The Demon Returns on SmackDown as Danhausen Unveils His Experiment
WWE SmackDown’s Halloween broadcast on October 30 delivered a chaotic shift in power when Finn Bálor made a shocking return under his signature war paint, laying waste to GUNTHER. The segment marked the first time Bálor has donned the iconic makeup since WrestleMania 42, where he faced Dominik Mysterio in a Street Fight.
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The confrontation began when Danhausen, serving as the week’s special Halloween host, attempted to finally showcase the mysterious “experiment” he had teased for months. GUNTHER interrupted the proceedings, quickly turning violent by putting Danhausen through a table. As GUNTHER prepared to inflict further damage, Danhausen’s cloning apparatus activated, flooding the ring with an army of miniature versions of the eccentric star.
GUNTHER swiftly neutralized the Minihausens by hurling pumpkins at them and powerbombing one through a table. The Ring General then locked Danhausen in a sleeper hold, seemingly bringing the bizarre experiment to a screeching halt.
The Arrival of The Demon
Before GUNTHER could drive Danhausen through another table, the arena lights plummeted into darkness and bathed the venue in a deep red glow while a rapid heartbeat echoed through the speakers. A gurney rose from the staging area, revealing “The Demon” Finn Bálor as Danhausen’s hidden creation.

Bálor confronted a visibly rattled GUNTHER, shrugging off a preliminary belt strike from the champion. Moving with calculated precision, Bálor countered with a series of strikes and Sling Blades before launching a running dropkick that sent GUNTHER crashing through a set table. The brawl spilled to the ringside floor, where Bálor scaled a ladder positioned near the announce desk and delivered a devastating Coup de Grâce, driving GUNTHER straight through the wooden structure.
The broadcast concluded with Bálor standing tall alongside an injured Danhausen, striking a pose to close out the segment.