7 Fastest Downfalls From WWE Champions

4. Finn Bálor (2016)

finn balor raw champion
WWE.com

As he pointed towards the heavens and celebrated his victory at SummerSlam 2016, Finn Bálor brought WWE and New Japan fans alike together. Both (distinctly different, for the most part) audiences could appreciate what the Irishman brought to the table. His lightning-fast ring style and love of theatrics had made him a superstar.

Then, all too quickly, it was gone.

24 hours later, Bálor vacated the Universal Title on Raw and didn't wrestle again until the following March. It was a depressing period for the guy, one he hasn't fully recovered from. Since returning from that serious shoulder injury, Bálor has worked dreadful feuds with Bray Wyatt and Baron Corbin, dipped a toe into the IC Title scene and smiled. A lot.

His fall was much too quick for someone so talented. There's hope that he'll get another crack at being Raw's main man, but it doesn't seem to be forthcoming any time soon. Currently, he's booked as a mid carder at best, and there's a real worry his once big chance has eluded him.

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Lifelong wrestling, video game, music and sports obsessive who has been writing about his passions since childhood. Jamie started writing for WhatCulture in 2013, and has contributed thousands of articles and YouTube videos since then. He cut his teeth penning published pieces for top UK and European wrestling read Fighting Spirit Magazine (FSM), and also has extensive experience working within the wrestling biz as a manager and commentator for promotions like ICW on WWE Network and WCPW/Defiant since 2010. Further, Jamie also hosted the old Ministry Of Slam podcast, and has interviewed everyone from Steve Austin and Shawn Michaels to Bret Hart and Trish Stratus.