Finn Balor makes surprise appearance at NXT UK TakeOver

An angle at NXT UK TakeOver: Blackpool led to a member of the WWE main roster making a surprise appearance.

Finn Balor subbed in for Travis Banks at UK TakeOver: Blackpool, defeating Jordan Devlin. The pre-show for the special featured an angle where video of Devlin attacking Banks as he arrived at the building was shown. WWE stated that Banks had been medically cleared to wrestle, but he and Devlin brawled before their match officially started and Devlin attacked Banks’ knee.

Devlin cut a promo in the ring, saying that it didn’t look like he’d be having a match at TakeOver. Devlin also called himself “the greatest Irish wrestler alive.” The crowd chanted “Finn” — and Devlin replied by asking “who?”

NXT UK on-screen authority figures Johnny Saint and Sid Scala then came to the stage, Scala said they had a backup plan, and Balor made his entrance.

Balor was one of Devlin’s trainers, which played into the story of the match. They had a competitive match, with Balor winning with the Coup de Grace.