WWE Raw: Finn Balor is new US Champ as Damian Priest turns heel on The Prince

A new United States Champion was crowned on Monday Night Raw, as Finn Balor defeated Damian Priest to win the title for the first time in his career.

Balor, the first-ever Universal Champion and former two-time NXT and Intercontinental Champion added the US Title to his WWE CV by hitting Priest with the Coupe de Grade to bag the victory.

It marked the end of Priest’s record-breaking run with the United States Championship, which had been the longest reign of the brand spilt era, and the longest since Dean Ambrose held the strap in 2013/14. The 39-year-old had also gone a whole calendar year on Raw without being defeated in a singles match nor pinned. Until his defeat to Kevin Owens in January of this year. 

Same, dude. Same.@FinnBalor#WWERaw pic.twitter.com/9MBSP6iIQz

Following the match, Priest cut a promo on Balor and the fans in what signalled a heel turn for The Archer of Infamy. Cementing the turn by attacking the Irishman and powerbombing him across the announce table. 

It will be the first time we’ve seen Priest as a heel on Monday Night Raw, he’d previously been positioned in that role in his early NXT days. Interestingly, it was after a match with Balor at NXT TakeOver: In Your House in 2020 that Priest made his first face turn. Praising The Prince after in defeat and going on to feud with Cameron Grimes. 

Ahead of WrestleMania, Balor will now most likely head into the event as the US Champ and possibly a rematch of some variety with his new foe. Stay tuned to GiveMeSport for any news on both men’s path to Dallas and what we could expect in the United States Title picture. 

CHAMPION pic.twitter.com/XV7WKzuQs2