WWE Raw: Finn Balor relinquishes Universal Championship after dislocating shoulder at SummerSlam

Balor has given up his title 24 hours after winning it at SummerSlam

Jack de Menezes
Tuesday 23 August 2016 08:32 BST
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Finn Balor relinquishes his WWE Universal Championship to Mick Foley and Stephanie McMahon
Finn Balor relinquishes his WWE Universal Championship to Mick Foley and Stephanie McMahon (www.com)

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One day after defeating Seth Rollins in the biggest match of his career to win the WWE Universal Championship, Finn Balor has been forced to relinquish the title after suffering a dislocated shoulder.

Irish wrestler Balor has enjoyed a phenomenal rise through the ranks, having gone from Raw debutant a month ago to the spearhead of the WWE after his victory over Rollins at Sunday’s SummerSlam event.

But just 24 hours later, 35-year-old Balor – real name Fergal Devitt – appeared on Monday Night Raw with his right arm in a sling, and he relinquished his title to general managers Stephanie McMahon and Mick Foley due to the need to undergo surgery.

It’s since been revealed that Balor actually dislocated his shoulder during the match against Rollins at SummerSlam when The Architect threw Balor into the fan barricade surrounding the ring. Balor’s shoulder can be seen to pop out of its socket, causing the Irishman to grab his arm in agony.

Bravely, Balor can be seen to pull on his arm and force his shoulder to pop back in, before completing the match and defeating Rollins.

Watch the video below...

Balor received a raucous reception from the WWE Universe on Monday night even though he had to give up his newly won championship, and as the fans chanted his name, Balor couldn’t help but repeatedly smile despite the difficult decision to give up the title.

With Balor out of the equation, it was announced that a fatal 4-way match would take place on Raw next Monday to determine the new WWE Universal champion, with Rollins going up against old rival and former Shield partner Roman Reigns, Kevin Owens and Big Cass.

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