Add as a preferred source on Google Finn Bálor is closing in on a return to a world championship in WWE, and it’s happening in the same week that marks 10 years since his main roster debut.
In the July 24, 2026, episode of Friday Night SmackDown, Bálor beat Damian Priest, Trick Williams and Royce Keys in a Fatal 4-Way match, hitting Priest with the Coup de Grace for the win.
The victory sets up a match between Bálor and Sami Zayn at SummerSlam. The winner will become the next challenger for the Undisputed WWE Championship, facing the winner of CM Punk vs. Cody Rhodes at the same event.
In a post on his official X account, Bálor thanked the fans who have stuck with him throughout the last decade and vowed to finish the journey.
“The last 10 years have been the adventure of a lifetime. Bálor Club, thank you for always sticking with me, I hear you, and WE ARE SO CLOSE #summerslam #LetsGoBalor”
Bálor’s post comes exactly 10 years after his Raw debut. That night, he beat Cesaro, Kevin Owens and Rusev in a Fatal 4-Way match and, hours later, beat Roman Reigns to secure a match against Seth Rollins.
Bálor went on to beat Rollins at SummerSlam 2016 to become the first-ever Universal Champion. However, a severe right shoulder injury suffered during the match forced him to vacate the title less than 24 hours later.