<p>To investigate the mechanical and damage properties of rock specimens with different joint inclinations under seepage–stress coupling, a comparative numerical simulation test for different working conditions was developed using RFPA^2D-Flow code. The distinction between their mechanical properties was compared and analyzed. The damage properties of rocks with different joint inclinations under seepage–stress coupling were also investigated based on energy theory and regression analysis. A new pre-peak damage constitutive model was established. The results indicated that the peak strength declined and then enhanced with growing joint inclination, and the equivalent elastic modulus increased with growth of joint inclination, but they were both lower than intact rocks. As the joint inclination increases, the peak strain changes in a “W” shape. Based on the energy theory, the peak energy characteristics of rocks with different joint inclinations under seepage–stress coupling were investigated. The linear relationship between <i>U</i> and<i> U</i>^e and <i>U</i>^d before peak stress was obtained employing the regression method, which conforms to the linear energy storage law. Then, a damage constitutive model based on the linear energy storage law for jointed rocks under seepage–stress coupling condition was established, and the initial damage was considered. The stress–strain curves calculated according to the model are more consistent with the experimentally measured curves in the pre-peak stage, which verifies the validity of the model.</p>