5 best opponents for 'Heel' Finn Balor in WWE NXT

WWE Superstar Finn Balor finally turned heel on tonight’s episode of NXT.

Towards the end of the show, Balor was inside the ring with Tommaso Ciampa and Johnny Gargano. The three of them were set to take on The Undisputed Era - but Balor had different plans.

Before either team could initiate an attack, Balor turned on his ‘friends’ and kicked Gargano in the face. He threw him outside the ring and went on to lay down a vicious attack on the former NXT Champion, driving him through the barricade.

Ciampa, who was in shock after Balor’s actions, was attacked by The Undisputed Era as the group went on to brutalize him inside the squared-circle.

The entire WWE Universe was in shock after one of the best heel turns in years and now we're excited to find out Balor’s next move.

In this list, we take a look at five opponents who could (and should) feud with Finn Balor on the Black and Golden brand.

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#5 Johnny Gargano

Johnny Gargano will eagerly wait for his revenge

Johnny Gargano’s name on this list should not be a surprise. I predicted this feud when I wrote about the probable reasons behind Balor’s return to NXT. But I never expected this feud to initiate right away.

Gargano became the first person to face the wrath of Balor’s heelish intentions. After the latter was done brutalizing the former NXT Champion, Gargano had to leave the arena in an ambulance.

When he returns, the two will most likely engage in an epic feud that will see them challenging their limits. Both Balor and Gargano have the same build, one which does not adhere to the reported 'requirements' of being a top Superstar in WWE. However, they both have a unique style of offense, a lot of speed and, most importantly, the charisma that's best explored on NXT.

This rivalry between Gargano and Balor might find its conclusion at NXT: Takeover. Mark my words, you do not want to miss that match.

#4 Tommaso Ciampa

Daddy's back but he doesn't like the surprise

Ever since his return to NXT, Tommaso Ciampa has focused on taking back his NXT Championship. He was forced to vacate the title after suffering from an injury earlier this year. But now that he is back, he wants his hands on the gold.

After yesterday’s main-event, Ciampa was prepared for a brawl with Finn Balor and Johnny Gargano on his side. While Gargano remained a reliable backup for him, Balor revealed his not-so-friendly intentions. His attack on Gargano led to The Undisputed Era attacking Ciampa and Adam Cole and Co. left no stone unturned in brutalizing his challenger.

It is fair to assume that Ciampa will not forget this incident anytime soon. He would like to avenge the betrayal that led to him and his best friend being manhandled by their rivals.

Ciampa vs Balor will be brutal, with or without any title on the line. And sooner than later, we will see these two NXT Superstars locking horns.

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#3 Velveteen Dream

If you ignore Dream for too long, he will become your nightmare...

Today, Velveteen Dream is one of the most celebrated NXT Superstars. He brilliantly portrays his in-ring character which complements his skills very well.

Following yesterday’s show, even he would like to get a taste of ‘heel’ Finn Balor who took the pro-wrestling world by storm with his actions. They both are high-flying Superstars and can moderate the pace of the match as per the crowd’s reaction.

Dream is known for his footwork inside the squared circle. He will prove to be a tough competitor for Balor who is equally fast and smart in his matches.

If booked properly, this rivalry can explore new altars of success. Even as a heel, Balor has a lot of fans rooting for him. Their match will see a divided crowd chanting for their favorite.

On paper, if this doesn’t look like a ‘dream’ match for you… give them a chance and they will prove you wrong.

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#2 Matt Riddle

Can 'Bro' beat Balor?

Matt Riddle is easily one of the best Superstars on NXT. He is exceptionally good in convincing the viewers to believe in his side of the story – both inside and outside the ring.

Apart from Riddle’s fearless and creative personification inside the squared circle, he is also known for his beef on social media. From WWE legends to current rivals, no one can escape him. You can be the coolest person in the room and yet, Riddle will manage to get in your head - and under your skin.

Hence, his feud with Finn Balor will help the creatives in expanding the dimensions of the latter’s heel persona.

Balor has never been one of those who regularly attack their rivals on social media or hands out brutal trolls that are extremely personal in nature. But with Riddle’s admirable habit of speaking his mind, the internet will be a major tool in this storyline.

Balor is a celebrated Superstar and a feud with him will only elevate Riddle’s rank on the roster. Both these men can create a good narrative and, maybe, we will finally see Balor reprise his character from his old pro-wrestling days. After all, he promised that his future is his past.

#1 Adam Cole

Let's just say, "Adam Cole Bay Bay!"

The Undisputed Era is one of the best factions in WWE today. All the four members of the stable have a title around them and they have all done a brilliant job in their respective title reigns.

Their leader, Adam Cole, is currently feuding with Tommaso Ciampa as the latter wants his NXT title back. After Finn Balor’s betrayal tonight, Cole got an upper-hand in the brawl and brutalized Ciampa. Before Balor left for the backstage, the two teased a potential alliance.

Since then, many have speculated that Balor could soon join The Undisputed Era. Even if that doesn’t happen, a feud between him and Cole is inevitable. Here are the two ways in which this rivalry can unfold.

First, Balor may help Cole in retaining his title against Ciampa and then turn on him. Or second, Balor could join The Undisputed Era and ultimately fight Cole for the leadership of the stable.

Both these Superstars have amazed the WWE Universe with their potential. Together, they can narrate an unforgettable storyline which might become one of the biggest highlights of their WWE career.

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