Finn Balor was hesitant to join a faction in WWE.
Before coming to WWE in 2014, Finn Balor, who was known as Prince Devitt at the time, was largely known for being the wrestler to create the Bullet Club in New Japan Pro Wrestling. The faction, which is still active today, is now considered to be one of the most popular factions in the history of professional wrestling.
For the first eight years of his run in WWE, Balor has strayed away from being in faction, aside from having a short run with Luke Gallows and Karl Anderson in 2018. That faction, which was known as the Balor Club, was considered by many to be a castoff of the Bullet Club, which was reaching a peak in popularity at the time.
In 2022, Balor finally broke his faction dry spell and joined the Judgment Day alongside Damian Priest and Rhea Ripley. The group added Dominik Mysterio later that year.
In a new interview with Sports Illustrated, Balor talked about being reluctant to join another group following the success of Bullet Club. 'The Prince' was also quick to note that he softened up on the idea when it was revealed that he'd be working with Damian Priest, someone who he has a great relationship with.
“Having had success with Bullet Club, I knew there was going to be comparisons made had I been involved in another group, so I was always reluctant to go that direction,” says Balor. “However, when the chance to work with Damian was presented, I didn’t hesitate for a second. Damian and I have always had a very good relationship since we met at NXT, and I felt that this group could be something completely different."
Balor then went on to also note that when he joined the Judgment Day, he was at a point in his career where he knew something had to change.
“For me personally, I was at a point in my career where I knew that something had to change. So the timing of this was perfect, and very similar to my NJPW turn. Finally, I could channel my real frustrations I was feeling into the character, and I had no doubt that this was the right move.”
Balor is set to take on Seth Rollins in a World Heavyweight Championship match at SummerSlam. Fans can see the updated card for the event by clicking here.
Balor recently noted that he's going to make Seth Rollins his 'seven year bitch' at SummerSlam. Fans can learn more by clicking here.
Thanks to Sports Illustrated and Justin Barrasso for the quote(s).
