WWE’s David Finlay Plans Revealed Before AEW Debut | The Dogs Faction
David Finlay’s surprising debut in AEW on , immediately signaled a shift in the landscape of professional wrestling. While fans were caught off guard by the move, new details reveal that a contrasting opportunity with WWE ultimately fell short, due in large part to differing visions for the former New Japan Pro-Wrestling star’s role within the company.
Finlay’s arrival on AEW Dynamite came after a tag team match between Darby Allin and Orange Cassidy and Gabe Kidd and Clark Connors. Immediately following the contest, Finlay attacked Allin and Cassidy, aligning himself with Kidd and Connors and establishing the new faction, “THE DOGS.” The move was particularly notable given Finlay’s family ties to WWE – his father, Fit Finlay, is a current producer, and his brother, Brogan Finlay, is likewise under contract with the company.
Despite these familial connections, WWE’s offer to Finlay reportedly didn’t meet his expectations. According to Cory Hays of Bodyslam.net, WWE proposed a contract that would have initially placed Finlay in NXT, the company’s developmental brand. This wasn’t a main roster level contract, a distinction that proved crucial in Finlay’s decision-making process.
The core issue wasn’t necessarily a lack of interest from WWE, but rather the perceived limitations of the proposed role. WWE envisioned Finlay as a leader for a second-generation talent group within NXT, alongside Lexis King (son of Brian Pillman), Stacks Lorenzo, Arianna Grace (daughter of Santino Marella), and his brother, Brogan Finlay. The concept aimed to build a new faction around the lineage of established wrestling figures.
Yet, Finlay, a two-time IWGP Global Heavyweight Champion, seemingly sought a more immediate and prominent position. Sean Ross Sapp of Fightful Select reported that the deal with AEW “came together in the last week,” after Finlay became a free agent on . This suggests a swift decision driven by the more appealing opportunity presented by Tony Khan’s promotion.
A recent personal development also played a role in Finlay’s desire to operate in the United States. As reported, Finlay recently became a father and wanted a schedule that would allow him to spend more time at home. The American wrestling promotions, including AEW and WWE, generally offer more consistent schedules compared to the international demands of NJPW.
The decision to sign with AEW also offers Finlay continued flexibility. Unlike a WWE contract, an AEW agreement doesn’t preclude him from working with New Japan Pro-Wrestling, a relationship he clearly valued throughout his career. This allows him to maintain connections with a promotion where he established himself as a top star.
Tony Khan quickly capitalized on securing Finlay’s signature, announcing via social media that Finlay, along with Kidd and Connors, were officially “All Elite.” The formation of “THE DOGS” immediately injects a new dynamic into the AEW roster, and the trio’s aggressive debut suggests they are poised to become significant players in upcoming storylines.
While WWE’s plans for a second-generation NXT faction were intriguing, they ultimately weren’t enough to sway Finlay. His choice to join AEW underscores the growing appeal of Khan’s promotion as a destination for established international talent seeking a prominent role and a more balanced work-life schedule. The wrestling world will be watching closely to see how “THE DOGS” impact the AEW landscape in the weeks and months to arrive.