Damien Priest, born Luis Martinez, is an American professional wrestler of Puerto Rican descent, currently signed to WWE under the ring name Damian Priest. Born on September 26, 1982, in New York City, Priest’s wrestling journey began in Ring of Honor, where he wrestled from 2015 to 2018 under the ring name Punishment Martinez. Prior to his professional wrestling career, Priest was a professional leatherworker and even worked as an extra in movies and commercials.
In 2018, Priest signed with WWE and was assigned to its developmental brand, NXT. He made his debut at NXT TakeOver: WarGames II, picking up a victory against the much-celebrated Matt Riddle. Priest quickly made an impression with his unique wrestling style that combined athleticism, strength, and agility.
At NXT, Priest had memorable feuds with the likes of Pete Dunne, Finn Balor, and Johnny Gargano, establishing himself as a fearsome competitor. In August 2020, Priest made his main roster debut on RAW, quickly becoming a fan favorite. He has since been in high-profile matches with the likes of Bad Bunny, Miz, and John Morrison.
Apart from his in-ring ability, Priest is known for his unique look, sporting long hair, and a gothic-inspired ring gear. He has cited musicians like Marilyn Manson, Ozzy Osbourne, and Alice Cooper as his inspirations.
Priest’s wrestling style, unique look, and charismatic personality have made him stand out in the world of professional wrestling. He continues to impress audiences with his exceptional skills and is considered one of WWE’s rising stars. Damian Priest may be just getting started on his WWE journey, but he has already made a lasting impact and is sure to have an illustrious career ahead of him.