The reason David Finlay didn’t sign with WWE has now been revealed following his surprise AEW debut.
According to Bodyslam.net, WWE did make an offer to Finlay after his New Japan Pro-Wrestling contract expired. However, the deal came with a condition that ultimately pushed him in a different direction.
“WWE sources indicated to Bodyslam that Finlay was offered a deal to begin in NXT and they wouldn’t budge on their offer. As a result, Finlay ended up picking AEW and going with Gabe Kidd and Clark Connors.”
The report indicates that WWE wanted Finlay to start his run in NXT rather than debuting directly on the main roster. When the company refused to adjust that plan, Finlay chose to move forward elsewhere.
That decision quickly led to his shocking arrival during the March 4, 2026 episode of AEW Dynamite. Finlay appeared after Darby Allin and Orange Cassidy defeated Gabe Kidd and Clark Connors in a tag team match. Moments after the bout ended, Finlay stormed the ring and attacked Allin and Cassidy before standing tall alongside Kidd and Connors. The segment revealed the formation of a new faction, later confirmed to be called The Dogs. AEW President Tony Khan also confirmed the trio’s official status shortly after the show.
“They made their presence known on Wednesday Night #AEWDynamite tonight, and now it’s official: The Dogs @GabeKidd0115 @ClarkConnors @THEdavidfinlay are All Elite!”
Instead of beginning his run in WWE’s developmental system, Finlay now finds himself immediately in the spotlight on AEW television alongside Gabe Kidd and Clark Connors. With The Dogs already making their presence known on Dynamite, it appears Finlay wasted no time establishing his next chapter after leaving NJPW — and he did it on his own terms.
Do you think David Finlay made the right decision choosing AEW over WWE? Please share your thoughts and feedback in the comment section below.
