Finn Bálor and JD McDonagh, of the Judgement Day, are the reigning WWE World Tag Team Champions. They defeated The New Day’s Kofi Kingston and Xavier Woods on the June 30, 2025, episode of Raw to become champions. With 96 days as champions and only one title defense against LWO during the July 28, 2025, episode of the red brand, the question arises: Have Finn and JD devalued the coveted titles? Let’s evaluate the situation and explore the possibilities.
Finn Bálor and JD McDonagh’s Involvement with The Judgment Day
The easiest way to deflect responsibility is to claim that Finn Bálor and JD McDonagh have been preoccupied with The Judgment Day. However, it’s difficult to accept this excuse when the group’s members have competed in 27 matches total—including dark matches and mixed matches—since the Irishman and his partner won the WWE World Tag Team Championships. Bálor and McDonagh have wrestled in 13 and 14 matches, respectively, which suggests they have not been too busy to defend their prestigious titles during their 96-day reign.
On this week’s episode of Raw, backstage interviewer, Byron Saxton raised the issue of their lack of title defenses. While this may indicate that the company is planning to have them defend the titles soon, it dispels the notion that The Judgment Day’s activities are preventing them from doing so. Bálor has a knack for delivering compelling stories and bringing out the best in his opponents. The company needs to recognize this and allow him to help others shine.
Dom was frozen so Finn ran in to save JD from Rusev… 😬
Guessing no party tonight in The Judgment Day clubhouse? pic.twitter.com/MtJqIfhWVU
— WWE (@WWE) September 23, 2025
A WWE Title Defense Elevates Other Superstars
The New Day is a formidable tag team, and LWO is an impressive faction. Finn Bálor and JD McDonagh have faced both teams in the ring. If Bálor and McDonagh were to defend their WWE World Tag Team Championships more frequently, not only would The New Day and LWO benefit, but other teams like The Vision’s Bronson Reed and Bron Breakker could also challenge for the titles. Jimmy Uso and Jey Uso, known as The Usos, are on Raw and would relish the opportunity to reclaim tag team gold and restart their championship journey.
The company could use these title defenses to elevate not only established stars but also up-and-coming superstars who are eager for a shot at the WWE World Tag Team Championships. For instance, NXT superstars Sol Ruca and Zaria delivered an impressive performance on SmackDown last night. An NXT tag team would seize the chance to shine on the main roster, especially if Darkstate capitalizes on their momentum following the NXT-TNA Showdown or even before it. Such opportunities could create must-see moments on Raw.
Finn Bálor May Want to Branch Out from The Judgment Day
The Judgment Day was formed in 2022 when Edge established the stable alongside Damian Priest. Rhea Ripley joined later, followed by Finn Bálor, who became a member on the June 6, 2022, episode of Raw. His arrival caused chaos, leading to Edge’s ousting from the faction. After more than three years with the group, Bálor has witnessed numerous wrestlers come and go from The Clubhouse.
It’s possible that the former Intercontinental Champion is considering stepping away to restart his singles career. Finn would likely thrive as a singles superstar, given his long tenure with the company and his ability to leave a lasting impact in the ring and in the hearts of fans.
The only reason JD ain’t here is cos he didn’t have paperwork to travel to Canada.. the lucky SOB! @ArcherOfInfamy @RheaRipley_WWE @DomMysterio35 @jd_mcdonagh #wwetoronto pic.twitter.com/Uix23J5TAh
— Finn Bálor (@FinnBalor) December 30, 2023
If Bálor is intentionally drawing heat to justify a bold move, it could significantly influence the storyline. One way for Finn and JD McDonagh to shake things up would be to defend the WWE World Tag Team Championships and then lose them to their opponents. The former NXT Champion could then channel his frustration toward current Judgment Day members Dominik Mysterio, Roxanne Perez, and Raquel Rodriguez, as well as his tag team partner JD. This could set the stage for a compelling new chapter.
Is JD McDonagh Holding Back the WWE World Tag Team Championships?
While it seems unlikely, JD McDonagh might be preventing the WWE World Tag Team Championships from being defended regularly. McDonagh returned on the Raw following WrestleMania 41 after recovering from a career-threatening injury sustained on the January 27, 2025, episode of Raw. It’s possible that McDonagh is still healing, as he returned after only three months. The company may be keeping his condition under wraps.
While he may have little influence over The Judgment Day’s decisions, McDonagh could be waiting to be fully healed before risking a title loss. He may also be reluctant to step away from television, as doing so could cost him a title run, pay, and fan interaction—something the WWE Universe cherishes. Alternatively, JD could be secretly collaborating with Dominik Mysterio behind Bálor’s back, biding his time to betray Bálor. Fans will have to wait and see how this situation unfolds and whether the WWE World Tag Team Champions defend their titles or lose them, paving the way for a new chapter.
Return of the Iron Lung. Welcome back @jd_mcdonagh pic.twitter.com/Cv87QEJ7GC
— Finn Bálor (@FinnBalor) April 29, 2025
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