In a surprising twist, WWE’s WrestleMania Backlash 2021 featured a matchup unlike any other: a lumberjack match with a horde of zombies. While the unconventional bout garnered mixed reviews from fans and critics alike, one participant, Damian Priest, fondly reminisced about the unique experience in a recent interview with Inside the Ropes.
Reflecting on the polarizing match, Priest offered a candid perspective on the creative departure, acknowledging the inevitable backlash while embracing the opportunity to indulge in his passion for the undead. “I knew the feedback, what it was going to be. It’s hard when you do something different. You know, people are accustomed to one way, and some are open to change, but most aren’t, just in general what it is,” Priest remarked, his words resonating with a sense of understanding and acceptance.
“For me personally, fighting zombies was one of the coolest things I’ve ever done. I’m a big zombie fan, like zombie movies and everything,” Priest continued, revealing his genuine enthusiasm for the thematic departure. “I loved Army of the Dead, so for me, when I was fighting zombies, this was pretty cool. I know people disagree with me, but they weren’t in my shoes at the moment.”
The zombie lumberjack match not only provided an entertaining spectacle for wrestling fans but also served as a clever crossover promotion for Dave Bautista’s film “Army of the Dead.” Directed by Zack Snyder and released on Netflix, the film gained additional exposure through its integration into the wrestling storyline. The match itself, featuring Damian Priest and The Miz surrounded by a horde of undead lumberjacks, was a testament to the creative partnership between WWE and Netflix, showcasing the versatility of professional wrestling as a platform for multimedia promotion.
By intertwining elements of sports entertainment with cinematic storytelling, the zombie lumberjack match captured the imagination of audiences, blending the worlds of wrestling and film in a way that was both unique and engaging. This innovative approach not only entertained existing fans but also attracted new viewers intrigued by the crossover between wrestling and popular culture.
While some fans may have felt disillusioned by the overt tie-ins with film and video game promotions, Priest’s fond recollection of the experience underscores the subjective nature of wrestling’s creative landscape. As AEW recently followed suit with a similar themed match to promote “Texas Chain Saw Massacre,” the boundaries between wrestling and entertainment continue to blur, offering performers like Priest the opportunity to explore new frontiers and engage audiences in unexpected ways.
Damian Priest’s incorporation of the undead theme into his persona represents a bold departure from conventional wrestling characters, signaling a willingness to explore new creative avenues within the realm of sports entertainment. By embracing elements of fantasy and mystique, Priest adds an intriguing layer of intrigue to his persona, captivating audiences with his unique presentation and storytelling.
In a landscape where storytelling and character development are integral components of success, Priest’s embrace of the undead motif demonstrates a commitment to pushing boundaries and captivating audiences with fresh, inventive concepts. As the wrestling world evolves, performers like Priest who are unafraid to experiment and innovate play a crucial role in shaping the future of the industry, keeping fans engaged and invested in the spectacle of professional wrestling.