WWE News: Finn Balor to relinquish Universal Championship
Finn Balor’s monumental Universal Championship win over Seth Rollins at SummerSlam on Sunday may have come at quite a cost, as the former NXT champion is relinquishing his first main roster belt due to injury.
The move, confirmed on the WWE website, was first announced by RAW General Manager Mick Foley on Twitter.
Due to his injury, @StephMcMahon and I jointly accept @FinnBalor relinquishing of the @WWE Universal Championship. #Raw
— Mick Foley (@RealMickFoley) August 22, 2016
Balor was the longest-reigning NXT Champion before being called up to the main roster via last month’s draft. He came to RAW, where he immediately earned Sunday’s match against Seth Rollins for the new red belt.
According to reports, Balor injured his shoulder, likely during a powerbomb to the barricade similar to Rollins’ turnbuckle powerbomb that injured Sting. Supposedly, Balor’s shoulder actually separated, but he put it back into place. Still, it seems the injury was more serious than that and may require surgery and a recovery that could last several months.
Balor had not provided reaction to the injury on Monday, but he did post a picture with his new title on Twitter.
First ever WWE Universal Champion pic.twitter.com/jVdKwQjjHG
— Finn Bálor (@FinnBalor) August 22, 2016