David Finlay is All Elite after turning down a “lower-level” offer from WWE.
Late in December, it was reported that David Finlay was one of several stars exploring their options ahead of the end of their contracts with New Japan Pro Wrestling. Finlay was linked to a possible move to WWE as his father, Fit Finlay, and brother, Uriah Connors, are both signed with the company.
However, on the March 4th edition of Dynamite, the Savage King made his shock AEW debut. The event saw Gabe Kidd and Clark Connors suffer a loss to Darby Allin and Orange Cassidy. After the match, Finlay ran to the ring and attacked Cassidy and Allin with a shillelagh. The segment ended with Finlay standing tall next to his former War Dogs.
After the show, Tony Khan confirmed on social media that Finlay, Kidd, and Connors were all officially part of AEW, where they will now be known as ‘The Dogs.’
“They made their presence known on Wednesday Night #AEWDynamite tonight, and now it’s official:
The Dogs @GabeKidd0115 @ClarkConnors @THEdavidfinlay are All Elite!”
They made their presence known on Wednesday Night #AEWDynamite tonight, and now it’s official:
The Dogs @GabeKidd0115@ClarkConnors@THEdavidfinlay are All Elite! pic.twitter.com/9bctYCtE4X— Tony Khan (@TonyKhan) March 5, 2026
David Finlay Turned Down WWE Offer
According to Cory Hayes of BodySlam.net, David Finlay was in talks with WWE and even offered a contract with the promotion. However, the deal on offer was “lower level” and would have seen the two-time IWGP Global Heavyweight Champion start in NXT rather than the main roster.
Fightful Select has offered more details on Finlay’s contract, reporting that it came together in the past week and is a multi-year deal.
