Finn Balor is still recuperating from shoulder surgery but the "Demon King" has teased of possibly entering the Royal Rumble 2017 in January. (Photo : Getty Images/Gaye Gerard)
Former WWE Universal champion Finn Balor continues to recover from a torn labrum injury he sustained at SummerSlam 2016 and his return was believed to be at Wrestlemania 33. However, it looks like he is recuperating faster than expected, opening the possibility of seeing him at the Royal Rumble 2017.
After initially claiming that his target return date would be by Wrestlemania 33, Finn Balor is now toying with the idea of returning by the Royal Rumble 2017. He singles out the power of positive thinking and the collective thoughts of people as making it possible, The Sun reported.
A driving thought for him to return early could be winning the battle royal set for the Alamodome in San Antonio in January. Seeing the “Demon King” win it all could be perfect since he is expected to embark on a new run to regain the WWE Universal title. By winning the Royal Rumble, such could set the stage for the WWE Universal title showdown at Wrestlemania 33.
Balor went under the knife on Aug. 23 where physicians claimed that his injury was more severe than normal. Such somehow contradicts the return plans of the former champion though succeeding updates could offer a bigger picture.
While that remains up in the air, it will be interesting if Kevin Owens remains Universal Champion until Wrestlemania 33. Stars like Roman Reigns and Chris Jericho have been mentioned as possible successors though nothing has been made official.
Right now, Reigns is gearing up for his chance to pry the title away from Owens at “WWE Roadblock: End of the Line” happening this Sunday, WWE.com reported. There is no indication however that the title will change hands, a pay-per-view likely focused more on developing storylines.
Linking Balor and Reigns, the thought of seeing Balor win the Royal Rumble 2017 and Reigns holding the WWE Universal title could be perfect. There are many precedents to that, the actual return date of Balor at the top of the list.
The Royal Rumble 2017 is shaping up to be something to watch, headlined by Bill Goldberg and Brock Lesnar. Surprise entrants are expected to show up – new faces and the ones who have been kept out of the ring due to injury or outside commitments.
The video below weighs in on when Finn Balor could probably return to WWE action.
