Update on Why David Finlay Chose AEW Over WWE

As the son and namesake of Dave “Fit” Finlay, David Finlay would seem like a natural signing for WWE. Finlay the elder is respected by all, and Finlay the younger made a name for himself in New Japan as part of the War Dogs. Surprising some, however, David made his debut on AEW TV instead.

Initial reports had it that WWE wanted him to go to NXT, and refused to budge on that. With AEW, he gets to be on the main roster right away, along with fellow War Dogs — now known as simply The Dogs — Gabe Kidd and Clark Connors.

In the Wrestling Observer Newsletter, Dave Meltzer adds more context. It seems the biggest factor was Finlay recently having a child and wanting to do less overseas work. Meltzer added that had he signed with WWE, a potential NXT run would have put him with the second-generation stable being built there, which includes his brother Uriah Connors, Brian Pillman’s son Lexis King, and Santino Marella’s daughter Arianna Grace.

Instead, he stuck with his War Dog buddies, with whom he already has a natural chemistry. Meltzer points out that there is more of a danger of him getting lost in AEW’s large roster, but that might also allow him to see his kid more. If he turns out to be more of a respected workhorse than a steady main eventer, well, that’s a family tradition.