July 23 was a historic day for SmackDown. Not only was it the first time in the show’s tenure that it hailed from two locations – Cleveland, Ohio and the Rolling Loud 2021 Festival in Miami, Florida – but it also welcomed back John Cena and Finn Balor, the latter of whom had his first match on the blue brand in almost two years.
Balor defeated Sami Zayn, but the fun wasn’t over for the Prince just yet. Roman Reigns addressed John Cena’s SummerSlam challenge with a huge refusal in the show’s closing segment. Then to make matters worse for Cena, Reigns then accepted the proposal for a title match from two-time NXT Champion Balor.
With the return of the first Universal Champion to main roster screens, and many fresh opportunities in the wings since his departure, here are six Finn Balor matches that must happen on SmackDown.
6. Roman Reigns
Let’s begin with the big one. Finn Balor vs the Universal Champion, Roman Reigns.
This match should be happening soon with Balor calling out the Tribal Chief on the most recent episode of SmackDown. It is pretty much locked in stone that Reigns will be facing John Cena at SummerSlam, despite Reigns turning down the marquee match, so Reigns vs Balor will be happening very soon, and what a match to put in front of fans.
Roman Reigns has been at the top of his game for the entire Thunderdome era and has definitely reinvented himself as the biggest heel in the company. He’s also been putting on some of the best matches against the likes of Jey Uso, Daniel Bryan and Cesaro.
Then there is Finn Balor. A guy that also reinvented himself over on NXT. He became NXT champion – one of few people to win the belt twice – and added some extra value to the black and gold brand. His matches with Kyle O’Reilly and Adam Cole were phenomenal.
As a result of the successes of both men over the last year, this match will surely have very high expectations and it should deliver.
Obviously, with the much larger Cena plans, Balor probably won’t become the Universal Champion anytime soon, but this match could be used to kickstart his Summer plans or further his feud with Sami Zayn.
5. Apollo Crews
However, there is a title that could easily be in his grasp in the near future – the Intercontinental Championship.
Apollo Crews has been a big threat on the blue brand with the support of Commander Azeez, but soon his reign will come crumbling down. The question is – by who? Would it be King Nakamura that dethrones the Nigerian royalty? Or perhaps Cesaro will send him swinging?
Another name that could be added to the picture would be Finn Balor.
Balor isn’t new to the Intercontinental Title scene, holding the belt twice in the past, but with his return to the main roster, he is certainly in with a chance to increase that number to three.
Apollo Crews has totally rejuvenated his character since Balor has been gone, and therefore, this match would be a fresh opportunity for each of them to show each other what they’re made of.
4. Big E
Here is a dream match in the making.
Lately, Big E has been super over with the fans and this was emphasised when he won the Money In The Bank briefcase last week. This gives him the opportunity to become a major champion in the company within the next year. Big E has been a man deserving of a championship for so long, and it will be well-deserved when he cashes in.
However, before he does, why not we give the fans a dream match and let Big E wrestle Finn Balor? This could be for a championship, be a #1 contender’s match, or just a fight to determine who is better.
Whatever way they choose, E vs Balor would delight the fans with impressive feats of athleticism, no doubt about it.
3. Seth Rollins
SummerSlam 2016 was a big deal as it was the first pay-per-view to take place in the new brand split. This show saw many great matches but one that stood out was Seth Rollins vs ‘The Demon King’ Finn Balor to crown the inaugural Universal Champion.
The championship may have been seen as hideous back in the day – and it’s still a sight for eyesore now – but it truly made a star out of Balor. Unfortunately, his championship reign was short-lived as he suffered an injury and was out for many months, not really reaching that height of potential again.
Fast forward five years later, it would be very interesting to see Rollins and Balor battle again.
2. John Cena
Balor jumping ahead of John Cena in the fight to be the #1 contender for Reigns’ pivotal championship probably doesn’t sit well with the Cenation leader.
Cena vs Reigns is the definite SummerSlam plan, however, this doesn’t mean we can’t see John Cena throw hands with other SmackDown stars beforehand.
It was confirmed that Cena worked a dark match on SmackDown which means that the fear of injury affecting his hectic filming schedule doesn’t mean he can’t wrestle. Therefore, a Balor vs Cena match should be made for SmackDown – the winner faces Roman Reigns at the ‘Biggest Party of the Summer’.
Not only would this give the fans a thrilling dream match that hasn’t occurred since 2018 in an Elimination Chamber Qualifier. It would also boost ratings and bring in lost fans who dropped off during the pandemic. It definitely was an incredible idea to add Balor to this storyline.
1. Edge
Finally, the big omission to Balor’s previous days on SmackDown is the Rated-R Superstar, Edge.
Back when Balor was adding stakes to the NXT Championship earlier this year, Edge put him on notice after winning the Royal Rumble before eventually choosing Reigns for WrestleMania.
This means that Balor vs Edge has the history to play with. Balor could be disappointed that he keeps being overlooked as a threat, and as a result, challenges Edge to show what he is made off.
This story could be some fantastic stuff, plus, the match would be a dream match for any Edge or Balor fan as it would be a first-time-ever moment. A Coup De Grace reversed into a spear would be a spectacle to bear witness to – this match must happen before it’s too late.
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