The singles match between R-Truth and Damian Priest on the October 16 episode of WWE SmackDown came to a shocking early end, with the referee stopping the bout after checking on Truth. The decision sparked immediate concern among fans watching live.
The match was stopped after Truth delivered a Missile Dropkick to Priest, with the referee quickly moving in to check on the veteran — and then calling the match off.
R-Truth vs. Damian Priest on SmackDown (Credits: Fightful)
Referee Stoppage Sparks Injury Concern for R-Truth
According to reports from the show, the referee’s decision to stop the match after checking in on Truth raised immediate questions about a possible injury. Fans on social media reacted quickly, sharing footage and expressing concern for the longtime WWE star.
Before the stoppage, the bout had been a physical back-and-forth between the two. Per Fightful’s SmackDown rundown, Priest was expected to go over Truth, with Fraxiom (Axiom and Nathan Frazer) planned to come out and make the save from a post-match beatdown — which is exactly what played out after the referee’s call.
Fraxiom Makes the Save as Priest Grabs a Chair
After the match was called off, Priest left the ring and grabbed a steel chair to continue his assault on Truth. But before he could follow through, Fraxiom hit the ring to make the save, evening the odds and sending Priest retreating.
The chaotic ending sets up what could be a heated feud going forward, with Fraxiom now firmly in the mix. Whether Truth suffered a legitimate injury or the stoppage was part of the story remains the big question coming out of Friday night.
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Source: Fightful — read the full story there.
