WWE has often featured various celebrities in matches and segments throughout its illustrious history and Damian Priest competed in one of the best ones to date.
In a recent interview with Shakiel Mahjouri of CBS Sports, WWE superstar Damian Priest shared his thoughts as to why he thinks fans aren’t always so receptive to this pattern. He also used his previous storyline with Bad Bunny as a positive example of a celebrity treating the world of sports entertainment respectfully. The former WWE United States Champion also recalled how WWE veteran Randy Orton thanked Bad Bunny for the way he handled himself during his WWE run.
“Being honest, just like the fans, when you see an outsider you [groan],” Priest said. “Just because we’re so passionate about it. Not that we have a problem with that person. We’re just passionate about our business. We like it being treated as such. Someone like Bad Bunny coming in, of course, there are going to be eye rolls and whatnot. But then you see the other side and it’s like, ‘Oh, no. He’s one of us.’
“Seeing things like, for instance, we were walking backstage. At that time it was the Thunderdome. Randy Orton stops, because he was crossing like us, he stops and says, ‘Hey, I just wanted to say thank you for showing us the respect like no other. People don’t usually do it this way and I just want to say thank you and you’ve earned our respect.’ It wasn’t even about me. I was just standing there and I thought that was one of the coolest things ever… Bad Bunny actually understood how big that was. He was so humbled by that.”
Priest went on to talk about his experience with Bad Bunny, who delivered an incredible performance at WrestleMania 37. According to Priest, that level can only be reached by those who work hard and take the time to acclimate to sports entertainment. He referenced the way “Jackass Forever” star Johnny Knoxville has “been around”, so it’s already clear that he fits in.
“I only have the one experience, but it would have to be how much work they want to put in,” said Priest. “While it’s fun and everything, it’s serious business. If you’re not trained correctly and not doing everything properly, it can be very dangerous. I would say that’s the most challenging part. How are the people coming in? How are they going to co-exist with our world? Johnny [Knoxville] has made multiple appearances. He’s been around and so we already know that he fits right in. Plus, he’s crazy like the rest of us so that always helps… It’s hard for somebody to do just do this and be good at it when they come from another world.”
WWE WrestleMania 38 will feature multiple celebrities. Knoxville will face Sami Zayn, and YouTuber-turned-boxer Logan Paul will team up with The Miz to face Rey and Dominik Mysterio. Plus, SmackDown commentator Pat McAfee, who previously wrestled twice in NXT, will take on Austin Theory.
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