started · updated
WWE SmackDown: Finn Balor returns as The Demon to confront Gunther
During a Halloween-themed episode of WWE SmackDown held at the Charleston Coliseum in West Virginia, Finn Balor made a surprise return in his “The Demon” persona. The appearance occurred during a segment hosted by Danhausen, who had promised to reveal a mysterious and evil experiment.
The segment escalated when Gunther interrupted Danhausen, attacking him and powerbombing him through a table. Despite the intervention of several “Minihausens” produced by a cloning machine, Gunther continued his assault. Following a curse from Danhausen, the arena lights turned red, signaling the arrival of The Demon. Balor engaged Gunther in a physical confrontation, eventually using a ladder to knock Gunther onto the announce table before delivering a Coup de Grace through the desk.
Other notable results from the broadcast included Chelsea Green successfully defending the WWE Women’s Championship against Nikki Bella, Rey Fenix retaining the AAA Cruiserweight Championship against Ricky Saints, and Sami Zayn retaining the Undisputed WWE Championship against Trick Williams.
Entities
Charleston Coliseum · Charleston, West Virginia · Danhausen · Finn Balor · Gunther · SmackDown · WWE
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.
- [● 3 SOURCES] The appearance occurred during a segment where Danhausen was attempting to reveal an evil experiment. www.fightful.com · wrestlingheadlines.com · www.wrestlinginc.com
- [● 2 SOURCES] Gunther attacked Danhausen and powerbombed him through a table. wrestlingheadlines.com · www.wrestlinginc.com
- [● 3 SOURCES] Finn Balor returned to WWE programming using his ‘The Demon’ persona on the October 30 episode of SmackDown. www.fightful.com · wrestlingheadlines.com · www.wrestlinginc.com
- [● 3 SOURCES] Balor delivered a Coup de Grace from a ladder through an announce table to strike Gunther. www.fightful.com · wrestlingheadlines.com · www.wrestlinginc.com
- [● 2 SOURCES] This was the first time Balor used the Demon persona since WrestleMania 42. www.fightful.com · www.wrestlinginc.com
- [○ 1 SOURCE] A match between Finn Balor and Gunther is expected at WWE Crown Jewel 2026 in Saudi Arabia. wrestlingheadlines.com