August 21, 2016 was a historic night for Finn Balor, but also one of his worst.

Balor defeated Seth Rollins to become the inaugural Universal Champion, just a month after debuting on the main roster after his call-up from NXT.

But his reign would only last a day - a torn labrum during the match would keep him out of the ring for seven months.

The Irishman would never get his one-on-one rematch, by the time he returned Brock Lesnar had become the title holder, and would not relinquish the belt for another 16 months, losing it to Roman Reigns at SummerSlam in August.

It could be said that Balor has been criminally mis-used on Monday Night Raw, he's had several feuds which have fizzled out and not held a Championship since his one night stint.

Paul Heyman name-dropped him in a few promos whilst representing Lesnar, but the believability of 'The Demon King' actually defeating Brock in his current guise would be pretty unimaginable.

Speaking on SummerSlam weekend to Inside the Ropes in a recently released video, Balor actually did the unthinkable and took shots at Lesnar and his title reign, whilst also referencing his run in New Japan Pro Wrestling as their Heavyweight Champion.

"I would love the Brock Lesnar match more than anyone," said Balor about one day maybe getting to fight the beast.

"I think it’s the classic David versus Goliath match. I don’t think it's very much like a match I’ve had before or he’s had before. 

"I was in New Japan as a young boy, he was the New Japan Champion, and you know what he did? He walked out on the company, and destroyed the reputation of the title belt, and he’s kind of doing the same thing now."

Yikes, not the best thing to say about a legitimate fighter when you work in the same company, they are the kind of comments that could cause someone to get backstage heat.

Balor seemed to do a complete 180 in the interview though, praising Lesnar for the aura surrounding his character.

"Honestly when Brock’s music hits everyone pays attention and despite all this talk about, ‘Aw, he’s not there every week and he’s not invested’, said Finn.

"I know that when his music hits and he walks out I’m invested and I’m intrigued to see what’s going to happen and there’s certainly an aura that Brock carries that nobody else carries and that’s the type of aura I want to be in the ring with and I want to feel and experience."

Way to claw it back there, Finn...

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