WWE World Heavyweight Champion Damian Priest narrowly avoided a serious injury when he landed on his neck in the rigid ring during his ‘Clash at the Castle’ match against Drew McIntyre.
Priest was attempting a front flip over the top rope and out of the ring to land on a standing McIntyre, a maneuver he has completed flawlessly hundreds of times.
The Judgment Day member typically completes the jump by springboarding off the middle rope. Priest slightly overshot the middle rope, fell on it, and got his ankle trapped between the two top ropes.
His ankle got caught and he sent his delivery straight into the ring, with Priest hanging over the side of the ring after missing the move.
The referee and McIntyre had to help free Priest from hanging upside down. Priest continued the match and retained the championship from him in the main match.
Priest landed on his neck after his leg became trapped in the ropes on Saturday.
Drew McIntyre and the WWE referee needed to help free him from hanging upside down.
Priest’s ankle injury seemed legitimate, as it clearly worked in her favor for the rest of the match.
During WWE’s post-event media availability, Priest said his ankle felt “like garbage” and he attended the scrum instead of being immediately examined by doctors.
“I was able to beat Drew McIntyre on one foot, so I’m pretty sure I’m ready,” Priest said.
Priest won the World Heavyweight Championship from McIntyre at WrestleMania 40 in April, moments after McIntyre won the belt from Seth Rollins.
Priest earned the title shot by cashing in his Money in the Bank briefcase, which he won last year.
McIntyre got his revenge in his home country of Scotland, but came up empty in part due to a low blow from rival CM Punk.
If Priest is injured, it will likely be addressed as part of WWE’s next show, Monday Night Raw.