Finn Balor Makes Surprise NXT UK TakeOver: Blackpool Appearance, Replaces Travis Banks In Match W/ Jordan Devlin

RAW Superstar & Irish native Finn Balor made a surprise appearance at today’s NXT UK TakeOver: Blackpool event.

Video ran showing fellow Irish native & Finn Balor protege Jordan Devlin attacking opponent Travis Banks‘ knee. Banks attempted to honor his contractual obligation and wrestle against Devlin; however, the two engaged in a brawl before the match officially began. Devlin, once again, targeted Banks’ knee, inevitably rendering Banks unable to compete.

Johnny Saint and Sid Scala proceeded to huddle in order to discuss what just unfolded. The two announced that Finn Balor would be replacing Banks and squaring off against Jordan Devlin. Devlin’s plan to gain a competitive advantage in the match was ultimately foiled, as Balor hit the Coup de Grace for the pinfall victory.

Readers may watch Balor’s entrance below:

After his stunning victory, Balor addressed the WWE Universe, “NXT TakeOver: UK Blackpool, I’ll tell you what, I haven’t had an adrenaline rush like that for a long time. I’ve been at a lot of big shows; SummerSlams, Royal Rumbles, WrestleManias. The last two years have been an absolute whirlwind, but there’s something very special about wrestling here in the United Kingdom. Obviously, I spent six years of my career here. I began my career here and we came back to this very building with NXT about three and a half, four years ago to the very first NXT UK tour with the NXT brand. This building was the second stop on the tour. The crowd that night were electric…they gave the whole NXT locker room a boost and I feel that night kind of sparked what was to become the NXT Revolution, which led to the NXT UK Championship held here almost two years ago to the day. Obviously, I was injured, but I was here in the crowd that day and hugely inspired by the crowd. Today was an absolute honor to be invited to perform for NXT UK, to get the opportunity to surprise the fans, which is something that I like to do.”

Balor touched on what it was like to wrestle Jordan Devlin, whom he mentored in Ireland, “Jordan walked into the gym I was a coach at, at a very young age – 14 years old. He’s come on leaps and bounds. He obviously has a little bit of an attitude, a chip on his shoulder. I don’t know where he got that from, not me. In the last year, he’s shown growth. To get to go out there and share that moment with him – having known him for so long – despite his recent actions against Travis and the rest of the NXT UK roster, was a special moment for me. It was definitely a coming of age moment for him. I think he’s definitely gonna be the breakout star of NXT UK this year and going forward, so watch this space for Jordan Devlin.”

Balor was also asked about Devlin’s recent remarks that he was the best Irish wrestler of all time. Balor pointed to Sheamus and Becky Lynch. He replied, “He can be the best in Ireland all he wants, but I’m the best in the world.”

Readers may watch Balor’s interview in its entirety below:

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