As previously reported, David Finlay made his debut with All Elite Wrestling (AEW) on Wednesday night’s episode of Dynamite. He teamed up with his New Japan Pro-Wrestling (NJPW) stablemates Gabe Kidd and Clark Connors to assault Darby Allin and Orange Cassidy. This attack occurred after Allin and Cassidy secured a tag team victory over Kidd and Connors.
Following the match and the post-match segment, AEW President and CEO Tony Khan announced that the trio is officially “All Elite.” Fightful Select confirmed that all three wrestlers have signed with the company, with reports indicating that Finlay’s contract is a multi-year deal. Although Finlay had discussions with WWE after his NJPW contract expired, he ultimately chose to join AEW.
BodySlam+ later reported that sources within WWE indicated that Finlay was offered a deal that would have started him off in NXT. However, WWE reportedly refused to negotiate further on this offer, prompting Finlay to decide on AEW instead.
Dave Meltzer noted in the latest edition of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter that a significant factor in Finlay's decision was his recent experience of becoming a father, which led him to seek less overseas work. Meltzer added that had he signed with WWE, a potential NXT run would have placed him alongside a second-generation stable being developed there, including his brother Uriah Connors, Brian Pillman’s son Lexis King, and Santino Marella’s daughter Arianna Grace.
Meltzer further pointed out that Finlay chose to stick with his War Dog friends, with whom he already shares a natural chemistry. He also mentioned that while there is a risk of Finlay getting lost in AEW’s large roster, this might also allow him to spend more time with his child. If he turns out to be more of a respected workhorse than a steady main eventer, it would align with the family tradition.
