The professional wrestling world reacted with surprise Wednesday night as David Finlay, son of wrestling veteran Fit Finlay, officially debuted with All Elite Wrestling (AEW) on “Dynamite.” Finlay immediately made an impact, aligning himself with Clark Connors and Gabe Kidd in an attack on Darby Allin and Orange Cassidy. This move came as many anticipated Finlay would follow in his family’s footsteps and sign with WWE, given his father and brother Brogan Finlay’s current roles within the company. However, the decision ultimately came down to opportunity and financial considerations, according to recent reports.
Finlay’s arrival in AEW marks a significant addition to the promotion’s roster, and the circumstances surrounding his choice offer a glimpse into the competitive landscape of professional wrestling. The former two-time IWGP Global Heavyweight Champion had been a highly sought-after free agent, and his decision to sign with AEW over WWE and another promotion, TNA, has sparked considerable discussion within the industry. The move underscores AEW’s growing appeal to established talent seeking new opportunities.
AEW’s Offer Proved Most Attractive
According to Dave Meltzer of Wrestling Observer Radio, AEW ultimately secured Finlay’s signature by presenting the most favorable offer. “So the deal with Finlay was he had been talking to TNA, he’d been talking to AEW, he’d been talking to WWE, and AEW made the best offer of the three,” Meltzer stated. “That’s your answer.” This suggests that while family ties and existing relationships within WWE were a factor, they were ultimately outweighed by the financial and creative opportunities presented by AEW.
The situation was further complicated by WWE’s initial plans for Finlay. Meltzer reported that WWE intended to start Finlay in NXT, their developmental brand, offering a contract that was considered “lower-level” rather than a main roster deal. This proposition didn’t align with Finlay’s expectations, given his established track record and accomplishments in New Japan Pro Wrestling (NJPW).
WWE’s Shifting Narrative
Interestingly, Meltzer likewise noted a shift in WWE’s public messaging regarding their interest in Finlay once it became clear he wouldn’t be signing with them. “As soon as I think they knew he wasn’t coming, we started with this ‘Oh, you know, we didn’t really want him,’ stuff,” Meltzer observed. “’We wanted him in ‘NXT,’ we didn’t offer him anything.’ And it may even be true. But it’s just fascinating how the timing of everything was.” This observation highlights the often-complex dynamics at play behind the scenes in professional wrestling and the tendency for narratives to be adjusted after decisions are made.
Prior to his AEW debut, Finlay wrestled his final match for NJPW on February 16, 2026, defeating Fred Rosser at The New Beginning USA. This transition paved the way for his full-time move to the United States and his eventual arrival in AEW. The quick agreement, finalized within the last week, demonstrates AEW’s ability to move swiftly and decisively when pursuing key talent, as reported by Sean Ross Sapp of Fightful Select.
The Formation of “The Dogs”
Finlay’s debut on “Dynamite” wasn’t just a solo appearance. He immediately aligned with Clark Connors and Gabe Kidd, reuniting the trio known as “The Dogs.” AEW President Tony Khan confirmed via social media that all three wrestlers have officially signed contracts with the promotion. This signifies a concerted effort by AEW to build a cohesive and formidable faction around Finlay, leveraging his established relationships and in-ring chemistry with Connors and Kidd.
The formation of “The Dogs” adds another layer of intrigue to AEW’s already competitive landscape. The group’s aggressive tactics and immediate impact on the roster suggest they will quickly become a force to be reckoned with.
Looking ahead, the focus will be on how AEW utilizes Finlay and “The Dogs” in the weeks and months to come. Their rivalry with Darby Allin and Orange Cassidy is likely to continue, and their presence will undoubtedly influence the dynamics of the AEW roster. The signing of Finlay represents a strategic investment by AEW, and fans will be watching closely to observe how it unfolds.
What are your thoughts on David Finlay’s decision to sign with AEW? Share your opinions in the comments below and be sure to share this article with your fellow wrestling fans!
