Finn Balor made a surprising shift in character during his Finn Balor NXT return, turning babyface after years of playing a villainous role. The former Universal Champion appeared on the NXT Homecoming episode, drawing cheers from fans worldwide, highlighting a dramatic change from his recent heel persona with The Judgment Day faction.
The Unexpected Shift in Balor’s Character on His NXT Return
Nearly three years ago, Finn Balor shocked fans by turning heel and joining forces with Rhea Ripley and Damian Priest to form The Judgment Day. This marked the beginning of his portrayal as a villainous figure, which brought him significant success, including multiple title reigns and consistent television exposure. However, Balor’s alliance within the faction became strained, especially with Dominik Mysterio, leading to ongoing tension and hints of betrayal.
On his return to NXT during the Homecoming event, Balor appeared in a noticeably different light. Instead of continuing as a heel, he was welcomed by a cheering crowd before confronting NXT’s Lexis King, who was portraying a villain. The situation escalated when King was interrupted by his opponent Myles Borne, who delivered a neckbreaker, after which Balor executed his signature Coup De Grace on King. Balor then shared a brief hug with the young NXT star, signaling a warm, babyface persona rather than the antagonistic character he had been for years.
This sudden transition caught many off guard, as other returning wrestlers maintained their established roles, making Balor’s shift particularly notable for fans and observers.
Reflections on Balor’s Career and Time with The Judgment Day
About two years ago, in a candid interview with Kenny McIntosh of Inside The Ropes, Balor discussed his experience as part of The Judgment Day. He expressed that his current run had been some of the most enjoyable and comfortable moments of his wrestling career.
“It’s certainly the most fun and certainly the most comfortable in the ring. I feel like as performers we should continue to grow and evolve, and I feel like every era of my career has been the most comfortable. So, I don’t know if that is a good thing or a bad thing, but I have certainly enjoyed the last year a lot.” – Finn Balor
Despite this positive reflection, Balor’s recent character change on NXT suggests that he may be exploring new directions beyond his stint with The Judgment Day.
Comparing Other NXT Returns and What’s Next for Balor
While Balor’s transformation was warmly received, other notable returns have met with more muted responses; for example, Bobby Roode’s return to NXT was met with silence from the crowd. This contrast emphasizes the impact and excitement surrounding Balor’s unexpected babyface switch.
Looking ahead, Balor’s babyface turn could lead to new storylines within NXT, potentially reshaping his role and alliances. For fans, this return offers a fresh chapter in Balor’s ongoing wrestling journey, blending his past successes with a new hopeful direction in the developmental brand.
