Challenges in the Life of Finn Bálor in a Detailed Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: April 20, 2026

Life is full of challenges, and Finn Bálor faced many. Discover key struggles and how they were overcome.

Finn Bálor, born Fergal Devitt, is an Irish professional wrestler currently signed with WWE, performing on the Raw brand. Bálor is known for his exceptional athleticism, charisma, and captivating in-ring presence. He is known for his signature body paint and 'Demon' alter ego.

Sections (4)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Challenges & Struggles

March 2006: Loss of British Commonwealth Championship

In March 2006, Fergal Devitt lost the British Commonwealth Championship to Karl Anderson.

January 2007: Knee Injury

In January 2007, Fergal Devitt suffered a serious knee injury, sidelining him from in-ring action in New Japan.

June 2007: Participated in NWA Reclaiming the Glory Tournament

In June 2007, Devitt participated in the NWA "Reclaiming the Glory" tournament to crown a new NWA World Heavyweight Champion, defeating Mikey Nicholls in the first round but losing to Bryan Danielson in the second round.

June 2007: Best of the Super Juniors Tournament

In June 2007, Fergal Devitt participated in the Best of the Super Juniors tournament but scored no points and was eliminated early from the competition.

November 2007: Defeated by TNA Wrestlers

In November 2007, during a TNA tour of Japan, Devitt and Minoru were defeated by TNA wrestlers Senshi and Christopher Daniels.

2011: Championship Matches and Title Defenses

In 2011, Devitt and his partners experienced both triumphs and setbacks in various championship matches. They secured their second consecutive J Sports Crown Openweight 6 Man Tag Tournament victory on June 23, but Devitt was unsuccessful in regaining the IWGP Junior Heavyweight Championship on July 24. Apollo 55 successfully defended the IWGP Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Championship on August 14. On September 11, they made their seventh successful defense, breaking the record for most defenses during a single reign. Devitt won the IWGP Junior Heavyweight Championship for the second time on September 19. On October 10, Devitt and Taguchi lost the IWGP Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Championship. Devitt successfully defended his IWGP Junior Heavyweight Championship on November 12 and December 4. He concluded the year on December 23 with another successful title defense.

January 2012: IWGP Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Championship Win and Loss

On January 4, 2012, at Wrestle Kingdom VI in Tokyo Dome, Devitt and Taguchi defeated Richards and Romero to regain the IWGP Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Championship. However, on February 12 at The New Beginning, Apollo 55 lost the title back to the No Remorse Corps.

2012: IWGP Junior Heavyweight Championship Win and Super Jr. Tag Tournament

In 2012, Devitt challenged for the IWGP Junior Heavyweight Championship on October 8. On October 21, Apollo 55 participated in the Super Jr. Tag Tournament. On November 2, Devitt and Taguchi advanced to the finals of the tournament but were defeated. On November 11, Devitt defeated Low Ki to win the IWGP Junior Heavyweight Championship for the third time.

2013: IWGP Heavyweight Championship Pursuit and G1 Climax Participation

In 2013, Devitt pursued the IWGP Heavyweight Championship. On June 22, Devitt earned his first shot at the IWGP Heavyweight Championship. On July 5, Devitt defeated Gedo, advancing to the IWGP Heavyweight Championship match. On July 20, Okada defeated Devitt. On August 1, Devitt defeated Okada. Devitt participated in the 2013 G1 Climax. On September 29, Tanahashi defeated Devitt in a Lumberjack Deathmatch.

2013: Rivalry with Togi Makabe and World Tag League Participation

In 2013, Devitt started a new rivalry with Togi Makabe. Devitt also found a new challenger for the IWGP Junior Heavyweight Championship, Kota Ibushi. From November 23 to December 7, Devitt and Fale participated in the 2013 World Tag League.

January 2014: Loss of IWGP Junior Heavyweight Championship and NJPW Departure

On January 4, 2014, at Wrestle Kingdom 8 in Tokyo Dome, Devitt lost the IWGP Junior Heavyweight Championship to Kota Ibushi. On January 5, Devitt was attacked by Ryusuke Taguchi. On April 6 at Invasion Attack 2014, Devitt faced Taguchi. On April 7, New Japan announced Devitt's resignation from the promotion.

January 2025: Loss to Priest in a Street Fight

On 13 January 2025 episode of Raw, Finn Bálor lost to Priest in a Street Fight match despite assistance from Carlito and McDonagh, marking the end of their feud.

January 2026: Challenging CM Punk for the World Heavyweight Championship

On 12 January 2026 episode of Raw, Finn Bálor confronted CM Punk and challenged him to a match for Punk's World Heavyweight Championship the next week, where he lost.