Damian Priest is finally coming to the world of Marvel.
On Tuesday, the current WWE Tag Team Champion was officially announced as part of the cast of the upcoming Marvel Rivals game.
Along with a press release, a trailer for the game was released that showcases Priest’s character, known as The Hood. In the video, the wrestling star’s voice can be heard as The Hood guns down adversaries, even letting out the popular “Wepa” Puerto Rican exclamation.
An interesting fact about Priest’s involvement with the game is that he previously had to turn down a role in a Marvel film due to WWE.
During an interview with Chris Van Vliet in September 2024, Priest confirmed rumors that he had auditioned for 2022’s Black Panther: Wakanda Forever. But more than just auditioning, Priest said he was offered a role in the hit sequel.
“It’s a long story, but basically it got taken away from me, but not from Marvel,” Priest said.
“I think we can read between the lines here that, you know, the regime was a little bit different at that time,” Van Vliet said, referencing that WWE was under Vince McMahon at the time.
”Exactly,” Priest replied.
“Maybe you need another Marvel opportunity,” Van Vliet said.
“It’d be cool. I’m ready!” Priest responded, before adding that instead of starring in the film, he went on to win the world championship at WrestleMania.
While he may not be getting screen time with Marvel at this time, his voice will at least be heard in Marvel Rivals Season 9.5: The Mystery of Thebes when it launches on August 7.
Per the press release about the game: “The award-winning and critically-acclaimed Super Hero Team-Based PVP Shooter lets players assemble an ever-evolving all-star squad of Super Heroes and Super Villains battling with unique powers across a dynamic lineup of destructible maps from across the Marvel Multiverse. Parker Robbins, The Hood, will join the ever-expanding roster for Season 9.5 as a Vanguard. This next update will also introduce a brand-new wave of swimsuit special costumes and cosmetics, customizable animations for Lady Loki, and increased storage optimizations for PC, PS5, and Xbox.”
The release also provided more details on Priest’s character.
“A dynamic gunner who walks the razor’s edge between mortal mobster and demonic powerhouse, flexibly switching between human and demon forms,” the announcement said of The Hood. “Parker lays down relentless frontal cover fire with his twin pistols. Utilizing his mystical cloak he can channel the chaotic energy of Oblivion, and manifest protective shields for his allies, while hurling dark magic orbs that warp into barriers, sapping the strength of incoming enemy fire. For his Ultimate Ability, The Hood fully surrenders to the darkness, entering Full Demon State, transforming into a fully-realized Gun Demon, using high-impact piercing rounds that completely punch through shields and enemies alike, all while radiating dark energy that grants bonus health to nearby teammates!”
Priest also celebrated the news on social media, writing on his X (Twitter) account: “Honored to voice The Hood in @MarvelRivals! Available August 7. #Wepa.”
What do you think of Priest’s involvement in Marvel Rivals? Let us know in the comments.
