David Finlay Explains Choosing AEW Over WWE NXT

David Finlay spent most of his adult life in New Japan Pro Wrestling before signing with All Elite Wrestling in March 2026. The decision followed speculation that he would join WWE NXT. He chose to reunite with his former Bullet Club War Dogs stablemates Gabe Kidd and Clark Connors in AEW.

Finlay appeared on Chris Jericho's Talk is Jericho podcast. He explained that he had family connections on both sides, with his former stablemates in AEW and his brother and father in WWE. This made either promotion comfortable, but the overall package offered by AEW provided more freedom.

The package included pay, schedule, and the opportunity to work with friends. Finlay noted that family ties did not ultimately influence the choice, as he wanted to continue his current style of wrestling with creative freedom.

As a two-time IWGP Global Heavyweight Champion who had performed at the Tokyo Dome eight times, Finlay did not want to start over in WWE. He felt he would struggle with the level of humility expected and preferred to build on what he had already proven.

After 11 years in New Japan's system, Finlay decided to return to the United States permanently. The main factor was his family, particularly spending time with his child after years away in Japan.