Tensions are beginning to boil over on WWE SmackDown ahead of SummerSlam, and Damian Priest has made it clear he isn’t staying quiet any longer.
During the July 24 episode, the former world champion confronted Cody Rhodes backstage. He delivered a message that suggested frustration extends well beyond himself.
While the exchange remained verbal, Priest’s comments hinted that a changing of the guard may be on the horizon once SummerSlam is in the books.
Damian Priest warns Cody Rhodes the SmackDown locker room wants change
The backstage segment followed Chelsea Green’s victory to qualify for the Interim WWE Women’s Championship Ladder Match. After an entertaining interaction with R-Truth, Cody Rhodes joined Priest. Rhodes confidently declared that he intended to leave SummerSlam as WWE Champion.
Priest wasn’t interested in the banter. Instead, he addressed Rhodes with a pointed statement that reflected what he claimed was a wider feeling among the roster.
“You know I respect you, and I have respect for Punk. But the boys, we’re sick of the same people being the face of this brand.”
According to Priest, the frustration isn’t personal. Rather, he believes the full-time locker room is tired of seeing the same stars occupy the top of the card while others continue grinding week after week.
He also issued a clear warning for whoever walks out of SummerSlam with the WWE Championship.
“Whoever’s champ after SummerSlam is getting dropped.”
Rhodes acknowledged Priest’s comments without dismissing them. As someone who once considered himself “one of the boys,” he said he understood the sentiment. Nevertheless, Cody Rhodes suggested the locker room would simply have to live with it if he procured the title at SummerSlam.
The exchange also echoed comments Priest made previously on the Gabby AF podcast. During that interaction, he criticized opportunities going to part-time personalities and celebrity figures instead of full-time talent. At the time, he admitted Pat McAfee’s involvement in top WWE storylines frustrated him. Damian Priest argued that wrestlers working the road every week should receive those spotlight moments.
Whether Priest’s latest comments were entirely storyline or inspired by real frustrations, they certainly landed with main-event impact. The verbal shots have now been fired — and the next chapter could unfold at SummerSlam.
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