Finn Balor believes positive thinking could help him win the Royal Rumble next year

When we last heard from Finn Balor, he said his target return date from shoulder surgery is WrestleMania 33 next year in Orlando. In an interview with the Gorilla Position podcast (via The Sun), he maintained that date as his target but also made clear his belief that the power of positive thinking could bring him back sooner.

Like, perhaps, the Royal Rumble:

“I really believe in the power of positive thinking and the collective power of people’s thoughts spawning something into becoming reality. So if everyone does believe I can win the Royal Rumble, then I guess it’s not impossible.”

Balor has been out of action dating back to the night after SummerSlam, when he was forced to vacate the Universal championship after he suffered a torn labrum in a match with Seth Rollins. His initial prognosis was a six month recovery time.

He had surgery on Aug. 23 and it wasn’t long after that his surgeon said the injury was “more severe than normal.” Just days later, Balor was in agony realizing he may not make it back after four months like he was hoping.

Now, he’s talking like it’s possible.

If nothing else, perhaps he can make a surprise appearance and suffer a quick elimination to protect him from further injury. Or just wait until WrestleMania like he was already planning on anyway.

Stay tuned.