10 Reasons To Be Optimistic Following WWE Draft 2016

6. Finn Balor's Incoming Monster Push

Daniel Bryan SmackDown
WWE.com

In drafting Finn Balor fifth overall, WWE have sent a very clear message that the longest-reigning NXT Champion ever is set to make a huge splash and immediately become one of Raw’s biggest stars.

John Cena, Roman Reigns, Brock Lesnar: Balor was drafted ahead of some the company’s biggest names, with only Seth Rollins, AJ Styles, and champions Dean Ambrose and Charlotte selected ahead of him. Not only does this present Balor’s call-up as a huge deal from the get-go, but that his two-year NXT run is about to pay-off in a major way.

It’s a long overdue promotion, and Balor could justifiably have been called-up several months ago, but this feels like the perfect timing. Raw’s main event scene is very thin at the moment, and while he’ll have some work to do to overtake Sami Zayn and Kevin Owens, Balor has every opportunity to ascend to the top tier sooner rather than later.

Balor would also be a great fit for the returning Cruiserweight division, and strapping the WWE Cruiserweight Championship around his waist would do wonders for the lighter weight class’ image as it re-establishes itself. Then there are Luke Gallows and Karl Anderson, Balor’s former Bullet Club buddies, with whom The Demon can reconnect in an organic, ready-made storyline.

Wherever he ends up, expect Finn Balor to absolutely shine on Monday Night Raw.

Channel Manager
Channel Manager

Andy has been with WhatCulture for eight years and is currently WhatCulture's Wrestling Channel Manager. 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.