Report: Why David Finlay decided to join AEW over WWE
A new report has emerged on David Finlay’s decision to choose AEW over previous rumors about a WWE run.
Former NJPW wrestler David Finlay recently shocked the world when he joined AEW on the March 4 episode of Dynamite.
Shortly after his Dynamite appearance, Cory Hays of BodySlam reported that he refused to join WWE after being offered a “lower level contract.” Finlay was reportedly offered a contract to start with NXT, which was a lower contract and not main roster level. This prompted the 32-year-old to agree to a deal with AEW within the last week.
Shortly after his debut and reunion with Clark Connors and Gabe Kidd, Finlay was officially announced as an All Elite. While previously speculated to join WWE, reports soon emerged about the Stamford-based promotion not factoring him into creative plans.
Fightful Select previously reported that Finlay has signed a multi-year deal with Tony Khan’s AEW, where he has now reunited with Kidd and Connors as The Dogs. Finlay’s NJPW contract expired in February, but he continued to wrestle through last weekend’s New Beginning USA.
Shounak Chakrabarti is an experienced sports journalist with a lifelong passion for athletics and storytelling. He holds a Master’s Degree in International Journalism from the University of Leeds and joined F4WOnline in 2025.
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