Roman Reigns Nearly Faced a Shocking Debut Challenge from Damian Priest Inside WWE ThunderDome

The Rise of Roman Reigns in the ThunderDome Era

When WWE entered the uncertain world of the pandemic, the company transformed its presentation with the creation of the WWE ThunderDome. This digital arena not only allowed fans to virtually attend shows but also provided a cinematic stage for some of the most dramatic storylines in wrestling history. At the center of it all was Roman Reigns, who returned with a dominant new persona, aligning himself with Paul Heyman and later with The Usos.

This era became the definitive turning point for Reigns. No longer simply “The Big Dog,” he evolved into The Tribal Chief, a ruthless leader who demanded recognition from everyone who stepped into his ring. His reign as Universal Champion symbolized the most powerful and compelling character transformation WWE had seen in years. Fans tuned in weekly, not only for his dominance but also to witness who dared to challenge his throne.

Yet, behind the scenes, an intriguing story circulated—one that revealed that Damian Priest, fresh from NXT, was almost booked for a shocking debut against Reigns inside the ThunderDome. Such a confrontation would have been seismic, altering not only Priest’s career trajectory but also Reigns’s carefully sculpted rise to becoming the face of WWE.

Damian Priest’s NXT Journey and Main Roster Promise

Before speculation of him clashing with Reigns began, Damian Priest was making a name for himself in NXT. Known for his charisma, imposing presence, and punishing offense, Priest captured the NXT North American Championship and established himself as a reliable star who could deliver on big stages. His unique combination of gothic aesthetics and athleticism set him apart, making him a standout even in the stacked roster of NXT at the time.

WWE had high hopes for him. His call-up to the main roster was inevitable, but the debate centered on how and when he should debut. Some creative discussions leaned toward introducing him in an explosive way—by immediately placing him against Roman Reigns. Imagine the spectacle: a fresh talent testing himself against the most dominant force in WWE during the height of the ThunderDome era.

The idea carried both excitement and risk. For Priest, debuting against The Tribal Chief meant instant credibility, but it also meant stepping into the spotlight at its brightest and most unforgiving. For Reigns, it would have created a chance to showcase his ability to elevate new stars while reinforcing his own dominance.

The ThunderDome’s Unique Atmosphere

The WWE ThunderDome was unlike anything wrestling fans had seen before. With virtual fans displayed on LED screens, enhanced production values, and thunderous artificial crowd reactions, it became a surreal but powerful environment for storytelling. Stars thrived in this setting, using the energy of the digital crowd and the cinematic tools available to amplify their characters.

For Roman Reigns, the ThunderDome was the perfect environment. The controlled sound allowed his promos to resonate without distraction, and his carefully paced matches felt like psychological battles rather than simple athletic contests. His aura grew because of the silence between moments, the echoes of his demands for acknowledgment, and the dominance he exuded without the risk of live crowd rejection.

Placing Damian Priest into this atmosphere for his debut against Reigns would have created an unforgettable visual. A dark, brooding newcomer stepping into the surreal ThunderDome to confront The Tribal Chief had the potential to shock fans and generate massive interest. WWE insiders knew it, and the plan was seriously considered before being altered.

Why the Match Almost Happened

So why did WWE nearly book Damian Priest vs. Roman Reigns inside the ThunderDome? The reasoning was rooted in momentum and opportunity. Priest had just concluded a successful run in NXT, and management wanted to introduce him to the wider WWE audience with maximum impact. At the same time, Reigns needed compelling fresh challengers to solidify his dominance.

The pandemic restricted travel, and many top stars were unavailable. WWE needed new blood, and Priest fit the bill. Creative discussions revolved around having him emerge as a surprise to confront Reigns, perhaps even aligning with a rival faction before ultimately standing tall as a defiant new challenger.

However, not everyone agreed. Some felt that throwing Priest into the deep end against Reigns would risk damaging his credibility if he lost too decisively. Others believed that Reigns’s ongoing feud with Kevin Owens at the time was too hot to interrupt. Ultimately, the decision was made to delay Priest’s debut, and he instead arrived on the main roster during the 2021 Royal Rumble, where he made a strong showing before embarking on his journey that would eventually lead him to championship glory with The Judgment Day.

What Could Have Been

It’s fascinating to imagine how different WWE might look today had the original plan come to fruition. If Damian Priest had debuted by challenging Roman Reigns inside the ThunderDome, the trajectory of both men’s careers might have shifted dramatically.

For Priest, even in defeat, standing across the ring from The Tribal Chief during his hottest run could have given him instant credibility. Fans would have seen him as a legitimate main-event player from day one. The aura of stepping into the fire against the most dominant champion in recent history could have accelerated his rise, perhaps even leading to earlier opportunities at the United States Championship or the Intercontinental Championship.

For Reigns, taking on a fresh challenger instead of retreading rivalries could have highlighted his role as a gatekeeper of WWE greatness. He would have been positioned as the immovable object that every rising star must attempt to conquer, further cementing his legacy.

Instead, Priest found his path through gradual development, aligning with Bad Bunny for a WrestleMania showcase, then eventually carving his place within The Judgment Day, where he stands today as a key faction leader and world champion contender.

Long-Term Implications of the Decision

The decision not to pit Priest against Reigns right away proved strategic. WWE gave Priest time to adjust to the main roster, refine his character, and build fan support without the pressure of facing the company’s top star on day one. By the time he became associated with The Judgment Day, he had developed the confidence, mic skills, and in-ring consistency needed to thrive at the top level.

Meanwhile, Roman Reigns continued his dominance unimpeded, creating a storyline empire that lasted years and culminated in headlining multiple WrestleManias. His aura remained untouchable, and when he eventually faced rising stars like Cody Rhodes, LA Knight, and Jey Uso, the stakes felt enormous.

Had Damian Priest been the one to face him inside the ThunderDome, perhaps Reigns’s aura would have grown differently. Maybe Priest would have risen faster, or maybe he would have been lost in the shuffle after an early defeat. The “what if” remains one of the more intriguing behind-the-scenes stories of the ThunderDome era.

The Legacy of the ThunderDome Era

Looking back, the WWE ThunderDome era will forever be remembered as a unique chapter in wrestling history. Without live crowds, WWE experimented with storytelling in ways it never had before. Roman Reigns’s transformation into The Tribal Chief was the crown jewel of this experiment, and it succeeded beyond expectation.

At the same time, this period was full of creative possibilities, including the nearly-realized plan of launching Damian Priest directly into the spotlight against Reigns. Even though it didn’t happen, the discussion around it shows how WWE considered bold ideas during a time of unpredictability.

Priest has since validated WWE’s faith in him. His rise through the ranks, culminating in championship victories and faction leadership, proves that patience paid off. Yet fans still wonder what that debut clash with Reigns might have looked like under the ThunderDome lights.

Conclusion: A Missed Dream Match or Smart Patience?

In hindsight, the decision not to debut Damian Priest against Roman Reigns inside the ThunderDome feels like a blend of caution and wisdom. WWE preserved Reigns’s ongoing storyline momentum while giving Priest the space to grow into the star he is today. But the thought of that confrontation still excites fans, fueling fantasy booking discussions and alternate history debates.

The ThunderDome may be gone, but its legacy lives on through the stars it elevated and the stories it created. Among those stories is the tantalizing “what if” of Roman Reigns nearly facing a shocking debut challenge from Damian Priest—a clash that could have rewritten the careers of both men in WWE history.