Damian Priest R Truth vs Talla Tonga Tama Tonga WWE Tag Team Title Match

Damian Priest and R-Truth suffered a first-round loss to the Matriarchs of Fate (Talla Tonga and Tama Tonga) in their WWE SmackDown Tag Team Championship match at SmackDown on June 17, 2024, ending their title reign after 118 days. The victory marked the first time the Matriarchs of Fate had won a world championship in WWE.

Tonga and Tonga defeated Priest and R-Truth in a match that saw Priest pinned after a combined effort by the Matriarchs, who had returned to the ring following their recent storyline involving the Bloodline faction. The loss came as a surprise to many fans, given Priest and R-Truth’s recent momentum in the company, including their successful defenses against teams like The Usos and The New Day.

The Matriarchs of Fate, who had previously held the SmackDown Women’s Tag Team Championship, now hold both the women’s and tag team titles simultaneously—a feat not seen in WWE since The Kabuki Warriors held the Raw and SmackDown Women’s Tag Team Championships in 2021. Their victory also solidified their position as one of the top teams in the division, following their recent feud with the Bloodline and their alliance with Naomi.

Priest and R-Truth, who had entered the match as the defending champions, had won the titles in February 2024 after defeating The New Day in a tournament final. Their reign had been marked by strong performances, including a notable victory over The Usos at WrestleMania XL in April. However, their loss to the Matriarchs of Fate ends their title run and sets up a potential future rivalry between Priest and Tonga, who have previously clashed in singles competition.

The match was met with mixed reactions from fans, with some praising the Matriarchs’ teamwork and in-ring chemistry, while others felt the loss was a step back for Priest and R-Truth’s storyline. WWE officials have not yet announced any immediate title defenses for the Matriarchs, though they are expected to continue their reign in the coming weeks.

WWE’s recent emphasis on women’s wrestling has seen an increase in high-profile tag team matches, including the Matriarchs of Fate’s victory. Their dual championship reign could further elevate the division, particularly as they prepare for potential challenges from teams like The Kabuki Warriors or Bianca Belair and Raquel González.

Why did the Matriarchs of Fate win the match?
The Matriarchs of Fate’s victory was driven by their in-ring synergy and strategic execution, particularly in their ability to counter Priest and R-Truth’s offense. According to WWE’s official match recap, their combined power moves—including a double superkick and a coordinated pin attempt—proved decisive. The match also benefited from their recent storyline, which positioned them as underdogs facing the Bloodline, a narrative that resonated with fans.

What happens next for Damian Priest and R-Truth?
Priest and R-Truth are likely to remain in the tag team division, though their immediate path forward is unclear. WWE has historically given former champions a short break before returning them to competition, and their next match could come as early as July. Priest, in particular, may face Tama Tonga in a singles match, given their recent history, while R-Truth could seek a tag team partner for future title opportunities. WWE officials have not confirmed any immediate plans, but their storyline is expected to continue developing in the coming weeks.

How does this compare to other WWE title changes?
The Matriarchs of Fate’s victory is notable for being the first time a women’s tag team has won the SmackDown Tag Team Championship, a title traditionally held by male competitors. The last time a women’s team held a world tag team title was in 2021, when The Kabuki Warriors held both the Raw and SmackDown Women’s Tag Team Championships. This shift reflects WWE’s ongoing push to integrate women’s wrestling more deeply into the main roster, a trend that began with the introduction of the Women’s Royal Rumble in 2018 and has continued with high-profile women’s matches at major events like WrestleMania.

Will the Matriarchs of Fate defend their titles soon?
While WWE has not announced an immediate title defense, the Matriarchs are expected to make their first appearance with the championships at SmackDown on June 24, 2024. Potential challengers could include The Kabuki Warriors, who have expressed interest in competing for the tag team titles, or teams like Bianca Belair and Raquel González, who have been building momentum in the women’s division. WWE often schedules title defenses within two weeks of a change, and fans can expect to see the Matriarchs in action soon.

How did fans react to the outcome?
Reactions to the match were divided, with many praising the Matriarchs’ performance while others felt Priest and R-Truth were robbed of a potential victory. On social media, fans highlighted Tonga’s agility and Tama Tonga’s power as key factors in the win. Some also noted that the match lacked the high-energy pacing seen in Priest and R-Truth’s earlier defenses, though WWE officials have not addressed any concerns over the match’s execution. The outcome has set up a potential future rivalry between Priest and Tonga, a storyline that could develop in the coming months.