Published: 1 hour ago by Sanchez Taylor | Last Updated: 55 minutes ago by Sanchez Taylor
Sanchez has over six years of pro-wrestling news writing experience, covering the biggest news stories in WWE, NXT, AEW, TNA Wrestling and more. He has personally interviewed a number of top stars, producing exclusive content with the likes of AEW’s Swerve Strickland and WWE’s Nick Aldis.
WWE
Finn Balor has shared his perspective on the upcoming Undisputed WWE Championship #1 contender match scheduled for SummerSlam.
During the July 24 episode of SmackDown, Balor outlasted Damian Priest, Trick Williams, and Royce Reed in a four‑way showdown.
The victory earned him a championship‑contending match against Sami Zayn at the SummerSlam event.
Balor posted on Twitter to reflect on his recent SmackDown win and the forthcoming SummerSlam showdown.
The last 10 years have been the adventure of a lifetime.
Bálor Club, thank you for always sticking with me, I hear you, and WE ARE SO CLOSE #summerslam #LetsGoBalor pic.twitter.com/3VdVArVNc4— Finn Balor (@FinnBalor) July 25, 2026
Balor’s relationship with WWE’s world titles has been marked by intermittent success and unfulfilled potential.
He captured the Universal Championship at SummerSlam 2016, only three matches into his main‑roster debut after transitioning from NXT.
His reign was cut short the following night on Raw after a shoulder injury forced him to vacate the championship.
He subsequently pursued the Universal Championship on several occasions but was unable to reclaim the belt.
His most recent title bid at Extreme Rules 2021 ended in a controversial loss to Roman Reigns, whose victory was aided by a ring‑turnbuckle failure under Balor’s feet.
Since the World Heavyweight Championship’s revival in 2023, Balor has entered the Money in the Bank ladder match and later challenged Seth Rollins for the title.
Despite never having held the World Heavyweight Championship, he most recently contested CM Punk for the vacant title at the February Elimination Chamber event.
The long‑standing NXT rivalry between Balor and Zayn makes their potential clash a compelling prospect, with both athletes deserving championship opportunities.
Fan interest persists for a dedicated singles push for Balor, with many hoping for an extended reign as world champion.
Supporters also anticipate that Zayn will continue to feature prominently in the main event scene following the brief conclusion of his own championship reign.
The victor of the Balor‑Zayn showdown will go on to challenge either CM Punk or Cody Rhodes for the Undisputed WWE Championship, a bout already slated for the summer’s premier event.
