WWE: Lego fan Finn Balor’s career looks set to build and build and build on Japanese success

Finn Balor's wrestling odyssey is set to hit its highest heights after phenomenal short films covering his journey to WWE seem to confirm the sports entertainment’s juggernaut’s confidence in the Irish ace.

Balor, 33, challenges Kevin Owens for the NXT championship at WWE's live event in Tokyo on July 4th - and should the former New Japan Pro Wrestling standout dethrone Owens in the Ryougoku Sumo Hall, it will mark the perfect return to a country Finn describes as his “second home”.

“I ended up spending a full eight years of an incredible, incredible journey in a beautiful country that became my second home and I’ve a lot of happy memories there,” says Finn in the latest profile piece that aired on NXT last night.

“It became an incredible chapter in my life.”

Detailing his experiences in the unrelenting NJPW dojo system that helped condition his preeminent wrestling style, Finn also reveals a surprising approach to winding down from the rigours of the ring: Lego.

“Outside of wrestling I live a very quiet life,” smiles Finn.

“Some people like doodling or jigsaws, I’ve never grown out of the old Lego thing.”

Dabbling with the plastic brick toy favoutite seems an unlikely hobby for a talent revered by fans across the world, especially one whose image was frequently splashed across magazines and promotional posters on public transport in the Land of the Rising Sun.

But the unassuming star’s modesty - in attitude, as well as choice of pastime - is partially key to his success, having impressed the right people throughout his career overseas.

“He would not be here if it wasn’t for his success in Japan,” states NXT head coach and former locker room buddy Matt Bloom, despite Finn playing down his star status.

“He was the man in Japan,” Bloom confirms.

Watch edited versions of the first two films in the videos above, and in full on the WWE Network.