FINN BALOR insists he knew from the moment he clapped eyes on a 14-year-old Becky Lynch “she was going to be a superstar”.

The WWE stars will both be hoping for the Luck of the Irish at the Royal Rumble on Sunday to go on and headline WrestleMania.

7 Finn Balor says he spotted Becky Lynch's X-Factor immediately Credit: WWE

7 The Irishman was speaking exclusively to SunSport about his protege Credit: WWE

Bray-born Balor faces a daunting challenge to overcome Brock Lesnar to claim the Universal Title at the Chase Field in Phoenix, Arizona.

And Lynch will attempt to make it double Irish joy when she battles Asuka looking to reclaim the SmackDown Live Women’s Championship.

The Irish LassKicker has transformed herself into “The Man” of WWE over the past six months and is one of the most popular superstars on the roster.

And 37-year-old Balor, who trained Lynch during her teenage years, is adamant she has always had the X-Factor – but it’s only now she is really letting it shine fully.

7 Becky Lynch has rocketed to the main event in recent months Credit: WWE

7 Finn Balor says he knew she was destined for greatness as soon as he met her aged 14 Credit: WWE

7 Credit: Twitter @BeckyLynchWWE

Speaking exclusively to SunSport ahead of the Rumble, Balor said: “It’s incredible. I remember when Becky was 14 and she walked in to a wrestling gym I was coaching at.

“As soon as she walked in I could see she was going to be a superstar.

“I’ve seen her that way since she was 14 and I think it took her a while to believe in herself.

“We all go through ups and downs with self-confidence and all sorts of different issues - society forces a lot of issues on us… But seeing her step-up and knock it out of the park lately – I’ve seen it for years – I think she’s just started to finally believe that and the results are obvious.”

LATEST WWE NEWS FIGHT NIGHT AEW Dynamite wrestling match turns into shock LEGITIMATE FIGHT MICK KICK WWE's Mickie James reveals ref thought she was injured so cut title match short Feature BAD ATTITUDE Top nine WWE Attitude Era moments from McMahon, DX and Austin to The Rock 'WEIRD' Young reveals first meeting McMahon who 'didn't want to see her without makeup' 'NEVER SAY NEVER' Shane McMahon refusing to retire and says 'I still have a few left in me' RIC'S RAGE WWE star Ricochet slams 'trash' reports he will snub new deal from Vince McMahon

Since Lynch turned on her best friend Charlotte Flair at SummerSlam in August the 31-year-old has rocketed from mid-card to main event status.

Now rumours are rife she will be a part of the first-ever all-female headline WrestleMania match.

And Balor was never in doubt Lynch had the ability to create history.

7 Asuka will defend her SmackDown Women's Title against Becky Lynch at the Royal Rumble Credit: WWE

He added: “It’s just that X-Factor – either you have it or you don’t.

“She walked in and there was probably 30 lads in that gym that didn’t have it, but there was one girl and you could just tell.

“It was like an aura around her. It’s not a physical attribute or trait, it’s just something you can feel and you can’t explain it.

“And Becky’s had it her whole life and she is really letting it go now and it’s incredible.”

7 Becky Lynch was the first-ever SmackDown Live Women's Champion Credit: WWE

Balor also had a warning for Lesnar before his own championship battle.

He said: “I feel like I excel against bigger guys and I always relish a challenge.

“And there’s no bigger challenge than Brock Lesnar so bring it on.”

Watch The Royal Rumble on Sunday, January 27 for nothing by signing up to a 30-day FREE TRIAL on the WWE Network.