Damian Priest explains why his pace in WWE has drastically dropped

Damian Priest has publicly acknowledged that WWE has placed him on a reduced schedule to protect his health. During his participation in the program Delivering Happiness, hosted by actor Nicholas Turturro, the wrestler explained that he has been competing injured for over a year and a half and his body is suffering the consequences.

Priest revealed that he has "broken his shoulder a couple of times" in the last 18 months, in addition to dealing with discomfort in his knees and back: "This past year I took a step back. I've been pretty beat up. I'm trying to give a break to my bones, joints, ligaments, and everything else".

The Puerto Rican wrestler explained that, although he needs "a lot of medical work", he prefers not to undergo surgery unless absolutely necessary: "If I don't have to do it, I won't. I prefer rehabilitation and trying to stay in the game. Let the trainer keep me available".

Priest added that WWE itself has forced him to slow down to prevent further damage: "The company has told me: 'We are happy with you, but we need you to last here'. So they have been pushing me to go slower. And it's not easy when you want to go out there and perform because you love what you do".

After his departure from Judgment Day, many specialized media outlets indicated that Damian Priest was going to receive a significant push in WWE, and there was even speculation that he would compete for one of the company's most important titles, but after his participation in the Elimination Chamber, his involvement started to decline into secondary storylines.