Finn Balor: 'I'm Not Willing To Sacrifice My Dignity To Say These Things That I Don't Mean' Finn Balor has explained why he avoids leaning into the media side of his WWE career, stating on the latest episode of What’s Your Story? with Stephanie McMahon that he refuses to say things on the mic that he doesn’t mean. The Irish wrestler emphasized that while he understands the promotional demands of his role, he has actively shied away from the press and media side of the job for years. He described the experience as something that doesn’t align with his personality, preferring in-depth conversations over the fast-paced, 90-second hit segments often required on morning shows. Balor framed his reluctance as a matter of authenticity, stating that he has never wanted to compromise his dignity for the sake of retweets or public perception. When asked about trash talk, a common tool in pro wrestling, he reiterated his stance: “I’m not willing to sacrifice my dignity to say these things that I don’t mean.” He acknowledged that such tactics could be beneficial for his career but emphasized that they contradict his personal values. “I feel like I got to this position being myself. So I shouldn’t change that, ever.” The wrestler traced his aversion to verbal work to his early career experiences. Growing up in the UK indie scene, he began his wrestling journey in 2000, where the focus was on mat-based wrestling. He later moved to Japan, where he trained under the Strong Style philosophy, a style that prioritized physicality over verbal engagement. “There was no, like, promos” in those environments, he said. His first promo came when he joined WWE’s NXT in 2014, a moment he described as nerve-wracking. “I remember being so nervous because the NXT tape, and I had to come out and say, I’m Finn Balor, and I’m the future.#wwe #stephanie_mcmahon #finn_balor #new_japan_pro_wrestling #nxt
WWE Hall of Famer Jim Ross Advocates for Finn Balor’s Demon Persona to Remain a Rare Spectacle WWE Hall of Famer Jim Ross recently discussed Finn Balor’s Demon character on his Grilling JR podcast, emphasizing that the persona’s effectiveness relies on its infrequency. Ross praised the character’s visual impact and its ability to captivate audiences when used sparingly. “I like the Demon character,” Ross said. “But I don’t want to see it every week.” He highlighted the character’s strategic value, noting that its rarity ensures it remains a standout moment rather than a routine feature. Ross also commended Balor’s professionalism and work ethic, describing him as one of WWE’s most reliable performers. “I like the kid. I think he’s reliable, he works hard. He’s very skilled,” Ross added. “You never hear him hurting somebody or doing something stupid.” The Hall of Famer stressed that Balor’s integrity and skill complement the Demon persona, making it a compelling and unpredictable element in WWE programming. The Demon character’s recent revival occurred at WrestleMania 42, where Balor used the persona during a Street Fight match against former Judgment Day ally Dominik Mysterio. This marked the first time Balor had employed the Demon gimmick in three years. Balor himself has previously expressed a preference for keeping the character unpredictable and reserved for special occasions rather than being heavily advertised. Reports earlier this year indicated WWE had initially planned to reintroduce the Demon persona for a scheduled match between Balor and Mysterio at SummerSlam. However, those plans were altered, and the character’s return was delayed until WrestleMania. Ross argued that maintaining the Demon’s rarity is crucial to preserving its impact.#wwe #wrestlemania_42 #finn_balor #wwe_hall_of_famer_jim_ross #demon_character
WWE’s WrestleMania 41 Mistakes to Avoid at WrestleMania 42 WWE’s WrestleMania 41, held in 2025, was marred by several missteps that undermined the event’s credibility and fan engagement. As the company prepares for WrestleMania 42, analysts and insiders have highlighted five critical errors from the previous year that must be avoided to ensure a more polished and impactful show. These mistakes range from overbooked finishes and excessive celebrity interference to confusing character bookings and rushed title changes. One of the most glaring issues was the handling of title changes in multi-person matches. The Intercontinental Title ladder match, which saw Dominik Mysterio pin Finn Balor to win Bron Breakker’s championship, ended with Penta Barajas claiming the belt shortly afterward. This sequence of events was criticized for being rushed and undermining the credibility of both Mysterio and Penta. The abrupt transition not only confused fans but also raised questions about the legitimacy of the title change, especially since Penta had worked tirelessly to earn the championship. WWE officials are now urged to avoid repeating this pattern, as it risks damaging the perception of title legitimacy and the wrestlers involved. Another significant problem was the overreliance on celebrity interference in high-stakes matches. Celebrities such as Travis Scott, Pat McAfee, Lil Nachty, and iShowSpeed were heavily involved in storylines, often overshadowing the wrestlers. For instance, Travis Scott’s interference in the Cena-Rhodes angle led to John Cena’s heel turn, a move that was widely criticized for diluting the narrative and alienating fans. This year’s event already features McAfee and others in the Orton-Rhodes feud, raising concerns about the potential for similar disruptions.#wwe #bron_breakker #dominik_mysterio #wrestlemania_41 #finn_balor
