Those who witnessed Finn Bálor compete alongside Hideo Itami at NXT Takeover: R Evolution saw exactly why the Irish-born Superstar is one to keep an eye on in the coming year. For those who haven’t, stop what you’re doing and check out the match on the WWE Network or this clip right here. Finn Bàlor
Bálor has already emerged with one unique and unforgettable entrance, and the budding Superstar’s in-ring work is hard-hitting, energetic, athletic and, most important of all, innovative. Bálor’s been so impressive down in NXT that he’s gone from debut to marquee spot on a live special — against the brand’s most dominant tag team of all time, mind you — in less than two months.
If that’s what he can do in such a short amount of time in 2014, then you better believe Bálor will be contending for the NXT Title — and maybe even a spot on the main roster — before 2015 comes to a close. — MIKE MURPHY