Finn Balor pictured his career wrapping up in Japan before ultimately leaving NJPW to join WWE years ago.
During a recent interview with Talk ‘N’ Shop Live, “The Prince” spoke about the subject, as well as how he found out about AJ Styles’ decision to retire from WWE.
Featured below are some of the highlights from the interview where he touches on these topics with his thoughts. Also embedded below is a complete video archive of the discussion.
On the Bullet Club, his time in NJPW and how he always thought he’d finish his career in Japan before eventually signing with WWE: “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. 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.”
On being ‘blown away’ by AJ Styles’ retirement: “AJ [Styles] had told me he was thinking about retiring in 2026. And in my brain, that was like, ‘Oh, okay. That’s Survivor Series.’ And then I think we’re walking out of a RAW taping in Germany two weeks before his actual retirement, and we’re walking out onto the bus. I said, ‘You’re working Gunther soon?’ He goes, ‘Yes. Think it might be the last one.’ I was like, ‘For real?’ He goes, ‘Yeah.’ Whoa. Holy cow. I was blown away. I must say I’m super happy for him to be able to step away with his general health. No major injuries so to speak. I know he’s a little banged up, like we all are, but to step away on his terms and be with his family, that’s such a beautiful thing. I wish him the best, and I’m sure I’ll be seeing him pretty soon.”
