What started as a high-stakes showdown in Ring of Honor back in 2018 has become one of WWE’s most talked-about stories. On their popular podcast “What Do You Wanna Talk About?”, Cody Rhodes and Damian Priest broke down their brutal first encounter—complete with legendary rock‑and‑roll props and unexpected consequences.
💥 The Infamous Rocking Chair Spot
Cody revealed he took inspiration from the legendary Haku when he hit Priest with a rocking chair not once, not twice, but three times during their ROH bout. What was supposed to be a folding chair turned into a massive prop that wasn’t cut properly—making it nearly indestructible and causing real pain.
“They show up with this ginormous rocking chair… they cut the wrong side, so it reinforced it. Hurt like crazy.” — Priest, remembering the insane spot.
“Yeah, It Sucked” — Priest on the Aftermath
Priest revealed just how intense the moment was: “Yeah, it sucked… you hit me again then it didn’t break, and then you hit me again… I just turned around, like, enough.” That moment wasn’t just storytelling—it nearly marked a career milestone in agony
🏆 Why It Mattered For Priest
The match came just before Priest signed his first ROH contract—his ticket to stability and longevity in the business. This violent encounter underlined how dangerous and unrefined the independent scene could be— and highlighted Priest’s toughness in sticking through the pain.
From Punishment Martinez to WWE Powerhouse
- Back then Priest wrestled as **Punishment Martinez**—now he’s a key member of Judgment Day and a World Heavyweight Champion contender.
- That same rock‑hard chair spot showed off his resilience and helped lay the groundwork for his meteoric rise in WWE.
🔁 Flash Forward: WWE Feud Reimagined
Fast forward to Crown Jewel 2023 and Priest faced Rhodes again—this time under the WWE spotlight, with Priest emerging victorious. From blood‑curdling ROH chaos to SmackDown’s polished wars, their rivalry has come full circle.
👊 Final Thoughts
Their first ROH encounter wasn’t just a match—it was a statement. Cody’s chair wrath and Priest’s grit set the stage for two of WWE’s most dynamic stars. Their evolving rivalry— from indie legend versus rising star to full‑blown WWE titans—continues to captivate fans. Expect big things the next time these two share the ring.
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