My Monday column for the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review looks at Finn Balor appearing on the WWE main roster. Here’s an excerpt:
Finn Balor fans, the booking is not always greener on the other side.
A lot of speculation is running wild of Balor progressing up to RAW or SmackDown after he lost the NXT title to Samoa Joe at a non-televised event. That, combined with Balor’s Bullet Club colleagues from Japan appearing on WWE programming, has got the Balor fan base in an anticipation frenzy.
I’m a Balor fan, which might be why I’m not itching for him to be on Monday or Thursday night WWE programming immediately. Notice, I don’t say “called up” or “main roster” when referencing his change of shows. It’s a 2016 resolution of mine as I don’t think it’s accurate. Being “called up” to the “main roster” is demeaning to the NXT show. Fact is, NXT is riding a wave of popularity that could be grooming itself for revenue and popularity comparable to RAW or SmackDown sooner than later. In short, being the flag bearer of NXT isn’t a bad gig to have.
That’s the role Balor has. He’s the face of NXT. It’s a smaller television roster with a shorter television format each week. It’s easier to be the star of a roster which handicaps some as in “development” learning than it is the roster which is meant to build to WrestleMania main events. I’m not saying Balor isn’t capable of WrestleMania, just the task isn’t as easy.
As NXT continues its touring, merchandise and moves toward an eventual television deal beyond the WWE Network, it will advance itself in the money-making department. Barring injury, Balor is a unique performer who has himself locked in wherever he wants in NXT.
But as revolutionary as NXT is, even the most die-hard fans of it who roll their eyes at Vince McMahon and the WWE product, can quietly admit deep in their wrestling soul that RAW leads to the ultimate gratification for a performer. RAW is what leads to the big pay-per-views that put performers in the history books. NXT doesn’t, not to say it won’t eventually, but Balor fans don’t seem to want to wait for eventually. And based on his talents, I don’t blame them for the urgency in seeing his potential reach the highest stage.
If Finn Balor does go to RAW, then there’s some things everyone needs to keep in mind.
CLICK HERE for why his entrance won’t be seen the same and more.
