Former WWE Universal Champion Finn Balor recently reflected on his decision to jump ship from NJPW to WWE in 2014. 'The Prince' revealed that he had envisioned spending his entire career in Japan.
The former NXT Champion opened up about the emotional departure during an appearance on Talk'n Shop Live. Balor, who served as the inaugural leader of Bullet Club, left NJPW at the height of the faction's popularity. He admitted the timing made his exit bittersweet.
I think what we had in Bullet Club when I was there was a real special time. Leaving when it was that hot was kind of bittersweet. I had known for a long time that I wanted to move on, but it's always bittersweet. And I cried, obviously, leaving New Japan. That was super emotional," Balor said.
The Irishman explained his mindset before making the jump to WWE. He viewed the move as taking a chance rather than a permanent career shift.
I kind of always pictured my whole career in Japan up until that point. I just really wanted to roll the dice in WWE and give it one try. And if it's gonna be a year, it's gonna be a year, whatever, and then go back to Japan," Balor revealed.
Balor's NJPW Accomplishments
During his time in NJPW, Balor established himself as one of the promotion's top junior heavyweights. He captured the IWGP Junior Heavyweight Championship three times and the IWGP Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Championship six times.
Balor also won the Best of the Super Juniors tournament in both 2010 and 2013. His success in Japan laid the foundation for his eventual transition to WWE NXT in 2014.
Since joining WWE, Balor has remained an active performer on the roster. His initial plan to potentially return to Japan after a year evolved into a long-term career with the promotion.
