10 WWE Champions Who Deserved Longer Runs

3. Finn Bálor

Bob Backlund
WWE

The former Prince Devitt is currently in his second run, and second world title reign, with NXT, where he has found himself perennially hovering around the top of the card. One of the brand’s more established names, he has not been lacking time with the NXT top prize.

It’s his fateful run with the Universal Championship that we’re focusing on here, a belt that seems to have been cursed from the off. The big red strap was met with deserving scorn on its unveiling, but when fans learned the inaugural title match was to be between Bálor and Seth Rollins, appetites were whetted.

Action-wise, the SummerSlam 2016 bout didn’t disappoint. It was fast and flowing as you’d expect, with great high spots and a worthy winner in Bálor. Tragedy struck, though: Bálor tore a muscle, and was forced to vacate the belt the next night.

That was it for Finn as far as the top spot on the main roster went. He had some great matches after, including a cracking title shot against Brock Lesnar, but he seems to have fallen out of Vince’s plans. As long as he’s having a nice time in NXT, though, we’re happy.

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