3 ways WWE could handle Finn Balor's return

The last time we saw Finn Balor, he was being obliterated by Bray Wyatt's alter ego The Fiend at SummerSlam. He was beaten so badly that he hasn't appeared on WWE television since then. As you may have heard, he's away on his requested leave of absence for personal reasons.

Finn is expected to make his glorious return to WWE in just over a month. What does WWE have planned for him? Will they utilize him as a featured player? Will they have him trudge through the mid-card? Would they dare put him on NXT to combat AEW on Wednesday nights?

Let's explore the three best ways WWE should handle Finn Balor's return to the ring

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#3 The Demon joins The Fiend

The Fiend prepares to apply his finishing maneuver to Finn Balor.

Although The Fiend is a heel, the crowd reacts very positively to him. In the past, we've seen dark characters so good that the crowd still roots for them. Teaming the ever-popular Demon with The Fiend could possibly work.

Finn was utterly destroyed by The Fiend the last time we saw him at SummerSlam. Everyone seems to think (and it makes perfect sense) Finn Balor will make his return with one goal in mind to rectify the beating he took in The Fiend's first official match in a WWE ring.

I propose that perhaps Finn does not return with vengeance on his mind, but admiration and respect for The Fiend's destructive ways. Maybe Finn was caught so off guard and embarrassed so badly by The Fiend at SummerSlam, that he decides he would rather join forces with Wyatt. If you can't beat 'em, join 'em!

We have not seen The Demon version of Finn Balor's persona since he won the Intercontinental Title from Bobby Lashley at WrestleMania. The Demon's appearances are few and far between, perhaps The Fiend is persuasive enough to coax The Demon out of Balor for an extended period of time.

The two would make a formidable duo, for sure. If WWE plans on continuing down the very dark path they are taking The Fiend, the question is, do they want to take The Demon along for the ride, or are they happy with his current standing and high level of popularity?

Would you like to see more of The Demon or do you think it would dilute the impact of the gimmick?

#2 Balor Club re-unites with the Original Club

AJ Styles touches fingers Anderson and Gallows.

In an interview with The Wrap, AJ Styles was asked about Finn Balor possibly joining the Club. He didn't dismiss it, in fact, he really left an open invitation for him.

“I mean, we’ll have to see where he stands. We’re not exactly liked right now.

“Does he want to be not liked? I don’t know. I don’t know where it’s going to stand. He will always have an invitation, but who knows if it’s going to happen.”

This presents an interesting option for Finn Balor upon his return to the WWE. He could make a surprise return and reunite with his old Japanese running mates. This would mark the first time Finn and AJ were a part of the Club at the same time.

The Club has always modeled itself after the nWo. Not only have they adopted their "too sweet" hand sign but they've carried themselves in the same manner. They've run rampant in a rebellious, takeover fashion, over whatever company they've been associated with. Finn would have no trouble turning rogue and re-joining the Club, but would the WWE Universe accept Finn as a heel? Finn is so wildly popular, and it'd be a huge risk for the WWE to turn him heel. Not to mention, it could take all of the air out of the Demon character.

It's certainly an interesting proposition to have a modern-day nWo-style Club wreaking havoc on FOX. This isn't a bad option, I rather like this idea, but my favorite idea is on the next slide.

#1 Lone Demon takes on the new Wyatt Family in a slow build

The re-match needs to be done with patience if it is to be done right.

Finn Balor needs to come back and go on the run of his life in WWE. The Demon is undefeated and he shall remain that way. Have AJ Styles and the Club offer him their friendship and have him quietly decline, then eventually mow through them one on one. WWE could use a couple of months to tell that story until the Demon is finally able to re-emerge as a force to be reckoned with.

The key is keeping the Demon separate from The Fiend. Both characters are so very compelling, if they build it right and keep them apart long enough, then finally the Fiend can set his sights on the Demon. Bray Wyatt should have a new rendition of the Wyatt Family stable for the Demon to destroy. If you read my previous article about who may join that stable, then the victories the Demon would accrue would have to be mightily impressive.

Remember, the Demon has a victory of Bray Wyatt, but the Fiend is a whole new force. The two do have some unfinished business dating back to 2017. There's a lot of history to draw on with this feud.

After the return, both The Demon and The Fiend must remain undefeated, setting up a WrestleMania main event for the ages. At this point, I don't care who wins, if the story is told right I will just want to watch and enjoy.