Former NJPW standout David Finlay officially arrived to 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 colleagues, Clark Connors and Gabe Kidd, with the trio now officially recognized as The Dogs in AEW.
Although the fourth-generation wrestler was heavily linked to WWE by rumors – especially considering that his father, Fit Finlay, and brother, Brogan Finlay, are both with the company – new details have emerged as to why the deal fell through.
Did WWE offer David Finley a low price?
According to Corey Hayes of BodySlam.net, WWE offered Finlay a contract that would have required him to debut in NXT. It 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 inadequate.
Following their debut, AEW President Tony Khan confirmed via social media that Finlay, Connors, and Kidd have all signed official contracts with the promotion. Fightful Select’s Sean Ross Sapp reported that Finley’s multi-year deal came to a close last week after becoming a free agent on February 16, 2026.
Finlay had wrestled his final match for NJPW just days earlier at The New Beginning USA, defeating Fred Roeser before officially making the jump to the United States full-time. Before signing with AEW, many believed WWE would be a likely destination for him due to his family ties. However, by signing with AEW, he can also work for NJPW if he wants.
Join our discussion thread on the news and express your opinion on Finlay choosing AEW over WWE.
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