3 Reasons why Aleister Black lost the Ambulance match on WWE SmackDown

The recent episode of WWE SmackDown concluded with the Ambulance match, where Damian Priest defeated Aleister Black and secured the victory. The match received massive props from fans online, but many were disappointed with the ending, as Black suffered the loss.

In this article, we will discuss three reasons why the former NXT Champion lost the Ambulance match in the first episode of SmackDown 2026.

#3. WWE wants to push Damian Priest

The Archer of Infamy’s victory subtly confirms that the company intends to push him. The former Judgment Day member is a former World Champion, and defeating Black appears to be a good sign for him.

The reason Black lost the stipulation match could be WWE’s plan to revive Priest’s momentum as a singles star. Following this, Damian might soon get a mid-card title match on the blue brand.

#2. A brief hiatus for Aleister Black

Another reason for Black’s loss could be Triple H’s plans to write him off television. Usually, after such high-profile losses, stars go on hiatus from the company, and Black hinted at the same.

So, to write Black off television, WWE might prefer to book Priest as the winner of this match, with ex-AEW talent eventually suffering the loss. Following this, Black may appear in the traditional Men’s Royal Rumble 2026 match.

#1. To end the feud with a babyface victory

The feud between Aleister Black and Damian Priest started almost six months ago. Since then, both stars have been engaged in multiple matches and segments. The Ambulance match appears to be the end of their feud, and it seems that the King of the Kings wanted to end this rivalry with the victory of a babyface star.

In the feud between Priest and Black, the Archer of Infamy has been portrayed as the heroic character, whereas Aleister used cheap tactics many times to gain the upper hand over Damian.

So, to conclude this lengthy feud, the Stamford-based promotion prefers to give the babyface star victory at the end. Now that their feud has potentially ended, it will be interesting to see how things unfold for Aleister Black and Damian Priest in WWE.

Triple H must ensure they are booked separately, as there is no point continuing their feud after the Ambulance match in the recent episode of Friday Night SmackDown.