Samoa Joe Will Be Finn Balor's Toughest Test as NXT Champion

Finn Balor will face Samoa Joe, the most difficult challenger in his reign as NXT Champion, at NXT TakeOver: London.

The two former friends started their feud after Balor’s title defense against Apollo Crews on the Nov. 4 episode of WWE NXT. Balor and Crews fought to a standstill until Baron Corbin interfered and attacked both men. Joe came out and made the save, or so we thought.

After clearing the ring, Joe attacked Balor and gave him the Muscle Buster as an exclamation point. Balor was left unconscious, rendering Joe, the former ally, proud of his handiwork.

Joe talked the next week, saying he made a promise to get his shot at the NXT title and become the next champion. Balor attacked Joe, but it was all for naught. Joe caught Balor with the Coquina Clutch and left the champion unconscious for the second straight week.

These two former allies will battle each other at NXT TakeOver: London on December 16.  Their wrestling styles could not be any more different. Balor flies through the air, while Joe plays the power game to near-perfection.

For a big man, Joe can move, and his striking ability is treacherous. Each of his blows is calculating and filled with rage.

Joe’s submission prowess makes him a huge threat to Balor’s title. The Coquina Clutch is his most dangerous hold. He chokes out his opponents while grape-vining the lower body. No one is safe from Joe’s grasp.

What makes Joe most dangerous is his connection to Balor. The two men joined forces to win the Dusty Rhodes Tag Team Classic back on October 7. Joe must have studied Balor up close when they were partners. He must know the NXT champion’s ring strategy.

Forget about Joe dissecting Balor’s game plan.  Joe’s strategy is working; he’s in the champion’s head!

Samoa Joe will be Finn Balor’s toughest test as NXT champion.

Their feud is reminiscent of Sami Zayn vs. Kevin Owens. The two men celebrated Zayn’s NXT title win last year only for Owens to backstab him by powerbombing him on the ring apron. Owens went on to take Zayn’s NXT title and become the next champion.

Those two had years of friendship sacrificed over championship glory. Balor and Joe only had an alliance. Despite Joe gaining the upper hand on Balor, they don’t have years of brotherhood behind them.

However, Balor is clearly hurt by Joe’s actions. One must wonder if Balor has the same mentality going to war against his former ally.

Then again, Joe never has had the experience going to war against Balor’s Demon persona.

Let’s say Balor’s alter ego is a different personality. Under the Demon guise, Balor is undefeated. He turned back the threats of Owens, Tyler Breeze and Neville in NXT matches. This Demon persona is capable of striking with vicious intent, with every strike landing its mark with an exclamation point.

Joe hasn’t seen the Demon up close in Balor yet. How can he prepare for madness in his opponent? He’d have to be as crazy as Balor is. But the challenger is hungry for the title, and in all honesty, he might be able to live up to Balor’s Demon persona come December 16.

Regardless, Samoa Joe is Finn Balor’s toughest test as NXT champion. Balor can overcome Samoa Joe if he lets The Demon come out to play. Otherwise, expect Joe’s mind games to take affect and a new NXT champion come NXT TakeOver: London.