10 Wrestlers Who Went To Insane Lengths To Get Over (But Didn't)

7. Finn Bàlor Plays The Waiting Game

Orange Cassidy Jack Evans
WWE

One of the very best and most influential wrestlers of the 2010s, Finn Bálor played a patient and well thought-out game throughout the decade.

He was also one of the most intelligent; he spent years in New Japan grasping the fundamentals of his style, Americanised character work and, towards the end, his action figure-friendly alter-ego. This lengthy, intricate masterplan was designed - again, over the span of years - in preparation for a main event WWE run.

It appeared that he had gamed the system. He had worked out a way of getting over with the hardcores and at the toy store.

It is impossible, however, to game a broken system. His NXT run got him over with fans, but he didn't get over with the office, which, ultimately, is what counts; beyond a cursed Universal Title reign, Finn was mostly promoted apathetically and erratically in a midcard role. Instructed to smile, to the detriment of his cocksure disposition, the Demon became a joke who couldn't even perform an aerial at Extreme Rules 2021. He was neither Finn nor the Demon on that night; just another ruined star.

Finn's legacy will age wonderfully as the years pass - but he won't be remembered for going on last at WrestleMania.

Contributor
Contributor

Michael Sidgwick is an editor, writer and podcaster for WhatCulture Wrestling. With over seven years of experience in wrestling analysis, Michael was published in the influential institution that was Power Slam magazine, and specialises in providing insights into All Elite Wrestling - so much so that he wrote a book about the subject. You can order Becoming All Elite: The Rise Of AEW on Amazon. Possessing a deep knowledge also of WWE, WCW, ECW and New Japan Pro Wrestling, Michael’s work has been publicly praised by former AEW World Champions Kenny Omega and MJF, and current Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes. When he isn’t putting your finger on why things are the way they are in the endlessly fascinating world of professional wrestling, Michael wraps his own around a hand grinder to explore the world of specialty coffee. Follow Michael on X (formerly known as Twitter) @MSidgwick for more!