reports working 24 matches in 2025, a steep drop from 76 in 2024 and 100 in 2023.
  • He describes multiple injuries, including torn shoulders, banged-up knees, and back issues, and he prefers rehab to time off or surgery.
  • He notes he still travels weekly for WWE but no longer performs multi-day runs like in prior years.
  • He remained on television, most recently reuniting with Rhea Ripley on the Dec. 12 SmackDown broadcast.