Backstage Update On Finn Balor's WWE NXT Role

Balor to miss out on "main roster money" in NXT?

by Andy H Murray
Finn Balor
WWE.com

Finn Balor made a sensational return to NXT on this week's show, confronting NXT Champion Adam Cole in the aftermath of his successful title defence over Matt Riddle, then confirming his permanent move to WWE's black and gold brand.

Dave Meltzer writes about the situation in this week's Wrestling Observer Newsletter, noting that Balor is now a full-time NXT roster member and won't be used on Raw or SmackDown.

Meltzer also has some interesting notes on Finn's contractual situation. He states that while the former Universal Champion is on the same contract as before, he will likely end up making less money overall as working the roster means more house show dates. Talent are paid a percentage for such Raw and SmackDown live events, but it's different in NXT, with wrestlers earning their salaries only.

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Balor will also be missing out on potential WrestleMania, Royal Rumble, SummerSlam, and European tour paydays, and there's a chance his merchandise sales could be hit as well.

Regardless, Balor may find greater creative fulfilment in NXT's more wrestling-centric environment, and his confrontation with Cole suggests that WWE plan on pushing the former NXT Champion as a big deal immediately.

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Andy has been with WhatCulture for six years and is currently WhatCulture's Senior Wrestling Reporter. A writer, presenter, and editor with 10+ years of experience in online media, he has been a sponge for all wrestling knowledge since playing an old Royal Rumble 1992 VHS to ruin in his childhood. Having previously worked for Bleacher Report, Andy specialises in short and long-form writing, video presenting, voiceover acting, and editing, all characterised by expert wrestling knowledge and commentary. Andy is as much a fan of 1985 Jim Crockett Promotions as he is present-day AEW and WWE - just don't make him choose between the two.