Damian Priest and LA Knight Defeat The Bloodline in WWE SmackDown Showdown

INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. — Damian Priest made a dramatic entrance on WWE SmackDown Friday night, teaming up with LA Knight to defeat The Bloodline‘s Jacob Fatu and Tama Tonga in a high-stakes main event. The match, held at Gainbridge Fieldhouse, marked Priest’s first appearance on the blue brand after being traded through WWE’s talent transfer portal.

Priest, a former world heavyweight champion, wasted no time making an impact. Shortly after his introduction, he was confronted by Fatu and Tonga, who acknowledged his reputation as a “street warrior” before threatening him. Priest responded with a superkick to Tonga, sparking a brawl that led to Knight’s intervention. The unlikely duo then teamed up to secure a pinfall victory after Priest delivered his signature South of Heaven chokeslam to Tonga.

Despite the win, the night ended on a sour note for Priest. After the match, Fatu retaliated with a brutal superkick, Samoan drop, and double jump moonsault, leaving Priest laid out as SmackDown went off the air. Knight, meanwhile, continued his trend of being involved in high-profile run-ins, though his long-term storyline direction remains unclear.

The event also featured a heated verbal exchange between CM Punk and Kevin Owens, as well as a women’s United States championship match. Other notable appearances included Jimmy Uso, Liv Morgan, and WWE women’s champion Tiffany Stratton.

Priest’s move to SmackDown comes after his fallout with The Judgment Day, offering him a fresh start on the blue brand. However, questions linger about The Bloodline’s direction following Solo Sikoa‘s loss of “Tribal Chief” status to Roman Reigns. Knight’s involvement in the main event adds intrigue, but his role as a secondary player in ongoing storylines raises concerns about his creative trajectory.

Friday’s show received a B+ grade from CBS Sports, which provided live recaps and highlights throughout the night. The main event showcased Priest’s potential as a top star on SmackDown, while also highlighting the ongoing challenges faced by The Bloodline and Knight in maintaining their relevance in WWE’s evolving landscape.