Is Damian Priest Related to Roman Reigns? Are They Related?
by Srinithi
Updated Jun 06, 2023
Is Damian Priest Related to Roman Reigns?
No, Damian Priest and Roman Reigns are not related. Damian Priest, whose real name is Luis Martinez, is of Puerto Rican descent and was raised in New York. He does not have any familial connection to the Anoa'i Family, which is a prominent Samoan-American wrestling family that includes Roman Reigns among its members.
The mention of Roman Reigns in relation to Damian Priest is simply due to the fact that both wrestlers work together as Superstars in WWE. There is hope among fans and WWE officials that they will have a main event program in the future, which would serve to elevate Damian Priest to a main event level in the company.
It's important to note that in the world of professional wrestling, storylines and rivalries are often created to entertain the audience, and the association between wrestlers does not necessarily indicate a real-life familial connection.
Who is Damian Priest?
Luis Martínez, known by his ring name Damian Priest, is an American professional wrestler of Puerto Rican descent. He was born on September 26, 1982, in New York City. Currently signed to WWE and performing on the Raw brand, Damian Priest is a member of the stable known as The Judgment Day.
Prior to his tenure in WWE, Damian Priest gained recognition for his work in Ring of Honor (ROH) under the ring name Punishment Martinez. During his time in ROH, he held the ROH World Television Championship once, showcasing his talent and skills in the ring. Through ROH's partnership with New Japan Pro-Wrestling (NJPW), Damian Priest also had the opportunity to compete in Japan under the name Punisher Martinez.
Growing up, Martínez spent some of his childhood in the municipality of Dorado, Puerto Rico, after being born in New York City. It was during this time that he developed an interest in professional wrestling after watching the World Wrestling Council on television. Inspired by what he saw, Martínez decided to pursue a career in the wrestling industry. He also learned Japanese Gōjū-ryū karate from his father, who was a martial artist. Martínez achieved success in full-contact martial arts, winning two national championships before transitioning to professional wrestling.
Upon returning to the United States, Martínez underwent a period of cultural adaptation, as Spanish remained his first language. Despite the challenges, he persevered and focused on his wrestling career, ultimately making a name for himself in the industry.
Damian Priest's journey from his early aspirations in Puerto Rico to his current success in WWE is a testament to his dedication and passion for the sport.
Who is Roman Reigns?
Leati Joseph "Joe" Anoa'i, known professionally as Roman Reigns, is an American professional wrestler and former American football player. He was born on May 25, 1985. Reigns is currently signed to WWE and performs on the SmackDown brand. He is widely recognized as one of the top wrestlers in the industry.
Reigns has achieved great success in WWE, holding multiple championship titles throughout his career. He is currently the WWE Universal Champion, a title he has held for an impressive second reign, making him the longest-reigning champion in the history of that championship. In addition, Reigns is also the current WWE Champion, marking his fourth reign with that title. With both championships, he is referred to as the Undisputed WWE Universal Champion.
As a member of the Anoa'i family, Reigns has wrestling in his blood. The Anoa'i family is renowned in the wrestling world and has produced several notable wrestlers over the years. Reigns proudly represents his family's legacy and is considered one of the prominent members of the family within the wrestling industry.
Prior to his wrestling career, Reigns had a background in American football. He played college football at Georgia Institute of Technology and later pursued a professional football career. Reigns signed with the Minnesota Vikings and the Jacksonville Jaguars but was ultimately released from both teams. It was during this time that he decided to follow in the footsteps of his family and pursue a career in professional wrestling.
Which WWE Wrestlers Are Related To Roman Reigns?
Tamina Snuka, also known simply as Tamina, is a professional wrestler in WWE who is related to Roman Reigns through her father, Jimmy Snuka. Jimmy Snuka, a WWE legend and Hall of Fame inductee, married into the Anoa'i family, which is the same family that Reigns belongs to. While there is no direct blood relation between Tamina and Roman Reigns, they are still cousins, and Tamina can claim a connection to the Universal Champion.
In recent years, Tamina has chosen to keep her relationship with her father hidden from the public eye within WWE. This is mainly due to the controversial history surrounding her father. It was widely reported that he was involved in the murder of a previous girlfriend in the 1980s. This incident was covered up by WWE, with Vince McMahon, the owner of WWE, not wanting to draw attention to the murder and its connection to Tamina's relationship with her father.
On the other hand, Nia Jax, another WWE wrestler, is also related to Roman Reigns in a similar manner as Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson. Nia Jax's father, Joseph Fanene, was the first cousin of Peter Maivia, who is The Rock's grandfather and a former wrestler. This means that Nia Jax and Roman Reigns are related through their shared family ties. Their relatives were blood brothers with Reigns, further solidifying their connection within the Anoa'i family.
The relationships and connections within the wrestling industry can be complex, but they contribute to the unique dynamics and storytelling within WWE.
Is Damian Priest Related to Roman Reigns-FAQ
Damian Priest's real name is Luis Martínez.
No, Damian Priest is not related to Roman Reigns. They are not family members.
Damian Priest performs on the Raw brand of WWE.
Before joining WWE, Damian Priest competed under the ring name Punishment Martinez in promotions such as Ring of Honor (ROH).
Yes, Damian Priest is a former ROH World Television Champion and has also competed in Japan as Punisher Martinez through ROH's working relationship with New Japan Pro-Wrestling.