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'He likes his dad to collect him from the airport' - WWE's heartwarming tribute to Ireland's Finn Balor

The 35-year-old Wicklow native, whose real name is Fergal Devitt, has forged a successful career in wrestling.

Updated at 10.20

WWE / YouTube

WWE HAVE released a heartwarming tribute to superstar Finn Balor.

The 35-year-old Wicklow native, whose real name is Fergal Devitt, has forged a successful career in the WWE since joining the company in 2014.

The video, part of the organisation’s new digital series: ‘My Son/Daughter is a WWE Superstar,’ takes a look at Balor’s journey from growing up in Ireland to WWE stardom via an acclaimed eight-year stint with New Japan Pro Wrestling.

The story is told by Balor himself along with the people who know him best, giving an insight into the highs and lows of life as a professional wrestler.

And while wrestling often has a tough-guy, macho image, Balor shows his sensitive side in a moving description of his parents’ importance to him and their support following a recent injury sustained.

While winning the inaugural WWE Universal Champion at Summerslam, Balor suffered a labrum tear before ultimately undergoing successful surgery.

“It wasn’t until the surgery — that’s when I appreciated how much I needed them there,” he explains.

“The first two or three weeks after the surgery were really tough. I don’t think I would have got through it as well as I did without having them there.”

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    Mute David Duignan
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    Feb 17th 2017, 10:41 AM

    A real superstar in the making. Injury robbed him for the last 8 months but hopefully he’ll come back better than ever.

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    Mute John Lally
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    Feb 17th 2017, 10:54 AM

    It’s a shame that these guys will never get the recognition of their achievements that other athletes do. These guys are more determined and better all-round athletes than just about any other sport. He’s an inspiration, a lot of people probably told him over the years he was too small to succeed but he’s proved everyone wrong. Hopefully he’ll be back for Wrestlemania, a fight with AJ Styles would be phenomenal

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    Mute Fergal Murray
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    Feb 17th 2017, 12:23 PM

    John, A lot of people probably told him? Seriously?

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    Mute Sean D
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    Feb 17th 2017, 2:08 PM

    The man started the bullet club which is the biggest wresting stable in the world at the moment. His achievements are amazing. Talk about chasing your child hood dreams. Fair play to him and all that comes with his fame. #tosweet

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    Mute blueman79
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    Feb 17th 2017, 12:51 PM

    Why is this on a sports website ?

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    Mute Billy Kennedy
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    Feb 17th 2017, 2:08 PM

    @blueman79: Whatever you think of wrestling – there is no doubt that this man put in a serious level of athletic performance and training to get where he is.

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    Mute david lydon
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    Feb 18th 2017, 7:19 AM

    As do ballet dancers and stuntmen. Fun maybe .But its not sport

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    Mute blueman79
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    Feb 20th 2017, 11:59 AM

    Lol

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    Mute Nigel Fogarty
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    Feb 17th 2017, 5:45 PM

    I have met fintan several times in marbella , some man for the yarns and the few pints. A top man.

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