Finn Balor, a standout star since turning heel and joining The Judgment Day in June 2022, recently opened up about one of the most challenging periods in his career. During an interview with “What’s The Story,” the 42-year-old wrestler revealed that the 60-day stretch leading up to his character transformation was marked by a metaphorical dark cloud. This period of uncertainty and introspection significantly impacted him both professionally and personally.
Balor shared that this challenging phase was defined by a sense of stagnation and frustration. Despite his immense talent and dedication, he felt as though he was not reaching his full potential within WWE. This sense of being stuck, coupled with the pressure to perform at a high level, weighed heavily on him. The transition to a heel character and his subsequent alignment with The Judgment Day offered him a much-needed fresh start, revitalizing his career and reigniting his passion for wrestling.
Since embracing his new persona, Balor has experienced a resurgence in his career, garnering acclaim for his performances and storytelling. The transformation not only allowed him to explore new creative avenues but also connected with fans on a deeper level. Reflecting on this journey, Balor emphasized the importance of perseverance and adaptability in overcoming professional challenges, ultimately leading to personal and professional growth.
“I haven’t said this publicly ever, but the two months before I turned heel was probably the lowest I’d been in my career, with respect to personal investment,” Balor confessed. “I was just like showing up. I was like ‘Yeah, who do you want me to lose to today?’ It was just kind of the same s*** that had been done over and over again. I was doing the same act for so long, and I just felt like I had so much more to give.”
Factors Contributing to the Dark Period
Balor attributed this challenging time to several factors, including the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, which disrupted many aspects of his life and career. The pandemic affected the status of his Green Card, leading to a two-month absence from television during the critical buildup to WrestleMania 36. Upon his return, he found himself without a significant storyline or match to look forward to. The pandemic’s effects lingered for another two years until his Visa paperwork was finally resolved in 2022.
“That took so long because it was a backup from the two years that then it had a knock-on effect on the next couple months of my career,” Balor explained. “It was right there where I was kind of left in limbo in the storylines of like we’re just trying to throw s*** at the wall.”
Overcoming the Low Point
Balor’s candid reflections shed light on the personal and professional struggles he faced during this period. Despite these challenges, his eventual heel turn and alignment with The Judgment Day marked a significant turning point, allowing him to showcase his full potential and rejuvenate his career.
Stephen’s Insight
Finn Balor’s journey underscores the resilience required to navigate the ups and downs of a professional wrestling career. His openness about his struggles serves as an inspiration, demonstrating that even during the toughest times, there is always the potential for a breakthrough and resurgence.
