Damian Priest’s WWE journey has reached a new peak in 2024, especially after an eventful WrestleMania 40, where he clinched the World Heavyweight Title by cashing in his Money in the Bank briefcase and defeating Drew McIntyre. While Priest’s reign ended at SummerSlam, when he lost the title to GUNTHER, WWE appears ready to push Priest’s star power even further by strengthening his character and leaning into his Puerto Rican heritage.
WWE’s Plans for Damian Priest’s Transformation
According to WrestleVotes Radio on SportsKeeda’s Backstage Pass Patreon, WWE has begun strategizing ways to expand Priest’s character. Their goal is to enhance Priest’s image both visually and culturally, focusing on his Puerto Rican roots. WWE is considering having Priest regularly don the vejigante mask, a traditional Puerto Rican mask representing vibrant folklore figures.
“We’ll start with Damian Priest as we left off with him Monday Night Raw wise, we’re told that there are talks to strengthen the Damian Priest character in regards to merchandising and appearance. WWE has discussed priests paying homage to his Puerto Rican culture with him embracing the vejigante mask. Apologies if that’s not pronounced, right. However, that was the research that led to the pronunciation of the vejigante mask. If you recall, Priest has done this mask once before Wrestlemania 40 when he came out with Finn Balor for the tag team match. So we’re told WWE is strongly considering making this part of his character and really turning up his baby face persona”.
h/t: wrestlingnews
Priest previously wore the vejigante mask at WrestleMania 40 when he entered alongside Finn Balor for a tag team match, and WWE may plan to make this an iconic part of his look.
Damian Priest’s Post-SummerSlam Arc and Potential Babyface Turn
Since his SummerSlam loss, Priest’s relationship with The Judgment Day has become increasingly tense, particularly with fellow member Finn Balor. The faction drama has set the stage for a possible babyface turn for Priest, and WWE seems poised to elevate his popularity by showcasing him as a more relatable figure embracing his cultural identity.
The focus on Priest’s Puerto Rican heritage and incorporation of the vejigante mask is anticipated to elevate his persona, allowing fans to connect with him on a deeper level.
The Symbolism of the Vejigante Mask in Priest’s Transformation
The vejigante mask has a rich history in Puerto Rican culture, often representing a figure of resistance, mystery, and strength. With Priest potentially adopting this cultural symbol as a recurring part of his WWE character, WWE may be positioning him as a force for resilience and identity within the ring, appealing to a broader audience and emphasizing the diversity of WWE Superstars.
As WWE integrates this cultural depth into Damian Priest’s character, fans can expect a more multifaceted Superstar. The incorporation of his heritage and the vejigante mask adds depth to his persona, possibly setting the stage for a significant babyface run. This character evolution will not only boost Priest’s standing in WWE but also highlight WWE’s commitment to celebrating diverse cultural identities within its roster.
