WWE News: Finn Balor talks the Bullet Club/Balor Club, toughest opponents he has competed against so far, more
What’s the story?
During a recent exclusive interview with Whatculture.com, WWE Superstar Finn Balor discussed a host of topics including the Bullet Club/Balor Club, his debut WrestleMania performance at ‘Mania 34, and the toughest opponents he has competed against in a WWE ring so far.
In case you didn’t know…
Irish superstar Finn Balor is truly one of the most extraordinary competitors to step into the Pro Wrestling industry and at the same time, is also one of the most beloved wrestlers of all time as well.
Balor, who made his Pro Wrestling debut in the year 2001 for British promotion NWA UK Hammerlock, has certainly made a huge impact on the entire Pro Wrestling business over the course of these past few years.
During his tenure with NJPW, Balor, then known as Prince Devitt, formed one of the hottest factions on the entire planet, the Bullet Club.
However, in 2014, Balor signed with the WWE and started competing for the company’s developmental brand, NXT, where he is a former one-time and the longest reigning NXT Champion as well.
The heart of the matter
While interacting with Whatculture, Finn Balor opened up on a host of topics and below are a few highlights from the interview:
According to Finn Balor, he thinks that the idea of the club has certainly evolved a lot ever since its initial days and has also progressed a lot since what it was in Japan.
Balor stated that the legendary Bullet Club faction apparently came from a very dark place in regards to his personality and that particular period was also a very dark time in his life where the former ‘Real Rock ‘n’ Rolla’ wasn’t really happy with where he was.
Whereas, The Balor Club is a completely different idea and instead, Balor is now trying to spread more positivity and equality for everyone.
“Yeah, I feel the club for me has really evolved since what it was in Japan. You know Bullet Club came from a very dark place in my personality and probably a dark time in my life where I wasn’t really happy with where I was. I feel like Bálor Club now has kinda gone in a separate direction, I’m trying to spread more positivity and equality for everyone. So I feel that, although we all came from the same place we’re definitely going in different directions and I’m happy with the direction I’m going in now that’s for sure.”
Balor noted that competing at WrestleMania for the first time was no different to him in-terms of in-ring physicality because to Finn Balor every match is as important as the other and it is something fans could witness every Monday night on Raw.
In addition, the former Universal Champion also claimed that he doesn’t treat anything differently, even if he is competing in a house show.
“I feel like my whole career I’ve kinda done things the hard way and taking the long rounds. Honestly I felt mostly calm and relaxed. I feel that if I had a match last year I probably wouldn’t have been ready you know, even though I was medically cleared I wouldn’t have been at my best in the ring. The year before that I was obviously in NXT and even the year before that so, I feel like everything happens for a reason and at the right time. Honestly I tried to treat it as any other match. Man, I know it’s a big deal, It’s WrestleMania 34 in front of a lot of people but to me every match is as important as the other and you see that every Monday night on Raw. You see that every house show I step into the ring in so, I don’t treat anything any different.”
Balor was asked about the three toughest opponents with whom he has shared the ring with and according to the former three-time IWGP Jr. Heavyweight Champion, current SmackDown Live star Samoa Joe is definitely one of the hardest hitting competitors he has ever shared the ring with.
Balor stated that Joe is someone moves like a cruiserweight, hits like a heavyweight and has the stamina for days.
The second name on Balor’s list is ‘The Eater of Worlds’ and former World Champion Bray Wyatt, who according to Balor is much bigger than he actually looks.
‘The Demon King’ also had to apply some of his offense against Wyatt that he had previously learned from fighting Samoa Joe.
The third toughest person Finn Balor has competed against is current NJPW star Zack Sabre Jr., who despite his size and a unique frame has deceptive toughness.
Balor also noted that ZSJ is someone who’s very economical with his movement and someone who can counteract someone's strength with his technique.
“Let me think. Samoa Joe. Huge man but moves like a cruiserweight, hits like a heavyweight and has stamina for days. Bray Wyatt. He has size that just doesn't translate on TV, like in person he’s much bigger than he looks. I had to use a lot of the lessons I learned from fighting Samoa Joe and apply them to Bray Wyatt. The third most toughest person I’ve ever faced in the ring would be Zack Sabre Jr, who despite his size and unique frame has deceptive toughness and uses your own movements against you. He’s someone who’s very economical with his movement and someone who can counteract someone's strength with his technique.”
What’s next?
Finn Balor is currently competing under the red brand of Monday Night Raw and the former Universal Champion’s next goal will be to capture the Money in the Bank briefcase later this month during the MITB PPV in Chicago.
Author’s Take
Finn Balor is definitely one of my favorite in-ring competitors today and personally, I really enjoy watching him compete in the ring as well.
However, I do feel that Balor is currently in desperate need of a character change and it is the right time for him to turn heel.