Finn Balor and Gunther had a tense exchange backstage on the August 14 episode of WWE SmackDown, with the former Universal Champion making it clear that he had no interest in being disrespected.
"The Prince" was speaking with SmackDown General Manager Nick Aldis when he acknowledged his frustration over the events at SummerSlam. Gunther and Kevin Owens had been added to his path at the premium live event, but Bálor said he was ready to move forward.
That conversation was interrupted when Gunther approached Aldis. The former World Heavyweight Champion was unhappy about having to compete in street clothes earlier in the night.
Aldis reminded Gunther that he was interrupting his conversation with Bálor. Gunther then took another shot at the Irish star, claiming he could only see Bálor's “shadow.”
The comment immediately changed the mood and Bálor fired back by calling Gunther a “condescending prick” before making his intentions clear.
“I’ll show you who the real Finn Bálor is,” Bálor told him.
The confrontation added another layer to Bálor's current pursuit of championship gold. Rather than dwelling on what happened at SummerSlam, he now appears focused on proving that he remains capable of competing at the highest level.
Gunther's comments clearly struck a nerve, and Bálor's response suggested that their issues may not be finished. If another opportunity comes his way, Bálor made it clear that he intends to take it.
