Finn Balor discusses his return to NXT.
Fans who tuned in to NXT on Wednesday got a big surprise as former NXT Champion Finn Balor made his return to the brand, confronting Adam Cole following Cole's successful NXT Title defense against Matt Riddle.
"I've been out of the ring for about two months and out of NXT for much longer," Balor told Newsweek. "To get the opportunity to return to Full Sail live on USA is a huge honor for me."
When asked if he is back on the brand in a full-time capacity, Balor answered, "Right now that's what it means. I'm going to wrestle whenever, whoever I want. That's something I've been chasing for quite some time in my career. I don't believe in any boundaries be it weight class, country, promotion... And I want to break those boundaries. I'm here at NXT to do that."
Stepping to Adam Cole means also dealing with the other three members of Undisputed Era. Balor is no stranger to groups himself, having formerly led the Bullet Club in New Japan. And while Balor hasn't been part of a club while in WWE, he hinted that he may need backup against the Undisputed Era.
"It's no problem. I've been part of a group before, I've been one of those guys who has been an individual [performer] for a very long time. But maybe you need a group to face Undisputed Era, we'll see."
Balor last wrestled on NXT television in a farewell match against Shinsuke Nakamura on July 13, 2016. In his three years away, Balor has noticed plenty of changes in the brand.
"The game has changed a lot in NXT since I was here. Seeing the match Cole and Matt Riddle put on tonight, they are two of the absolute best in-ring competitors in the world. So it's a little nerve-wracking to get into the deep end with those guys. It's gotta be a challenge for myself in and out of the ring, and personally, to see if i can still go. It's been awhile since I've been here, and the NXT style has evolved incredibly. When I was here it was me and [Samoa] Joe, and back then, I don't want to say it was a slower pace, but it was definitely more rugged here and there. They are going fast, and it's going to be a test for me and I'm looking forward to it."
Balor continued, "I just want to continue to evolve. Been doing this for a long time, and sometimes when you stay in the same place for too long you get a little stagnant, you rely on your old tricks and old ways and you kind of just skate past. But there's no skating here in NXT. I have to swim for sure, because It's going to be a fight."
You can watch Balor's return to NXT in the video above. And if you missed anything from Wednesday's NXT, check out Fightful's full report on the show.
