Finn Balor: WWE Raw star vows to come back strong after injury
Irishman forced to vacate Universal Title after just one day
Monday 29 August 2016 13:14, UK
Finn Balor has vowed to "bounce back" after seeing his reign as WWE Universal Champion come to an abrupt end due to injury.
Balor sustained his injury after being clattered into the barricade during his match with Rollins and is now set for a prolonged spell on the sidelines.
However, the 35-year-old says a chance meeting while carrying out publicity work on US show Good Morning America has lifted his spirits.
"While I was at Good Morning America feeling sorry for myself, I bumped into man in the hallway that had no arm," said Balor, who became the inaugural Universal Champion in his debut match at a WWE pay-per-view.
"That put everything into perspective - I was thinking 'four to six weeks best case, six to seven months worst case' but in seven months I will have my arm back. This gentleman won't.
"That instantly made me take stock of the situation and realise it's just an injury and that I will get better and that I will bounce back."
Balor, who has since undergone successful surgery on his labrum tear, vacated his newly-won championship live in the ring on Monday Night Raw.
"It was a weird feeling," added Balor, who will watch Rollins, Roman Reigns, Kevin Owens and Big Cass battle for the Universal Title on next week's Raw.
"It was a good feeling to carry the title - deep down I was joyful and I could see the smiles on people's faces in the crowd as well as my parents.
"I got a little bit emotional on the ramp - I obviously couldn't do any of my arm motions - and then I said what I needed to say on the microphone.
"When I came back through the curtain that's when it really set in - that's where the fairytale ended and I had the reality of not being the champ, being hurt and being on the bench for six months."
On Balor's surgery, Dr Jeffrey Dugas added: "Finn's injury was more severe than normal - it did more damage than a standard shoulder dislocation where you simply tear the labrum.
"The prognosis is excellent, however. We were able to fix it all and put it back where it came from. I'm anticipating him getting back at full speed."
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