The arrival of David Finlay in All Elite Wrestling was one of the biggest surprises of the early year, especially given his deep familial connections to World Wrestling Entertainment. In a recent interview with Bill Pritchard of WrestleZone, the former NJPW star provided a candid look into his free agency and why choosing Tony Khan’s promotion over WWE was a straightforward decision.
“I’ve Never Made a Dime With My Father”
Finlay spent 11 years establishing his reputation in Japan, but the physical toll of constant international travel eventually prompted him to seek a new home. While many expected him to join his father, Fit Finlay, and brother, Brogan Finlay (Uriah Connors), in WWE’s NXT system, David prioritized the creative and financial opportunity presented by a reunion with his “War Dogs” brothers, Gabe Kidd and Clark Connors.
“I was like, well, you know, I’ve never made a dime with my brother. I’ve never made a dime with my father. And I’ve made fat stacks of cash with these boys here. So the choice was easy,” Finlay stated bluntly. He noted that despite years of rumors regarding a move to WWE, the chance to reform the War Dogs on a national television stage was the deciding factor.
Finlay officially joined AEW on the March 4 episode of Dynamite, immediately inserting himself into the heated rivalry involving Orange Cassidy and Darby Allin. By siding with Kidd and Connors, Finlay has solidified a dangerous new faction that intends to bring a more aggressive, NJPW-influenced style to the AEW roster. While his family remains a centerpiece of the WWE “Birthright” stable in NXT, David is focused on carving out his own lucrative legacy alongside his chosen brothers in Jacksonville.
