Finn Balor Injured, Shinsuke Nakamura Beats Ali Instead At WWE Smackville

Finn Balor was not medically cleared to compete in tonight’s WWE Smackville event, and even though that meant he wouldn’t be showing up for his title match against Shinsuke Nakamura, the reigning Intercontinental Champion still made his way out to the ring. Once in the ring, Nakamura let the fans know that the match would be going on regardless, and then demanded that the bell be rung and Balor be counted out.

Unfortunately for Nakamura, Ali made his way out in the middle of the count out, and declared that he would be taking Balor’s spot. In a match that was surprisingly close and saw Ali nearly come away with a victory a handful of times, it was Nakamura who was able to retain his belt. After stopping Ali from leaping off the tope rope, Nakamura was able to land a brutal kick to the head on Ali, dropping him long enough to get the pinfall and keep his title.