Finn Balor has reflected on how dramatically life behind the scenes in WWE has changed, describing the company as a safer and more positive workplace compared with the wrestling industry of 15 to 20 years ago.

During a recent appearance with Nina Drama at a Zuffa Boxing event in Ireland, Balor discussed the realities of professional wrestling and how the business has evolved during his career.

The former WWE Universal Champion brought up the 2008 film The Wrestler, starring Mickey Rourke, and explained that while the movie presented a bleak picture of life in professional wrestling, much of what it portrayed was once uncomfortably close to reality.

Balor believes the industry, and WWE in particular, has made significant progress since that period.

“Another wrestling movie is The Wrestler, which is very serious and kind of dark, but frighteningly real. Frighteningly real. Thankfully, that’s kind of based on a time probably about 15, 20 years ago. Thankfully, WWE has changed over the recent years, and it’s a much better place and safer work environment for the boys, so we’re very grateful for that.”

Balor's comments come amid similar positive assessments of WWE's modern locker room, with several performers speaking publicly in recent years about the more supportive atmosphere within the company.

Finn Balor Recalls Injury That Could Have Ended His Career
The conversation also saw Balor look back at some of the physical punishment he has endured throughout his wrestling career.

Despite suffering a broken jaw in two places, which required two operations, Balor identified his serious shoulder injury as particularly significant because of the threat it posed to his future in the ring.

The injury occurred during Balor's Universal Championship match against Seth Rollins at SummerSlam 2016. Although Balor made history by becoming the inaugural Universal Champion that night, he was forced to relinquish the championship on Raw the following evening.

Balor revealed just how extensive the damage was, explaining that the injury involved considerably more than a straightforward shoulder dislocation.

“Probably the most painful injury I’ve ever had was a broken jaw in two places, and I needed two surgeries to repair that. I dislocated my shoulder, and this one was a torn labrum, torn bicep, torn pec tendon, and I actually fractured the glenoid socket. So I was out for nine months with that. That was a potential career-ender,” Balor added.

Despite those setbacks, Balor has remained a prominent part of WWE and recently competed against Sami Zayn, Gunther and the returning Kevin Owens for an opportunity at a championship match at WWE SummerSlam.

Balor's comments offer an interesting perspective from someone who has experienced WWE across multiple eras, both in terms of the physical demands placed on performers and the changing culture surrounding them.