David Finlay Chooses AEW Over WWE, Forms New Stable ‘The Dogs’
Former New Japan Pro-Wrestling star David Finlay made his debut with All Elite Wrestling (AEW) on the March 5, 2026, edition of Dynamite, choosing the promotion over potential opportunities with WWE. The move comes after recent reports indicated WWE had discussed signing Finlay, with interest stemming from NXT .
Attacking Orange Cassidy and Darby Allin
Finlay’s arrival was marked by a physical confrontation, as he attacked Orange Cassidy and Darby Allin with a shillelagh following their tag team victory over Gabe Kidd and Clark Connors. He immediately aligned himself with Kidd and Connors, forming a new group dubbed ‘The Dogs’.
AEW Confirms Signings
Tony Khan, President of AEW, subsequently announced that Finlay, Kidd, and Connors have all officially signed contracts with the promotion . According to Fightful.com, the deal with Finlay was finalized in the week leading up to his debut .
A Fourth-Generation Wrestler
David Finlay is a fourth-generation professional wrestler, following in the footsteps of his father, Fit Finlay, his brother, Brogan Finlay, and his grandfather, Dave Finlay Sr. . He is known for his time in New Japan Pro-Wrestling (NJPW), where he served as the fifth and final leader of Bullet Club, and led the War Dogs sub-group. During his time with NJPW, he held the NEVER Openweight Championship and was the inaugural IWGP Global Heavyweight Champion, even regaining the title a second time for the longest reign in the title’s history .
FinJuice and Tag Team Success
Finlay frequently teamed with Juice Robinson as FinJuice, achieving success as one-time IWGP Tag Team Champions. He is too a former NEVER Openweight 6-Man Tag Team Champion alongside Ricochet and Satoshi Kojima .
Looking Ahead
The formation of ‘The Dogs’ adds a new dynamic to the AEW roster, and fans will be watching closely to spot how Finlay, Kidd, and Connors impact the landscape of All Elite Wrestling. Their debut signals a potential shift in power and a new chapter for all three wrestlers.