Former Universal Champion Finn Balor has decided to remain with WWE after reportedly signing a long-term contract extension with the company.
While he didn't appear on last night's RAW (presumably because he's remained behind in Ireland following the recent European tour), The Judgement Day member did share posts on X and Instagram all but confirming the news shortly before the show went on the air.
"I would like to take this moment to say thank you to WWE for 10 incredible years," Balor said. "And after much thought and consideration, I have decided that now is the right time to say, 'I ain’t going nowhere!'"
His deal was supposedly set to expire shortly after WrestleMania and, according to Fightful, WWE was quick to sign him to a "big money offer" which closed the door on him possibly signing with AEW.
Unsurprisingly, that company did want him and had been keeping a close eye on his free agent status. While AEW has missed out on Balor, it sounds like Tony Khan is still "looking to sign potential free agents this summer."
Drew McIntyre and Seth Rollins' names have been floated around, though it's hard to imagine either of them being interested in AEW. In fact, it was recently reported that WWE Superstars no longer view that company as a viable option given the improvements following Vince McMahon's departure and the fact Triple H is now calling the shots.
Balor made his WWE debut for NXT in 2014 and held the NXT Championship on multiple occasions. He was WWE's first Universal Champion but was forced to vacate the title a day later due to injury.
He most recently held the Undisputed Tag Team Championship with current World Heavyweight Champion Damian Priest, though they lost both sets of titles at WrestleMania. Rumour has it a babyface turn and feud with Priest could be next for him.
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