Andrew Ravens
Former NJPW standout David Finlay officially arrived in AEW during Wednesday’s episode of AEW Dynamite in El Paso, Texas. Making his presence felt immediately, Finlay interfered in a tag team grudge match, using his signature shillelagh to attack Darby Allin and Orange Cassidy. The attack served as a reunion for Finlay and his former Bullet Club War Dogs allies, Clark Connors and Gabe Kidd, with the trio now officially recognized in AEW as The Dogs.
While rumors had heavily linked the fourth-generation wrestler to a WWE run—especially given his father, Fit Finlay, and brother, Brogan Finlay, are both with the company—new details have emerged regarding why the deal fell through.
WWE gave David Finaly a low-ball offer?
According to Cory Hays of BodySlam.net, WWE offered Finlay a contract that would have required him to start in NXT. This was reportedly classified as a “lower-level” contract rather than a main roster deal, which the 32-year-old former IWGP Global Heavyweight Champion found insufficient.
Following his debut, AEW President Tony Khan confirmed via social media that Finlay, Connors, and Kidd have all signed official contracts with the promotion. Sean Ross Sapp of Fightful Select reported that Finlay’s multi-year agreement came together very quickly over the last week after he became a free agent on February 16, 2026.
Finlay had wrestled his final match for NJPW just days prior at The New Beginning USA, defeating Fred Rosser before officially making the jump to the United States full-time. Before he signed with AEW, many people believed that WWE would be his likely landing spot due to his family ties. However, by signing with AEW, he can also work for NJPW if he wishes.
Join our discussion thread on the news and air your opinions on Finlay choosing AEW over WWE.
