Finn Balor became the first ever WWE Universal Champion at SummerSlam after he defeated Seth Rollins, but the victory was bittersweet.
On Monday WWE announced that Finn Balor had dislocated his shoulder during the match and that he would be vacating the title. There was some speculation as to whether he would need surgery, but at the beginning of Raw Michale Cole announced that Finn will indeed undergo surgery, and he’ll be out for at least six months.
Mick Foley and Stephanie McMahon called Finn to the ring at the beginning of the show and he received a standing ovation from the crowd. Before Finn could even speak a word the crowd started chanting, “You deserve it!”
Finn told the crowd that the Universal Championship is proof that you can achieve anything if you believe in himself. He thanked the WWE for the opportunity, he thanked the talent in the back and he even thanked Seth Rollins for giving him what he called the match of his life, and he thanked the fans.
He said that for now he has to relinquish the title and the crowd chanted, “NO! NO! NO!” Balor said that when he gets back the title will be the first thing he goes after. He then handed the belt to Mick Foley.
The first-ever @WWE Universal Champion @FinnBalor heads to the ring to hand over his newly gained gold. #RAW pic.twitter.com/WOgvL93fb2
— WWE (@WWE) August 23, 2016
You can rest assured that @FinnBalor will come back better than EVER for the @WWE #UniversalTitle! #RAW https://t.co/6DB8sDJGp9
— WWE (@WWE) August 23, 2016
Seth Rollins, Sami Zayn, Chris Jericho, Kevin Owens, Roman Reigns and Enzo Amore and Big Cass then came to the ring and Stephanie and Mick announced that a series of matches will be held to determine the new champion. The new champion will crowned next week and the first match is kicking things off on Raw with Seth Rollins vs. Sami Zayn.
