Slayer guitarist Kerry King has lent his legendary touch to WWE wrestler Damian Priest’s entrance theme, Rise For The Night, delivering a reimagined, heavier version of the track. This updated rendition recently premiered on WWE programming, offering fans a fresh take on Priest’s signature anthem. The original composition was crafted by Def Rebel, WWE’s in-house music production team, renowned for creating personalized theme songs that help define the personas of its superstars.
Damian Priest, born Luis Martínez on September 26, 1982, is a Puerto Rican-American professional wrestler currently signed to WWE, where he competes on the Raw brand as a key member of the Judgment Day faction. Known for his commanding presence, versatile wrestling style, and dark, charismatic persona, Priest has become a standout figure in WWE.
Before his WWE career, Priest made a name for himself on the independent wrestling scene under the ring name Punishment Martinez. He achieved significant success in promotions like Ring of Honor (ROH), where he captured the ROH World Television Championship. Priest debuted in WWE’s developmental brand NXT in 2018 and quickly rose to prominence, winning the NXT North American Championship. In 2021, he transitioned to WWE’s Raw roster, where he enjoyed a successful run as the United States Champion. His star power continued to grow in 2023 when he won the Money in the Bank briefcase, granting him the opportunity to challenge for a world championship at any time – and would go on to win the WWE World Heavyweight Championship at WrestleMania XL/ 40.
A lifelong fan of heavy metal, Priest incorporates elements of the genre into his character, including his entrance music and signature moves. His finishing move, the sitout chokeslam, is named “South of Heaven” as a tribute to Slayer’s iconic 1988 album and song, reflecting his deep connection to the music that inspires him. Kerry King, guitarist and co-founder of Slayer, one of the “Big Four” thrash metal bands alongside Metallica, Megadeth, and Anthrax, is celebrated for his aggressive playing style, fast solos, and complex riffs that defined Slayer’s sound. With albums like Reign in Blood and South of Heaven, King helped shape the thrash metal genre. Even after Slayer disbanded in 2019, he remains an iconic figure in the metal world.
