David Finlay’s decision to sign with AEW over WWE came down to career trajectory, creative control, and personal relationships. Despite deep family connections to WWE, the former New Japan Pro-Wrestling standout revealed that the path laid out for him by WWE ultimately pushed him toward Tony Khan’s promotion.
Finlay officially joined AEW earlier this year, making his presence felt alongside longtime NJPW Bullet Club War Dogs allies Clark Connors and Gabe Kidd. The transition marked a major new era for Finlay after spending over a decade building his reputation in Japan.
“I Would Have Struggled With Re-Humbling Myself”
Speaking on Talk Is Jericho with Chris Jericho, Finlay confirmed that WWE expressed interest in bringing him aboard. However, company management insisted he begin his run in NXT rather than stepping directly onto the main roster—a condition Finlay found difficult to accept after a decade of top-tier international experience.
- “Just overall package of, obviously, pay and schedule, but just like, all my friends are in AEW. My brother and dad are in NXT, cool… it would have been cool, but it’s like, ‘No, I want to go keep doing what I’m doing, have the freedom to do what I want to do. If I can be with my friends, that’s a great bonus.’”
- “I think I would have struggled with re-humbling myself to the level that they would have wanted me to humble myself to. It’s like, ‘I’ve already been here. I’ve already proven myself.’”
Finlay’s decision was particularly notable given his deep family roots inside WWE. His father, legendary veteran Fit Finlay, serves as a trainer and producer for the company, while his brother competes on the NXT roster. Ultimately, the combination of creative freedom, roster familiarity, and a lighter touring schedule sealed his move to AEW.
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