30 WWE Images That Defined 2016
11. The Demon King Stands Tall
Finn Balor hits the Coup de Grace on Seth Rollins, en route to defeating The Architect at SummerSlam - thereby becoming the first ever WWE Universal Champion.
Many had Balor vs. Rollins touted as a match of the year candidate in the build-up to SummerSlam, but unfortunately the match was hindered by a severe shoulder injury to the Irishman midway through. The pair were bravely able to put on a good contest and finish the match according to plan, but it didn't quite inspire as many had hoped.
Sadly, Balor was forced to vacate his new title the very next night on Raw, due to the injury which would keep him out for the remainder of 2016. The whole event was also marred by an incredibly negative fan reaction to the Universal Championship itself, which boasted a very distinctive red aesthetic.