Finn Balor's SmackDown Return Takes An Unexpected Turn After Backstage Reveal

Finn Balor's return as The Demon takes an unexpected turn after Danhausen’s backstage reveal.© Image via : WWE Network

Finn Balor came back as The Demon on SmackDown and left the show with what looks like a new ally in Danhausen, who posted a backstage picture of the two after the broadcast. Balor had just run in on Gunther, who was in the middle of attacking Danhausen and several Minihausens, and he ended the segment by hitting Gunther with a Coup de Grace from a ladder onto the commentary desk. WWE hasn't said anything official about a partnership, but the picture and its caption suggest this wasn't a one-off appearance. The Gunther story could also be heading toward Crown Jewel on November 7, although no match has been confirmed.

Very Demon, Very Evil ???? @WWE https://t.co/E4m4168eYE

— Danhausen (@DanhausenAD) October 31, 2026

Danhausen's Backstage Post Links Him With Finn Balor After The Demon's Return

Gunther was running through Danhausen and the Minihausens at Charleston Coliseum when the arena went dark. Red lighting came on, and The Demon made his entrance to a loud reaction from the crowd.

Balor and Gunther started fighting quickly, and it ended with The Demon climbing a ladder and delivering the Coup de Grace onto the commentary desk.

After the show, Danhausen posted a backstage picture with Bálor and a short caption: “Very Demon, Very Evil.”

The post matters because Gunther had been going after Danhausen earlier in the night, so Bálor stepping in and then posing with him looks like a deliberate pairing rather than a coincidence.

This also isn't the first time Gunther has gone after Danhausen. On the October 9 SmackDown, their scheduled match never started because Gunther attacked him before the bell.

Balor had already gotten involved in that problem, and the Charleston segment pushed it further.

Gunther and Balor Could Be Headed to Crown Jewel After the SmackDown Brawl

The Crown Jewel talk comes from a promotional poster spotted by fans at Riyadh Season Stadium, which shows Gunther and Balor. The event takes place there on Saturday, November 7. WWE hasn't announced the match, and posters like that can change before the show.

The company has officially advertised four matches so far, including Roman Reigns against Sami Zayn for the Men's Crown Jewel Championship and Liv Morgan against Chelsea Green for the women's.

If WWE does go with it, Gunther would be the one coming in with the more decorated recent run. He has retired Goldberg, John Cena and AJ Styles, with Styles' retirement match coming at the Royal Rumble earlier this year.

Balor would be bringing The Demon, and he already has the Coup de Grace from the ladder to point to after SmackDown. The next SmackDown on November 6 is the last one before Crown Jewel, so that's where WWE would need to make anything official.