In a recent appearance on the Delivering Happiness podcast, Damian Priest opened up about the behind-the-scenes drama surrounding his highly-anticipated match against Bad Bunny at WWE Backlash 2023. According to Priest, the company initially wanted to book a tag team match between the two, citing concerns over safety in Puerto Rico.
A Different Vision for the Street Fight
In the podcast interview, Damian Priest revealed that Bad Bunny was adamant about facing him in a one-on-one encounter, pushing for a singles match throughout the process. Priest expressed his admiration for Bad Bunny’s dedication to the project, stating, “I remember Bad Bunny was very insistent on doing a singles match, and I think it’s because he wanted to make a statement and show the world what he’s capable of.”
As it turns out, Priest’s account corroborates with sources close to the WWE, who revealed that the company had initially suggested a tag team format for the match in Puerto Rico. This decision was reportedly made due to concerns over the potential risks associated with a high-impact Street Fight match in a foreign country.
Safety Concerns and WWE Precautions
WWE often takes a cautious approach when staging high-risk matches in countries with varying levels of infrastructure and emergency response capabilities. The company’s safety protocols are designed to minimize the risk of injury to their talent, and in this case, it appears that WWE was hesitant to expose Priest and Bad Bunny to potential harm in a tag team match.
However, a WWE insider close to the situation revealed that Bad Bunny’s enthusiasm and dedication to the project ultimately won out, convincing WWE to reconsider their initial plan. “Bad Bunny’s passion and commitment to this match were infectious,” the insider stated. “He really wanted to showcase his skills and make a statement in front of his home crowd, and WWE ultimately decided to support him in that endeavor.”
The Street Fight That Captivated the World
The resulting Street Fight match between Damian Priest and Bad Bunny at WWE Backlash 2023 was met with widespread critical acclaim, with many praising the chemistry and athleticism displayed by the two competitors. The match was a testament to the growing influence of Latin American talent in the WWE, and it marked a significant milestone in the company’s efforts to expand its global reach.
As for Damian Priest, he expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to share the ring with Bad Bunny, stating, “Working with Bad Bunny was an incredible experience. He’s a talented performer who brought a level of energy and enthusiasm to the match that was truly inspiring.”
A Win for Bad Bunny and Latin American Representation
The success of the Street Fight match between Damian Priest and Bad Bunny has significant implications for the WWE’s efforts to increase representation from Latin American countries. With a growing demographic of fans from Latin America and the Caribbean, the company is eager to capitalize on this trend and provide more opportunities for talented performers from this region.
According to a WWE source, the company is actively seeking to increase its roster of Latin American talent, with a focus on developing homegrown stars who can connect with fans in this region. “WWE recognizes the importance of representing a diverse range of cultures and backgrounds,” the source stated. “We’re committed to providing opportunities for talented performers from Latin America and other regions to showcase their skills and entertain our global audience.”
A New Era for WWE and Latin American Talent
The success of the Damian Priest-Bad Bunny match at Backlash 2023 marks a significant milestone in the WWE’s efforts to increase representation from Latin America. As the company continues to expand its global reach, it’s clear that the demand for Latin American talent is higher than ever.
With a growing roster of talented performers from this region, the WWE is poised to capitalize on this trend and provide fans with a more diverse range of stories and characters. As Damian Priest and Bad Bunny continue to push the boundaries of what’s possible in the world of professional wrestling, it’s clear that the future of the WWE is bright and full of possibilities.