History of Damian Priest in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: April 21, 2025

Luis Martínez, known as Damian Priest in WWE and Punishment Martinez in ROH, is an American professional wrestler currently performing on WWE's SmackDown brand. He previously wrestled for Ring of Honor (ROH), where he held the ROH World Television Championship. Martinez also worked in Japan through ROH's partnership with New Japan Pro-Wrestling (NJPW).

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Full Timeline

September 26, 1982: Luis Martínez Born

On September 26, 1982, Luis Martínez, now known as Damian Priest, was born. He is currently an American professional wrestler performing on WWE's SmackDown brand.

Others born on this day/year

June 29, 2014: Money in the Bank Appearance as Security Guard

On June 29, 2014, prior to signing with WWE, Luis Martinez appeared at the Money in the Bank pay-per-view. He played the role of a security guard standing behind Stephanie McMahon during a confrontation with The Bella Twins.

October 12, 2018: Signed with WWE

On October 12, 2018, Luis Martinez signed a contract with WWE.

June 5, 2019: NXT Vignette as Damian Priest

On June 5, 2019, a vignette aired on NXT, reintroducing Luis Martinez as Damian Priest.

January 31, 2021: Royal Rumble Appearance and Elimination

On January 31, 2021, at the Royal Rumble pay-per-view, Damian Priest entered the Royal Rumble match at #14, eliminating John Morrison, The Miz, Elias, and Kane before being eliminated by Bobby Lashley.

February 21, 2022: Lost United States Championship and Heel Turn

On February 21, 2022, Damian Priest lost the United States Championship to Finn Bálor on Raw, ending his reign at 191 days. After the match, Priest attacked Bálor, turning heel for the first time since May 2020.

2022: Rejoins using the sitout chokeslam called South of Heaven

In 2022, Damian Priest began using a sitout chokeslam called South of Heaven as his finisher after joining The Judgment Day, a move he had originally used during his time with Ring of Honor.

January 9, 2023: Tag Team Turmoil Win

On January 9, 2023, on Raw, Damian Priest, Finn Bálor, and Dominik won a tag team turmoil match for a Raw Tag Team Championship opportunity against The Usos.

January 27, 2024: Royal Rumble Appearance

On January 27, 2024, at Royal Rumble, Damian Priest entered the namesake match at #26, eliminating R-Truth before being eliminated by Sami Zayn.

January 13, 2025: Priest defeats Bálor in a street fight

On January 13, 2025, Damian Priest defeated Finn Bálor in a street fight match on Raw, despite interference from Carlito and JD McDonagh, thus ending their feud.