– Finn Balor is currently in Birmingham, Alabama and will be undergoing surgery to repair his torn labrum this week. Dr. Chris Robinson told WWE.com on Monday that Balor is looking at a 4-6 month recovery time.
– On Tuesday, the Nevada Athletic Commission (NAC) officially extendedBrock Lesnar’s suspension, with a formal complaint to be filed shortly. Lesnar, who tested positive for banned substances (twice) prior to his UFC 200 bout, will receive a formal NAC hearing in the future. He’s facing a two-year suspension from both the NAC and USADA.
– WWE has confirmed that the Cruiserweight Division will kick off on Monday, September 19th. This is the week following the Cruiserweight Classic finale. Rich Swann, Noam Dar, Brian Kendrick and TJ Perkins were all featured in the promo that aired on RAW hyping the new division.
As seen on RAW, Finn Balor relinquished his newly-won WWE Universal Championship after winning it one night earlier at SummerSlam. Balor is expected to be out of action for 4-6 months with a shoulder injury, suffered when taking a barricade powerbomb from Seth Rollins.
A series of matches featuring Sami Zayn, Seth Rollins, Kevin Owens, Enzo Amore, Big Cass, Chris Jericho and Roman Reigns will take place with a new Universal Champion being crowned next week.
Balor cut a promo on RAW and said he will come for the title as soon as he’s healthy enough. Below is video from that segment:
WWE updated their announcement on Finn Balor’s injury and said he could be out of action for 4-6 months with the shoulder injury.
The injury occurred when Balor took a running powerbomb to the barricade by Rollins.
“He hit the wall during the match, dislocated his shoulder and was able to put it back in himself in a split second,” said ringside physician Dr. Chris Robinson. Bálor was able to finish the match, but Dr. Robinson noted that an MRI yielded results earlier today showing “a possible labrum tear.”
Balor will undergo a surgical consult that will determine the extent of his injury. If surgery and rehab are required he could be facing a recovery time of “anywhere from four to six months.”
WWE has confirmed that Finn Balor will relinquish his newly-won WWE Universal Title on tonight’s RAW from Brooklyn.
As noted, Balor suffered a shoulder injury at the hands of Seth Rollins on Sunday at SummerSlam. The injury came when Rollins powerbombed Balor into the barricade.
RAW GM Mick Foley tweeted the following on Balor relinquishing the title tonight:
WWE just announced the following update on Finn Balor. They also posted the video seen above of the exact moment Balor was injured.
WWE Universal Champion Finn Bálor injured at SummerSlam
Inaugural WWE Universal Champion Finn Bálor suffered an injury to his right shoulder against Seth Rollins at SummerSlam, WWE.com can confirm.
The injury came in the course of Bálor and Rollins’ match to determine which Superstar would become the first WWE Universal Champion, specifically when Bálor absorbed a running powerbomb to the barricade at the hands of The Architect.
“He hit the wall during the match, dislocated his shoulder and was able to put it back in himself in a split second,” said ringside physician Dr. Chris Robinson. Bálor was able to finish the match, but Dr. Robinson noted that an MRI yielded results earlier today showing “a possible labrum tear.”
The champion is currently scheduled to receive a surgical consult that will determine the extent of Bálor’s injury, as well as if and how his reign as WWE Universal Champion will be affected.
Check back with WWE.com for updates on Bálor’s condition.
WWE Universal Champion Finn Balor spoke to TMZ Sports on Monday Morning in New York City and said that he celebrated his historic win at SummerSlam with his parents over a meal of chicken curry.
WWE also released this video of Finn Balor’s custom side plates being installed on the Universal Championship belt.
As noted earlier, Nikki Bella will be joining John Cena on the SmackDown brand. After making her surprise return to the ring at SummerSlam, Nikki publicly thankedDr. Uribe and NXT star Aliyah for helping her get back in action.
I'm bacckkk!! What a journey my past 10 months have been! Words can't even describe how I feel being back in that ring! FEARLESS FOREVER! N
New WWE Universal Champion Finn Balor was injured during his Universal Championship win over Seth Rollins last night at SummerSlam.
In his latest blog at JRsBarBQ.com, WWE Hall of Famer Jim Ross confirmed, “Reports of Balor injuring his shoulder during the title match are true and WWE will determine the extend of the injury ASAP. Hopefully, Finn won’t need surgery which would be extremely unfortunate.”
Sources indicate that Balor is scheduled to be looked at today and WWE officials will then make a decision on how to proceed from there. The Demon King was sporting a sling on his arm after last night’s pay-per-view:
Finn Balor and Charlotte appeared on Good Morning America on Monday morning and Balor wasn’t showing any sign of injury. We will keep you updated on the Demon King’s condition.
– IWGP Champion Kazuchika Okada was backstage for the WWE SummerSlam pay-per-view last night. Other visitors were Ric Flair, Maria Menounos and Dennis “Mr. Belding” Haskins.
– Speaking of Flair, he was among those visited by Finn Balor backstage at Takeover on Saturday night. Balor also visited Triple H, among others. Video from their meeting can be seen in these new “Diary” entries:
– Jon Stewart returned to WWE SummerSlam last night with his son, and first appeared in a backstage segment with the McMahon siblings, Mick Foley and Daniel Bryan. Stewart later was at ringside with WWE Tag Team Championship The New Day and was involved in the DQ finish with Luke Gallows and Karl Anderson. Below are videos of Stewart’s SummerSlam segments:
– In the video below, AJ Styles talks to Charly Caruso after his big WWE SummerSlam win over John Cena. Styles brags on doing exactly what he said he would do – beat up Cena, one-one-one with no help. Styles says he proved to the world that he’s better than the face that runs the place.
Finn Balor defeated Seth Rollins at WWE SummerSlam tonight to become the first ever WWE Universal Champion. Balor used his “Demon King” alter ego and a Coup de Grace to get the job done.
– As previously reported, the Miz took his wife Maryse to a high school prom upon learning that she never went to one before. The storyline, whether true or not, was filmed for next season’s Total Divas and featured WWE Superstar Natalya, WWE celebrity superfan Maria Menounos, among others:
– WWE As previously reported, Performance Center Coach Sara “Del Rey” Amato is rumored for a promotion to the main roster where she’ll serve as a producer along with fellow PC coach Adam Pearce. Following last night’s NXT Takeover, Triple H tweeted the following regarding Amato:
– “Holy Foley” – starring WWE Hall of Famer Mick Foley, his daughter Noelle, and their family – debuts tonight after Summerslam goes off the air. Below is a preview of the premiere episode:
– Finn Balor’s multi-part road diary continues, with the former NXT Champion picking his parents up at the airport in New York City. They continue on to the Barclay’s Center, where they’re surprised to see a building-sized banner with Finn’s face:
– Triple H announced on Twitter that NXT Takeover: Brooklyn last night was the most watched, most attended and highest grossing Takeover event in NXT history. He tweeted:
– Below is another entry into Finn Balor’s SummerSlam “Diary” as he puts in the final preparations for tonight’s Universal Championship Match against Seth Rollins:
– This WWE 24 bonus clip features Sasha Banks reacting to the announcement of the new WWE Women’s Championship:
– Former WWE employee Joey Styles tweeted Tommy Dreamer on Saturday and indicated that he wants to work some with Dreamer’s House of Hardcore promotion. As noted, Styles appeared at EVOLVE 67 yesterday and did commentary for the main event.
– Some main roster stars attended NXT Takeover: Brooklyn last night but as seen below, Sheamus, Gallows, Anderson, AJ Styles and Chris Jericho went out with TNA star Drew Galloway instead:
– WWE IC Champion The Miz and wife Maryse filmed a prom date for Total Divas while in New York City this week, apparently Maryse’s first prom ever. Apparently the date will air on the next season of the show. Miz tweeted these photos on Saturday:
– Despite defeating No Way Jose at Takeover last night, Austin Aries is not happy. This backstage video features Aries fuming at Hideo Itami for interrupting a post-match attack and hitting him with the GTS. Aries says he will take care of Itami like he did Jose and Baron Corbin.
– Bayley is featured in this backstage video after her loss to NXT Women’s Champion Asuka last night. Bayley says she really prepared for the match and is just really disappointed at the outcome. Ember Moon interrupts the interview and praises Bayley for taking Asuka to the limit. Bayley congratulated Ember on her debut and said she believes Ember has a bright future ahead.
– WWE Total Divas is filming a lot of footage for next season in New York City during SummerSlam weekend. Paige was featured prominently until news of her suspension broke. Next season will reportedly focus on Paige’s rehab and return to wrestling.
– WWE was on hand at the New York Stock Exchange this Friday, as Kane, Big Show, and Intercontinental Champion the Miz rang the closing bell. Below are photos courtesy of the Big Show:
– Below is the first part of Finn Balor’s multi-part SummerSlam Diary. Cameras will follow the “Demon King” around New York this weekend as he prepares for his Universal Championship match against Seth Rollins.
– This week’s WWE Power Rankings were headed up by WWE World Heavyweight Champion Dean Ambrose at #1, and finished with AJ Styles at #20:
– Cody Rhodes is back in the ring. He returned to action last night at EVOLVE 66 in Maryland against WWE Cruiserweight Classic Competitor Zack Sabre, Jr. Rhodes defeated Sabre in the main event with the “American Nightmare.” After the match concluded, the two shook hands and Cody discussed his passion for the professional wrestling business. He noted that he’ll continue working with EVOLVE, but will not be joining Drew Galloway’s faction.
– TMZ Sports recently spoke with the Big Show regarding UFC Fighter Conor McGregor and anti-professional wrestling statements made last week. Big Show says he’s still a fan of Conor, and respects what he’s done “in the ring.” He says Conor is a trash-talker and wishes him the best with everything he does, noting that he’s not sure if Conor was shooting an angle or not. Full video from the impromptu interview can be seen below:
– The clip below features former NXT Champion Finn Balor discussing his upcoming Universal Title match against Seth Rollins tomorrow night at SummerSlam:
Seth Rollins’ all-day search for Finn Balor’s Demon King was a success. That is, if getting beat up on national television can be considered a success.
Just days before they go to war to crown WWE’s first-ever Universal Champion at SummerSlam, Rollins and Balor clashed in the ring on RAW, with the WWE Universe getting its first glimpse of Balor’s darker side. Many (including us) expected WWE to hold off until SummerSlam before the Demon King’s first main-roster appearance.
Discussion: Should WWE have waited until SummerSlam for the Demon King’s debut?
Here’s what transpired when Rollins finally got his wish and went face to face with his SummerSlam opponent:
After RAW went off the air, Rollins reacted to the eerie encounter and admitted he might have to change his strategy if he wants to be the first Universal Champion.
As part of IGN.com’s weekly WWE 2K17 roster reveal, they’ve released video footage of Finn Balor’s entrance and the following names are now confirmed for the game:
Alicia Fox
Andre the Giant
Baron Corbin
Big E
Billy Gunn
Braun Strowman
Bret Hart
British Bulldog
Cesaro
Charlotte
Daniel Bryan
Edge
Finn Balor
Hideo Itami
Jake Roberts
Kalisto
Randy Orton
Ricky “The Dragon” Steamboat
Sin Cara
The Rock
Triple H
Tyson Kidd
Last week, IGN released the first batch of screenshots for WWE 2K17, which you can view here.
“These are not just stories, they’re a source of power.”
When Finn Balor’s limbs and flesh are not enough, he possesses the ability to tap into the myths and monsters of Irish folklore become a man greater than himself. In this vignette from Monday’s RAW, Balor looks deep into the soul of Seth Rollins and explains the history behind his Demon King alter ego. Learn how the spirits of Tuatha De Danann, Finn MacCool and Balor, the king of the demons, come together to transform Balor into a monster even he can’t control.
Balor has vowed to unleash the Demon at SummerSlam when he challenges Seth Rollins to determine WWE’s first-ever Universal Champion. Next week on the “go home” edition of RAW prior to the event, Rollins plans to call out his opponent.
It would be misguided to unveil the Demon King before his grand debut at SummerSlam, so expect to see some supernatural mind games like we’ve seen from The Undertaker ahead of past battles.
– WWE Women’s Champion Sasha Banks will no longer be appearing at next Thursday’s Chicago Comic Con (8/18). NXT star Bayley will take her place. For more information, visit WizardWorld.com.
– Finn Balor will be working his first WWE live events as a member of the main roster this week. He’ll be wrestling Chris Jericho on WWE’s tour of Australia and New Zealand.
– The wrestling world is not done firing back at Conor McGregor for his controversial remarks about WWE Superstars during Friday’s UFC 202 media conference call. The flamboyant Irishman is known for running his mouth and uses his gift of gab to generate tremendous interest in his fights. Typically his venom is directed at his opponents, but “The Notorious” lashed out at WWE performers for being “messed up p*ssies.”
2-time WWE Hall of Famer Ric Flair is the latest wrestling personality to respond. McGregor’s public persona is clearly influenced by the Nature Boy’s style and bravado, so it might hit close to home when Flair expresses disappointment that he’s not carrying himself with class like the champions before him.
Coming from a guy who built a career copying my persona, I expected the type of class we get from Ronda or Anderson. pic.twitter.com/iVoC0Xva5g
RAW Superstar Finn Balor bid farewell to NXT at Saturday night’s live event from Houston, Texas and WWE has posted video of the historic moment.
Balor teamed with Shinsuke Nakamura in the main event, defeating NXT Champion Samoa Joe and Bobby Roode. After the match,Bayley came out and thanked Balor for everything he did for NXT. Balor congratulated Mojo Rawley, Nia Jax and Carmella on joining him on the main roster and thanked everybody for their support. He specifically singled out NXT head trainer Matt Bloom for completely changing the vibe at the WWE Performance Center once he took over.
Finn Balor will face Seth Rollins in less than 3 weeks at SummerSlam to crown the first-ever WWE Universal Champion.
Ric Flair thinks that Roman Reigns should have beat Finn Balor on RAW, instead of Balor getting the clean victory to advance to SummerSlam against Seth Rollins.
On his latest podcast The Nature Boy explained that while he thinks Balor is a great performer, he’s a bigger fan of Roman Reigns. Flair says that Dean Ambrose vs. Dolph Ziggler for the World Title will be the bigger match at SummerSlam. He also put over Seth Rollins, saying that he’s like having a second Randy Orton around in terms of skill level.
“I see [Ambrose vs. Ziggler] as being a bigger match than to see Finn Bálor versus Seth Rollins,” Flair said. “I just think Seth has too much experience. And like I said before about Randy, Seth Rollins is the second Randy Orton. He’s that good.”
Flair continued on the subject of Balor, saying that he’s not a “legitimate heavyweight” like Rollins or Reigns.
“I just think you’ve got a legitimate heavyweight in Seth Rollins, a legitimate heavyweight in Roman Reigns, and I don’t think we’ll ever see the day, and I could be totally wrong, that a cruiserweight will ever main event a WrestleMania,” Flair said.
Flair says that in the “total picture” of the pro wrestling business, Balor is a cruiserweight in size. “I don’t think he weighs 200 pounds,” Flair estimated.
On Monday’s RAW, Finn Balor won the opportunity to face Seth Rollins at SummerSlam for the new WWE Universal Title. Balor made his pro-wrestling debut back in 2000 at the age of 18 in the UK, and has been with WWE’s NXT brand since mid-2014. On Wednesday, he took a moment to talk about his journey through the pro wrestling business on his official Twitter account.
Balor wrote that being part of NXT’s growth is his proudest accomplishment, and that Monday’s RAW was a result of 16 years of hard work and help from his peers. Here’s what he had to say:
To have been a part of the team that helped NXT become what it is now is without question my proudest accomplishment pic.twitter.com/lNlDW9t4Qi
One of the WWE SummerSlam main events on 8/21 in Brooklyn will see Seth Rollins take on Finn Balor to crown the first-ever WWE Universal Champion. Balor defeated Roman Reigns in the main event of tonight’s RAW from Pittsburgh to earn the shot against Rollins.
Balor and Reigns both won Fatal 4 Ways earlier in the night to qualify for the main event. Rollins was added to the SummerSlam match because he’s the RAW #1 draft pick.
It was announced earlier in the evening that the RAW brand is introducing the new WWE Universal Championship since Dean Ambrose has the WWE Championship on SmackDown and RAW viewers deserve a world championship.
WWE COO Triple H was backstage at RAW to congratulate Finn on his huge night: