Damian Priest is not expected to be live in Denver for tonight’s edition of WWE SmackDown, with the former world champion having been spotted in New York City earlier in the day.
With the two cities separated by a substantial distance, Priest would appear unlikely to make the show in person. That does not necessarily rule him out of the broadcast entirely. WWE can incorporate previously filmed material, including backstage scenes, interview footage, or storyline segments recorded away from the arena. But barring an unexpected change in travel plans, Priest does not appear set for a live appearance on the blue brand.
The update arrives on a SmackDown card that is set to put major focus on the road to Money in the Bank. WWE has announced qualifying matches for both the men’s and women’s Money in the Bank Ladder Matches, creating a consequential night even without Priest physically present in the building.
Money in the Bank qualifying matches headline SmackDown
On the women’s side, Tatum Paxley, Tiffany Stratton, and Candice LeRae are scheduled to meet in a three-way qualifying match. Each competitor brings a very different route into a match with potentially career-changing implications.
For more background on this topic, read WWE Files Trademark for ‘Ultranueva’.
Stratton has already established herself as one of WWE’s most prominent young stars and has regularly operated near the top of the women’s division. LeRae’s experience and tactical awareness make her a dangerous opponent in any multi-person contest, while Paxley has an opportunity to turn a high-profile assignment into a major breakthrough. A place in Money in the Bank would give the winner a direct path toward championship contention.
The men’s qualifier is equally loaded. Cody Rhodes, Kevin Owens, and Johnny Gargano will compete in a triple-threat match for a position in the men’s Money in the Bank Ladder Match. Rhodes and Owens are among WWE’s most established main-event level names, while Gargano’s technical ability and resilience make him a credible threat in a format where momentum can change quickly.
Triple-threat rules create an additional layer of unpredictability. There are no disqualifications and no count-outs, meaning alliances can form only to collapse moments later. For Rhodes, Owens, and Gargano, the immediate objective is clear: secure a spot in a match built around risk, opportunity, and the possibility of holding a contract that can be cashed in for a championship match.
Elsewhere on the card, Giulia is scheduled to face Blake Monroe in singles competition. That match adds another notable piece to a show already centered on high-stakes qualification bouts.
What Priest’s absence could mean for the broadcast
Priest’s reported location does not automatically mean that WWE has no plans to feature him. Modern WWE programming is not limited to what happens in front of the live crowd on a given night. Pre-taped material can advance a rivalry, provide an update on a superstar’s status, or maintain a character’s presence while that performer is away from the building.
At the same time, there is currently no confirmed indication that Priest will appear in any form. The only firm detail is that he was seen in New York City on the morning of SmackDown, rather than in Denver. Any appearance on the episode would therefore be expected to come through material prepared in advance rather than a live in-arena segment.
That distinction matters for viewers following Priest’s current WWE direction. A live promo, confrontation, or match can alter the course of a storyline immediately. A taped segment can still accomplish important narrative work, but it naturally limits the possibilities for spontaneous interaction with other members of the roster and the live audience.
For WWE, the scheduling situation is also a reminder that its performers increasingly balance in-ring responsibilities with opportunities beyond weekly television. Priest has joined that broader movement through voice-over work connected to Netflix’s upcoming animated film Steps.
Priest voices Cracktor in Netflix’s Steps
Priest is part of the voice cast for Steps, a Netflix animated movie that revisits the Cinderella concept from the perspective of the stepsisters. He voices a character named Cracktor.
The film is set to open next month, which makes this period a natural time for promotional activity to increase. It has not been confirmed that Priest’s New York City visit is related to Steps, and it would be premature to state that the film is the reason he is away from Denver. Still, the timing has prompted understandable speculation, particularly with the release date approaching.
Voice acting has become an increasingly visible outlet for WWE talent, though the scope of a performer’s role can vary greatly from project to project. At this stage, it is not clear how extensive Priest’s vocal performance as Cracktor will be. The character could be part of a brief appearance, or Priest could have a more substantial role within the story. That will become clearer when Steps arrives and more promotional material is released.
The move into animation places Priest among a growing list of wrestling personalities who have taken entertainment work outside the ring. For some, these appearances are compact cameos. For others, they become a foundation for bigger acting and media opportunities. The breadth of Priest’s role in Steps remains unknown, but the project gives him another platform outside WWE television.
Wrestling stars continue expanding into entertainment
WWE superstars have long crossed into film, television, animation, and other media, with the level of involvement ranging from a short vocal contribution to a lead role. Roman Reigns and CM Punk are both associated with “Zebros” appearances in Zootopia 2, illustrating how a recognizable wrestling name can be used in an animated project without necessarily requiring a large role.
At the other end of the spectrum is Dwayne Johnson, whose work in Moana became one of the defining voice performances of his career. Johnson’s path into Hollywood did not begin with that kind of assignment. His early screen work included a limited but memorable role in The Mummy Returns, before his acting career developed into something far larger.
There is no reason to make a direct prediction about Priest’s future based on one animated film role. His immediate identity remains tied to WWE and his work as an in-ring performer. Still, outside projects can offer wrestlers a chance to develop new skills, reach a different audience, and build experience in an industry that often overlaps with sports entertainment.
For Priest, Steps represents a notable addition to his résumé regardless of the size of Cracktor’s role. It also creates a practical reason for fans to watch how WWE handles his availability over the coming weeks. If promotional commitments increase as the film’s opening nears, the company may continue using taped content when necessary to keep him connected to ongoing stories.
Focus remains on a pivotal SmackDown
Even if Priest is absent from the arena, SmackDown has plenty at stake. The Money in the Bank qualifiers will determine who advances toward one of WWE’s most important annual opportunities, while Giulia versus Blake Monroe adds a featured singles match to the lineup.
The men’s qualifier between Rhodes, Owens, and Gargano is particularly significant because each man has the credentials to transform a Money in the Bank victory into a major title pursuit. On the women’s side, the meeting of Paxley, Stratton, and LeRae could have equally important consequences for the division’s championship picture.
Priest’s reported New York City appearance is therefore best viewed as a scheduling development rather than confirmation of any change to his WWE status. No injury, storyline explanation, or long-term absence has been announced. The available information only indicates that he is not expected to be live in Denver tonight.
Fans should keep an eye on the broadcast for any pre-taped Priest material, while also watching for further information surrounding Steps as its release approaches. Until then, SmackDown moves forward with Money in the Bank qualification taking center stage—and with Priest’s potential involvement limited by where he is expected to be when the show goes live.
Darryl Polo
Darryl Polo is a passionate wrestling fan covering WWE, AEW, TNA and beyond. He loves great rivalries, breakout stars and the moments that keep fans talking long after the bell. How we work.