Real Reason Finn Balor Missed WWE Royal Rumble 2022

The former Universal Champion was a notable Royal Rumble 2022 omission...

by Andy H Murray
Finn Balor
WWE

Amongst the most notable omissions from this past Saturday's Royal Rumble 2022 show was Finn Balor, whose lack of appearance in the titular men's bout sparked immediate speculation online.

The good news is that the former NXT and Universal Champion didn't miss out due to injury. WrestleVotes reported after the show that Finn wasn't hurt but was out of the country, with WWE hoping to have him back ahead of WrestleMania 38 (2 and 3 April):-

Balor has since posted a photograph of him outside Dublin, Ireland's famous Temple Bar:-

So it looks very much like a trip home prevented the 40-year-old from participating in the Royal Rumble. There is currently no word on when, exactly, he will be back on WWE television.

Finn has been a regular on main roster TV since moving back following a highly successful NXT return, during which he led the brand as its champion. An initial run at Roman Reigns' Universal Championship on SmackDown preceded Balor moving to Raw, where he has feuded with up-and-comer Austin Theory, putting the younger man over in a move forecasting his future role with the company.

Advertisement
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.