6 Ups & 4 Downs From WWE Raw (15 July - Results & Review)
3. Trying To Elevate World Title Feud
On paper, Gunther versus Damian Priest does not scream “major PLE world title feud.” It sounds more like a B-show rivalry for a secondary championship or a grudge match.
That’s a bit of an unfair assessment to Priest, but it’s a vibe that can’t be ignored. Monday night, however, WWE tried to change that tenor. In recent months, Damian has been hinting more and more at a babyface turn, even while serving as the de facto leader of the villainous Judgment Day. On Raw, he was seen joking around with Jey Uso at Dominik Mysterio’s expense, softening his presentation, but it was during his promo exchange with SummerSlam challenger Gunther that Priest really started showing a babyface side.
Gunther took his elitist, entitled swipes at Priest while El Campeon played up his rough upbringing, talking about how he had to fight and scrap for everything he earned, rather than being handed things. The Ring General called him street trash and suggested the fans could relate because they also were trash.
This presentation showed Damian’s human side, making it easier to relate to him as a character, which in turn allows fans to rally to him against Gunther, not just because “he’s the good guy,” but because they understand and support him. Priest is the guy trying to make the most of his opportunity and to be an honorable champion, while Gunther mocked him.
And then there was the match, pitting Braun Strowman against Priest, which clearly was intended to show that Damian could take care of the Judgment Day’s business after the rest of the group failed for weeks on end and establish that the world champion could defeat a huge threat.
Whether you think that was a success depends on if you liked the match, but you can’t deny that WWE is giving an honest shot at making Priest look like he’s not just a sacrificial lamb for Gunther. Fans’ mileage might vary on this one, but credit should be given for making a solid effort Monday night.