In the world of professional wrestling, the path to WrestleMania is fraught with both triumphs and setbacks. The Judgment Day, despite their recent victory over the New Catch Republic duo of Pete Dunne and Tyler Bate, may find themselves navigating a bump in the road. Finn Balor, a pivotal member of the group, suffered a thumb injury during their title defense. As he executed his signature Coup De Grace from the top rope, he emerged clutching his thumb, although he managed to secure the pin and conclude the match.
The extent of Balor’s injury could significantly impact the Judgment Day’s strategy moving forward. If the injury proves to be more than a minor nuisance, the group has several options to consider while Balor recovers. They could opt to take a brief hiatus, asserting that they have already vanquished all worthy opponents. This approach has precedent, as other injured stars have maintained their television presence during recovery periods under Triple H’s regime, including Dakota Kai and Seth Rollins on SmackDown and RAW, respectively.
Alternatively, the Judgment Day might shift their focus to the Money in the Bank briefcase, currently held by Damian Priest, who is also Balor’s partner as the Undisputed WWE Tag Team champions. Priest, dubbed Señor Money in the Bank, has been unsuccessful in his attempts to cash in on Seth Rollins thus far. However, with Balor’s injury, the group could pivot their attention to Rollins in the upcoming weeks, allowing Balor time to heal before a potential title defense at WrestleMania 40. The looming threat of a cash-in would keep Rollins vigilant, adding another layer of complexity to his challenges.
The final option for the Judgment Day involves internal adjustments. With a five-member ensemble, the group has the flexibility to substitute an injured member with another. This strategy has worked well for teams like the New Day, who have frequently rotated members to maintain their dominance in the tag team division. Both Dominik Mysterio and JD McDonagh have previously taken on challengers before Priest and Balor’s title matches. Now, one of them could be called upon to step up and prove their value to the Judgment Day. Should Balor’s thumb injury persist, the performance of his stand-in could become a pivotal factor in the group’s dynamics, potentially leading to changes in the faction’s lineup.
As the Judgment Day continues to be a prominent feature on RAW, the coming weeks may see a new face stepping into the spotlight to keep the momentum going. The group’s adaptability will be tested as they navigate the challenges posed by Balor’s injury, but their resilience and strategic choices will determine their path on the Road to WrestleMania.
