As wrestling fans, we all have that one that has inspired you in life. The one wrestler that you follow through their whole life. Most of all the one who keeps you wanting to watch wrestling every week. This one wrestler has inspired me through his whole career, and to always fight for what you believe in the most. To never give up in life. That one wrestler is none other than Finn Balor.
Who is Finn Balor?
Fergal Devitt was born July 25th, 1981(38) in Bray County, Wicklow, Ireland. He debuted in 2000, he was 18 years old. Balor wrestled in New Japan Pro-Wrestling under the name Prince Devitt. He was a 3x IWGP Junior Heavyweight Champion, and a 6x IWGP Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Champion. Devitt was also the original starter and leader of the Bullet Club.
Devitt started training at NWA UK Hammerlock, and became a 2x NWA British Commonwealth Champion. In 2002, Devitt along with Paul Tracey, opened his own wrestling promotion called NWA Ireland. It later came the sister company of NWA UK Hammerlock. Devitt trained current RAW Women’s Champion Becky Lynch at NWA Ireland.
NXT/WWE: Main Roster
In 2014, Devitt debuted in NXT(the development brand of the WWE), where he started using the name as Finn Balor. He became NXT Champion, and currently holds the longest reign at 292 days. In 2016, Balor got drafted to Monday Night RAW, where he became the first wrestler in WWE history to win a title in their pay-per view debut. After only being on the main roster for 27 days, he became the inaugural Universal Champion, by defeating Seth Rollins at SummerSlam 2016.
Sadly, he had to relinquish the title the next night on RAW, due to a shoulder injury. The injury sidelined him for several months. Finally after, trying to climb to the top, he became a 2x WWE Intercontinental Champion.
Back to NXT
Finn Balor has made his way back to NXT. He has made it clear, it’s time to make his past his future. Could we see a demon release more often? Balor currently is undefeated as the Demon. Every time Balor becomes the demon, it takes time to prepare for. Each time follows up with lots of body paint, that reflects something dealing with the opponent he is facing. I believe Balor will be claiming what is his once again. He will become a 2x NXT Champion, in a new era of Finn is NXT!
Writer’s Take
I have been a Finn Balor fan from the start; even as Prince Devitt. The first ever Universal Champion has accomplished so much throughout his wrestling career. Rather, he’s heel or face, he’s got my support. NXT or main roster I will be rooting for him, and screaming for him when he wins his matches. I can’t wait to see what his future is in NXT. The day will come that I get the chance to meet Finn Balor. It will be the day I can tell him he is one of my idols, and that he’s my absolute favorite wrestlers of all time. I might even shed tears, when I meet him, because I would be so happy. In the words of Finn Balor himself and my favorite two words, as a Balor Fan: It will be “Too Sweet.”
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