Saturday Night’s Main Event XLIII had a huge storyline moment, but not everyone was thrilled with it. A number of Triple H’s initial booking decisions will already have fans and analysts talking. The results saw Liv Morgan, Randy Orton, and Damian Priest looking weaker than they should. One way or the other, with the Royal Rumble on the horizon and all roads leading to WrestleMania 42. There are now questions swirling about their creative trajectory.
High-Profile Misuse Criticism
A lot of the criticism has been how established names were used on a high-profile show. SNME has historically been positioned as a major stage. Losing momentum there often carries lasting implications. This year’s edition was no exception, as the fallout appears significant for multiple performers.
Damian Priest, in particular, caught a lot of heat. The former World Heavyweight Championship was once again entered into a Fatal 4 Way contest. When the match ended, it was Priest who got pinned after a Sami Zayn Helluva Kick. The decision immediately raised eyebrows. Many fans questioned why Priest was chosen to take the fall instead of rising star Trick Williams.
Priest’s Unclear Direction
The choice has fueled speculation about Priest’s standing within WWE. As a former champion, expectations were higher. Being pinned cleanly in a multi-man match sends a strong message. For some observers, it suggested a clear shift in priorities. Concerns surrounding the priest’s positioning have been building for weeks. His role on SmackDown has lacked consistency. He has not been framed as a dominant threat. Saturday’s result only added to those concerns. The perception now is that Priest may be drifting away from the main event picture.
This has led to wider discussion about WrestleMania 42. If Priest were part of WWE’s long-term title plans, many believe he would have been protected. Instead, the booking choice implies that creative focus may have moved elsewhere. Whether that is temporary or permanent remains unclear. Liv Morgan and Randy Orton also faced outcomes that raised similar concerns. Taken together, the results established a narrative that a lot of stars might be slipping at an important moment. There is no better time than the Royal Rumble to be riding high.
Given WWE is gearing up for its biggest time of year, Triple H’s booking at SNME XLIII will still be dissected. The next few weeks should tell us whether these moves represented a couple of calculated losses or signs that a broader creative sea change is in the works.
