Seven-figure contract reportedly kept Priest in WWE
Summary
– Damian Priest was reportedly close to signing with AEW in 2024
– WWE intervened with a seven-figure contract offer
– Priest later captured the World Heavyweight Championship after re-signing
Damian Priest was reportedly close to leaving WWE for AEW before a lucrative contract offer changed the situation.
During a Self-Made session on March 9, 2026, it was revealed that AEW had a serious interest in signing Priest when his WWE contract was set to expire in 2024. According to the report, negotiations had progressed to the point that a move to AEW was considered a real possibility.
The situation reportedly shifted when WWE stepped in with a new deal. The company offered Priest a seven-figure contract to remain on the roster, which ultimately secured his long-term future with WWE.
WWE finalized a multi-year agreement with Priest in April 2024. The deal came just as his previous contract was set to expire, allowing the company to retain one of its rising stars.
Priest continued to gain momentum after signing the new contract. Shortly afterward, he captured the World Heavyweight Championship and solidified his position as a major name in the company.
Looking back, the report suggests Priest’s potential jump to AEW was closer to happening than many fans realized. WWE’s decision to act quickly with a significant financial offer ultimately kept him from leaving.
The story highlights how competitive the wrestling industry has become as major promotions attempt to secure top talent.
