Finn Bálor’s Fall from Glory: Can Triple H Revive The Prince’s WWE Legacy

For years, Finn Bálor has been one of WWE’s most exciting and dynamic performers. His ability to seamlessly transition between being a babyface underdog and a menacing heel has made him a standout star in professional wrestling. Initially, his time in WWE was filled with great promise, but in recent years, he has found himself struggling to regain his prominence. Despite a reign as World Tag Team Champion, Bálor’s current position in WWE feels stagnant, and many fans are left wondering: can Triple H revive The Prince’s legacy?
The Meteoric Rise of Finn Bálor
Before delving into his recent struggles, it’s important to acknowledge the incredible journey that brought Finn Bálor to WWE. Originally known as Prince Devitt in New Japan Pro-Wrestling (NJPW), he made a name for himself as the leader of the Bullet Club. His charisma, in-ring prowess, and innovative style caught the attention of WWE, leading to his signing in 2014.
His time in NXT was nothing short of phenomenal. He quickly became the brand’s top babyface, winning the NXT Championship and engaging in some unforgettable rivalries. His Demon persona added an extra layer of mystique, making him a fan favorite. Under Triple H’s guidance, he became one of the most dominant champions in NXT history, successfully defending his title against the likes of Samoa Joe and Kevin Owens.
Main Roster Success and the Universal Championship Triumph
Bálor’s move to the main roster in 2016 was met with immense excitement. His debut on RAW saw him defeat Roman Reigns cleanly, solidifying his status as a future main event star. Within a month, he made history by becoming the first-ever WWE Universal Champion after defeating Seth Rollins at SummerSlam. Unfortunately, his victory came at a steep price—a shoulder injury forced him to relinquish the title the very next night.
That injury significantly altered the trajectory of his WWE career. While he remained a popular figure upon his return, he never quite regained the momentum he had prior to his injury. His subsequent feuds, including those with Bray Wyatt and Baron Corbin, did little to elevate his status as a top-tier talent.
A Brief Return to NXT and a Character Revamp
In 2019, Finn Bálor made a surprising return to NXT, a move that was seen as both a demotion and an opportunity for reinvention. This is where he truly thrived once again, shifting into a darker, more aggressive version of himself. He embraced a heel persona, dubbing himself “The Prince,” and captured the NXT Championship for a second time. His matches with Johnny Gargano, Adam Cole, and Karrion Kross were some of the best in recent NXT history.
Triple H’s booking allowed Bálor to shine as a main event talent again, proving that his best work came under the right creative direction. His time in NXT reinvigorated his career, but once he returned to the main roster, he once again found himself struggling to maintain relevance.
Joining The Judgment Day: A New Chapter
When Bálor joined The Judgment Day in 2022, it was seen as a major turning point. Aligning with Damian Priest, Rhea Ripley, and later Dominik Mysterio, the faction had the potential to be a dominant force in WWE. However, despite their initial success, Bálor found himself overshadowed. While Ripley and Dominik were heavily featured in major storylines, Bálor’s presence became secondary.
His feud with Edge had some bright spots, but it ultimately did not elevate him back into the main event picture. Even after winning the World Tag Team Championship with Damian Priest, he still seemed to lack the credibility of his past self. The dynamic within The Judgment Day became more focused on others, leaving Bálor struggling to stand out.
The Turning Point: Damian Priest and The Downfall
One of the most defining moments of Bálor’s recent downfall was his feud with Damian Priest. Once allies, the tension between them grew, leading to a dramatic fallout. Bálor’s failure to defeat Priest after their split was a significant blow to his credibility.
A loss in a major rivalry can sometimes serve as a catalyst for a wrestler’s rebirth, but in Bálor’s case, it further cemented his decline. His inability to secure a major win left him directionless, making it clear that the WWE creative team had no solid plans for his future.
How Triple H Can Save Finn Bálor
With Triple H now playing a bigger role in WWE’s creative direction, there is still hope for Finn Bálor to reclaim his former glory. Here are some ways The Game could rejuvenate The Prince’s career:
1. A Solo Push and Character Reinvention
One of the biggest factors in Bálor’s decline is his overreliance on faction storylines. While The Judgment Day has served its purpose, it may be time for him to go solo once again. A strong singles push could reignite the aura that once made him special.
Triple H could bring back elements of his NXT persona—an unpredictable, no-nonsense fighter with a ruthless edge. A darker, more violent Finn Bálor could be the key to making him a compelling character once more.
2. A High-Profile Feud with a Top Superstar
To reestablish himself as a main event talent, Bálor needs a serious, well-booked rivalry with a top name in WWE. A feud with Cody Rhodes, Seth Rollins, or even a revisited rivalry with Roman Reigns could help elevate his status.
These matches should be presented as competitive, allowing Bálor to look like a legitimate threat once again. A meaningful victory over a top-tier talent would do wonders for his credibility.
3. A Redemption Arc
Fans love a good redemption story. WWE could craft a narrative where Bálor acknowledges his struggles and fights to prove himself once again. A tournament victory, a Royal Rumble win, or even a dramatic underdog run toward the World Championship could serve as a compelling storyline.
This approach would not only get the fans emotionally invested but also give Bálor a clear direction moving forward.
4. Reintroducing The Demon Persona
While Bálor has often relied on his Demon persona for special occasions, WWE has failed to utilize it effectively in recent years. If used correctly, The Demon could become a major attraction once again.
Bringing back a more fearsome, undefeated Demon persona could set up major marquee matches and help Bálor stand out from the rest of the roster.
The Road Ahead
Despite his recent struggles, Finn Bálor remains one of the most talented performers in WWE. His past success in NXT and on the main roster proves that with the right booking, he can still be a top-tier star. It all comes down to whether Triple H and WWE’s creative team are willing to invest in his resurgence.
If given the opportunity, Bálor has everything it takes to reclaim his spot among the elite. Whether it’s through a solo run, a major feud, or a reinvention of his character, The Prince’s legacy is far from over. The only question that remains is: will WWE pull the trigger and give Finn Bálor the push he truly deserves?