The inaugural WWE Universal champion Finn Balor won his first championship on the main roster since his return from a second stint at NXT.
Last week on RAW, Damien Priest wanted to face a new challenger for his US title. Finn Balor stepped up and the match was scheduled for this week’s RAW. Both the superstars are great athletes with hard-hitting styles. The match was easily the best one on this week’s edition of RAW.
The match lasted 10 minutes as both competitors gave it their all. Finn, who has an alter ego where he brings out his Demon persona, weathered the storm in a very physical duel. The Demon King suffered its first loss last year when he fell off the top rope in a match against Roman Reigns. Finn wasn’t given a push and he was just filling up the numbers in the locker room. A superstar of his calibre deserved better. This win can certainly be the much-needed push that he needs.
This week’s RAW saw two top superstars turn heel. Damien Priest attacked Finn Balor after their match while Edge laid out AJ Styles with a vicious beat down.
Finn Balor finished the match hitting his trademark Coup de Grace. This ended Damien Priest’s six-month long reign as the United States champion. Priest had won the title at SummerSlam by defeating Sheamus on 21st August last year.
Right after a grueling encounter, and a victorious one at that for Finn Balor, he was standing in the ring with the US Title on his shoulder. It seemed as if Priest, who was a fan favorite, would come to congratulate him on his success. Priest had a microphone in hand said that the WWE Universe wasn’t behind him in his days as the champion.
According to Priest, the fans didn’t acknowledge him as much as they acknowledge Balor. He would say that the fans have “carried” Finn Balor to his victory. Thus, Priest’s heel turn was all but confirmed. The icing on the cake would come when Priest delivered a cheap shot on Balor and soon afterward and go on to throw Balor onto the announce table.
Damien Priest’s heel turn was being speculated over the last few weeks and it has finally come with Balor serving as the catalyst. This rivalry is almost certain to feature at WrestleMania, and it would be interesting to see if Balor retains the gold at The Grandest Stage of Them All. After turning heel, Priest might win back the title to start an even more powerful reign.
Got to give it to WWE though, as they planned this heel turn quite well. Damien was showing a character change during his matches over the past few weeks. He was a face but during certain moments in a match, he would completely change his persona and become a vicious character. He would beat his opponents down mercilessly. This week the “babyface” character made way for the vicious one to take full control.
More WWE news
Follow our dedicated WWE page for instant WWE news and updates.
