WWE Star Damian Priest on Why He Stopped Using The Reckoning as His Finisher

Damian Priest has had an impressive main roster run since moving up from “WWE NXT,” with major highlights including being part of Edge’s original Judgment Day, eventually taking over the group, winning the World Heavyweight Championship, and currently feuding alongside Rhea Ripley against the latest version of their former faction. However, Priest has had to make some adjustments along the way, like changing his finishing move when Cody Rhodes returned to WWE.

During an appearance on “Insight” with Chris Van Vliet, Priest was asked about his conversation with WWE management when Rhodes was set to return, considering their finishers—The Reckoning and Cross Rhodes—are similar.

“They didn’t actually tell me to stop using it,” Priest explained. “I do it differently, but they suggested, ‘You might want to…’ but never said, ‘Change it.’” He noted that even Rhodes didn’t think he needed to drop the move entirely. However, Priest realized that having two similar finishers might confuse the audience since both moves are variations of a Rolling Cutter.

“If Cody’s back and I’m using this move, every time I hit it, people are gonna think of him,” Priest said. “Cody has his unique twist on it, hooking the arms and twisting, while I take my arm out and spin underneath. But ultimately, it’s the same move—a Rolling Cutter.”

Priest shared that he had no issues switching back to other moves in his arsenal, such as the South of Heaven chokeslam, The Razor’s Edge, or the Flatliner. And if he ever faces Rhodes, he’s ready to bring The Reckoning back.

“Anytime I face Cody, I’m gonna hit him with it,” Priest added. He also hinted at expanding his moveset further, including submissions. “I haven’t even started doing submissions yet, but I’ve got a few, including a different version of a Gogoplata,” he said, referencing a move famously used by The Undertaker.

Priest views his transition away from The Reckoning as a minor change, emphasizing the importance of standing out from another top superstar like Cody Rhodes.

“It’s one thing to pay homage to someone,” Priest said. “It’s different when you’re both working for the same company on the same show—you need to differentiate.”

If you use any quotes from this article, please credit “Insight” and give a h/t to Wrestling Inc. for the transcription.