With the demise of The Bloodline, the spotlight has now shifted squarely onto The Judgment Day, WWE’s reigning powerhouse stable. What truly stands out about this faction is the closeness that exists among its four current members.
While it’s a bit challenging to designate a singular, unequivocal leader within The Judgment Day, the spotlight undoubtedly shines on Finn Balor, who stepped into the void left by WWE Hall of Famer Edge.
The roots of this formidable faction trace back to April 2022 when Edge laid the foundation. The inaugural addition to the group was Damian Priest, bringing a unique blend of power and charisma. Shortly after, the tenacious Rhea Ripley aligned herself with The Judgment Day, demonstrating her unwavering allegiance. Both Priest and Ripley, however, executed a stunning betrayal, turning their backs on Edge and forming a formidable alliance with Balor, solidifying the group’s shifting dynamics. The latest addition to this formidable ensemble is none other than Dominik Mysterio, rounding out the quartet with a youthful energy.
Currently, each member of The Judgment Day is adorned with championship gold, signifying their dominance within WWE. Their reign appears virtually unassailable, and they stand as an indomitable force within the wrestling world, leaving fans and competitors alike in awe of their collective prowess. The evolution of The Judgment Day continues to captivate the WWE Universe, as they reign supreme atop the wrestling hierarchy.
Finn Balor
Finn Balor’s standing as a leader in the world of professional wrestling is beyond dispute, solidified by his role as the visionary behind the legendary Bullet Club during his tenure in NJPW (New Japan Pro-Wrestling). Drawing compelling parallels with The Judgment Day, another faction known for their villainous tactics, Balor’s acumen for fostering and expanding stables shines through.
What distinguishes Balor from the likes of Roman Reigns is his distinctive approach to group dynamics. Unlike those who often project an aura of superiority, Balor chooses to stand shoulder to shoulder with his comrades, emphasising an ethos of equality. This unassuming demeanour is a breath of fresh air in a wrestling landscape where hierarchical structures often prevail within factions of this nature.
Balor’s current accolades include holding both the Raw and Smackdown tag team championships alongside Damian Priest. However, even amidst this triumph, he has faced the sting of near misses in his quest for the WWE Heavyweight Championship. These setbacks can be maddeningly frustrating, but they only serve to underscore Balor’s unwavering determination and the undeniable truth that he is more than deserving of a future WWE Heavyweight Championship opportunity.
The wrestling world watches with bated breath, fully aware that Finn Balor’s journey is far from over, and his potential ascension to the pinnacle of WWE remains a tantalising possibility.
Damien Priest
Damian Priest’s remarkable journey in WWE has, somewhat surprisingly, flown under the radar. Presently, he holds a dual distinction as one-half of the Raw and Smackdown tag team champions, sharing the spotlight with none other than Finn Balor. However, it’s not just these tag team championships that make Priest’s story intriguing.
Priest has another ace up his sleeve, and it’s in the form of the Money In The Bank contract. This contract represents a golden opportunity to challenge for the WWE Heavyweight Championship, and it comes with a unique twist – you can “cash in” at any moment you choose, creating an air of unpredictability in WWE.
While this newfound power positions Damian Priest as a potential threat to the reigning champion within The Judgment Day, there are interesting dynamics at play. Balor, a prominent figure in the stable, might grapple with mixed feelings. Envy could creep in as Priest holds this coveted contract, but then again, the bond of brotherhood within the stable might overshadow any jealousy. Perhaps Balor will find himself genuinely proud of his stablemate’s achievement, knowing that the collective success of The Judgment Day benefits them all.
With the Money In The Bank contract in his possession, Damian Priest’s trajectory in WWE promises not only to impact his personal journey but also to add an intriguing layer of complexity to the dynamics within The Judgment Day.
Rhea Ripley
Rhea Ripley’s ascent to the pinnacle of WWE as the reigning Women’s World Champion is nothing short of extraordinary. She stands tall as the undisputed best female wrestler in the company, and her journey to this point is a testament to her talent, hard work, and determination.
Ripley possesses the complete package, a dynamic mix of in-ring prowess, charisma, and an undeniable presence. Her affiliation with The Judgment Day faction has played a pivotal role in her remarkable growth, undoubtedly becoming the turning point of her career.
Since aligning herself with the faction, Rhea Ripley’s trajectory has skyrocketed. The stability and unity within the group have seemingly propelled her to new heights, making her an even more formidable champion.
When it comes to Ripley, the possibilities seem limitless. With her exceptional wrestling skills and the ability to captivate audiences with her promos, she appears to be on a trajectory that could see her hold onto the Women’s World Championship for a considerable duration.
As the current face of the women’s division, Rhea Ripley’s reign represents a watershed moment, not only for her but also for women’s wrestling as a whole. With her passion, talent, and unyielding determination, she has firmly established herself as a dominant force in WWE, and the future looks incredibly bright for Rhea Ripley.
Dominik Mysterio
Any lingering doubts surrounding Dominik Mysterio’s ability to shine as a WWE superstar should be unequivocally dismissed. Since donning the moniker Dirty Dom and aligning himself with The Judgment Day faction, Dominik’s ascent within the company has been nothing short of meteoric. He has rapidly transformed into one of the most compelling heels on the WWE roster and has unquestionably solidified his role as a valuable asset within the stable.
Currently adorned with the prestigious NXT North American Championship, Dominik has catapulted to prominence by showcasing not only his impressive in-ring skills but also ability to elicit strong reactions from the WWE Universe, even if it’s rooted in disdain, underscores his prowess as a performer.
Dominik’s lineage as the son of the legendary Rey Mysterio has always been a defining factor, and it’s becoming increasingly evident that the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree. He possesses the genetic blueprint for greatness, and his recent transition to a heel persona has proven to be a masterstroke. In this antagonistic role, Dominik has become virtually untouchable, adding an exciting layer of complexity to WWE storylines.
Dominik Mysterio is not only the present but also the future of WWE. His stock in the wrestling world is on a steady ascent, and his ability to seize opportunities and make the most of them is a refreshing sign of his potential. The sky’s the limit for this young talent, and his continued evolution promises to be one of the most captivating narratives in the world of professional wrestling.
Potential Members
JD McDonagh
It was during the August 7 episode of Raw that JD McDonagh firmly etched his presence into The Judgment Day’s evolving narrative in a truly impactful manner.
JD emerged as a pivotal figure in a tense backstage confrontation involving Finn Balor and Damian Priest. In a twist that took everyone by surprise, he aligned himself closely with Finn, hinting at Damian’s possession of the Money in the Bank contract as a potential source of tension within the faction.
While JD McDonagh remains unaffiliated with an official membership in The Judgment Day, he demonstrated unwavering loyalty to the group by orchestrating a sneak attack on Sami Zayn later in the evening.
As the events surrounding SummerSlam continued to unfold, it became increasingly evident that there may not be adequate space within The Judgment Day for the simultaneous presence of both Finn Balor and Damian Priest in harmonious coexistence. In the event that a decision is made to remove one of them from the equation, JD McDonagh stands poised in the wings, prepared to step into the void. The saga of The Judgment Day assures fans of a storyline laden with unexpected twists and riveting developments in the days and weeks to come.
Jey Uso
Jey Uso made a triumphant return to Raw, sharing a heartfelt moment with former Bloodline comrade Sami Zayn. However, the plot thickened when Uso engaged in a conversation with Dominik Mysterio of The Judgment Day faction.
In their discussion, Dominik highlighted their shared experiences of navigating complicated family backgrounds under the shadows of Hall of Fame fathers. He emphasised that their lives improved after distancing themselves from their blood relations. With empathy, Dominik extended an invitation to Uso to consider joining The Judgment Day, a faction characterised by equality rather than leadership.
Uso’s response remained ambiguous, leaving the unfolding narrative poised for intriguing developments in the weeks ahead. Wrestling fans are eagerly anticipating the next chapters in this captivating storyline.
Updated: Jey Uso is no longer considered a potential Judgment Day member for the time being since his alignment with Cody Rhodes on RAW September 18 2023. Jey Uso and Cody Rhodes took part in an all out brawl against the Judgment Day after their tag team title match on RAW September 25.
Impact
The Judgment Day reigns supreme across all three WWE brands, serving as the linchpin of the company’s captivating narratives. Undoubtedly, they represent the pinnacle of excellence in today’s wrestling world. The hope is that WWE exercises caution and refrains from prematurely pulling the trigger on any break-up within the faction. The stable boasts untapped potential, poised to ascend to even greater heights.
Each member of The Judgment Day shines brilliantly, a testament to the collective strength and synergy within the group. Their current positions in WWE are a testament to the entire faction’s prowess. While the faction’s journey is rife with potential outcomes, surprises, and twists, preserving the unity of the core group remains paramount for the faction’s stability.
One of the most remarkable aspects of The Judgment Day is their lack of a singular, dominant leader. This unique dynamic sets them apart, allowing different members to bring their distinctive strengths to the forefront. These varying dynamics only enhance the intrigue and appeal of the faction.
The Judgment Day is a force to be reckoned with, and their influence and ascendancy within WWE are destined to persist. Wrestling fans can eagerly anticipate the faction’s continued growth and ascent to even greater prominence in the world of professional wrestling.
Similarities & Differences
In the world of professional wrestling, factions are pivotal in crafting captivating storylines and memorable moments. The Judgment Day has sparked comparisons with the legendary D-Generation X (DX). While both factions share some similarities, such as their star power, commitment to high-quality matches, and ability to command fan reactions, they also exhibit notable differences that shape their unique legacies.
One parallel between DX and The Judgment Day is the presence of dominant female members. Chyna in DX and Rhea Ripley in The Judgment Day both stand out as powerful forces within their factions, redefining women’s roles in wrestling.
However, a key difference lies in their talent composition. DX featured established top-tier stars like Triple H and Shawn Michaels, while The Judgment Day boasts a mix of established talent and rising stars like Damian Priest and Dominik Mysterio.
Another divergence is in how they approach authority figures. DX was known for challenging WWE Chairman Vince McMahon, while The Judgment Day focuses on feuding with other groups and individuals, avoiding authority-related storylines.
Both factions prioritise delivering high-quality matches, but DX embraced comedy as class clowns, while The Judgment Day’s humour often arises unintentionally from their serious characters.
In summary, while comparisons are inevitable, The Judgment Day’s uniqueness lies in its talent mix, storytelling direction, and humour approach, ensuring it contributes to WWE’s rich history alongside iconic factions like DX.
Adversary
Edge’s storied history in WWE has been filled with memorable rivalries, but when it comes to his feud with Finn Balor and The Judgment Day, it seems like there’s more to be written. The Rated R Superstar undoubtedly harbours lingering resentment from his tumultuous tenure as the leader of The Judgment Day and the mistreatment he and his wife endured at the hands of its members. The rivalry between Balor and Edge feels far from settled, and it’s a story that appears far from reaching its final chapter. The animosity and tension between these two wrestling titans continue to simmer, and the door to their conflict remains open.
Challenges
Sustaining The Judgment Day as a dominant faction necessitates addressing the potential envy and rivalry that may arise should Balor or Priest capture the WWE Heavyweight Championship. Jealousy is already apparent, notably with Priest holding the coveted Money In The Bank briefcase. In the tumultuous world of professional wrestling factions, conflicts and disputes are almost inevitable. Keeping every member content may prove challenging, but The Judgment Day’s journey is far from over, offering ample room for growth and further evolution. To maintain their stronghold, the faction must navigate these internal challenges, all while pursuing their collective quest for supremacy within WWE.
