The inaugural Universal Champion, Finn Bálor, is widely regarded as one of the finest professional wrestlers of his generation. Beyond his success in WWE, Bálor built a stellar reputation across the independent scene, but it was his time in New Japan Pro-Wrestling that truly defined his legacy. Competing in the east as Prince Devitt, he delivered some of the most compelling work of his career and cemented his place among wrestling’s elite.
He also founded the globally renowned Bullet Club, becoming the faction’s original leader and setting the tone for its rise as one of the most influential groups in wrestling history. While legends like AJ Styles and Kenny Omega carried the group forward after his exit, Devitt’s impact remained unmatched. Having spent years building his career in Japan, his departure from NJPW in 2014 was an emotional moment, marking the end of a defining chapter and the beginning of his journey to global superstardom.
Finn Balor Thought He Will Always Stay In Japan Until Making His Big Move To WWE
During his recent appearance on the Talk’n Shop Live podcast alongside Luke Gallows and Karl Anderson, Finn Balor talked about the time he spent in Japan and revealed how his time as the leader of the Bullet Club was special. He further talked about how it felt kind of bittersweet to leave the company at that point.
The Irishman revealed, “Leaving when it was that hot was kind of bittersweet. And I cried, obviously, leaving New Japan. That was super emotional.” Although the former Intercontinental title holder knew that he needed to move out to become a veteran, it was tough for Balor to leave the company at that time.
He also revealed that, for most of his career, he had envisioned himself continuing to wrestle in Japan. However, the opportunity to join WWE was one he couldn’t ignore. Taking a leap of faith, Bálor decided to test himself on a new stage.
He stated, “I kind of always pictured my whole career in Japan up until that point. I just really wanted to roll the dice in WWE and give it one try”. He further shared that even after making the move, the idea of eventually returning to Japan always lingered in the back of his mind.
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Given his exceptional talent and in-ring athleticism, Bálor has gone on to establish himself as one of the top performers in the company over the years. Now, as he sets his sights on WrestleMania 42, he heads into the Show of Shows embroiled in a deeply personal rivalry with Dominik Mysterio.
Finn Balor Seeks Revenge On Dominik Mysterio At WrestleMania 42
From his journey through Japan to leading the iconic Bullet Club, and later heading The Judgment Day, Finn Bálor has truly experienced it all inside the squared circle. Now, however, he appears focused on reconnecting with the fans, stepping into a more favored role as he sets his sights on Dominik Mysterio.
Bálor recently issued a direct challenge to Mysterio, which the former Intercontinental Champion did not hesitate to accept. Their rivalry has been simmering for over a year, and Bálor has made his intentions clear, taking full responsibility for dismantling Dominik on the grand stage of WrestleMania 42.
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Tensions reached a boiling point when Bálor refused to assist Dominik during his clash against Penta, a moment that ultimately led to the luchador capturing the Intercontinental Championship on RAW just weeks ago.
With animosity running high and their history filled with betrayal, all eyes are now on how far this feud will go and whether any stipulations will be added before they finally collide.
