# David Finlay transition to AEW

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/david-finlay-transition-to-aew
> Updated: 2026-10-26T08:25:08.000Z. Sources: 5. Developments: 3.

Professional wrestler David Finlay has detailed his move from New Japan Pro-Wrestling (NJPW) to All Elite Wrestling (AEW). Finlay, who joined AEW in March 2026 alongside Clark Connors and Gabe Kidd, noted that the transition involved adjusting to the precision of American television schedules compared to the flexible match lengths in NJPW.

Finlay cited improved salary, scheduling, and the chance to work with friends as primary motivations for the move, while also expressing a desire to avoid WWE’s NXT developmental system. He also discussed the evolution of his wrestling faction, explaining that after NJPW declined his request to end the Bullet Club, he formed the Bullet Club War Dogs. He has since brought a version of this concept, known as ‘The Dogs’, to AEW.

In subsequent discussions, including an appearance on the ‘Talk Is Jericho’ podcast, Finlay expanded on his decision to choose AEW over WWE. Despite having family connections in WWE—including his father, Fit Finlay, and his brother, Uriah Connors—he stated the decision was driven by a desire for creative freedom and autonomy. Finlay noted that after an 11-year tenure in Japan, where he was a two-time IWGP Global Heavyweight Champion, he felt he would have struggled to ‘re-humble’ himself to the level required by a new promotion like WWE. He also noted that moving to the United States allowed him to be closer to his family.

Finlay and Clark Connors have praised the professionalism of the AEW roster and production staff. Connors also noted that the group’s name was changed from ‘Raw Dogs’ to ‘The Dogs’ to avoid potential associations with WWE’s ‘Monday Night Raw’.

## Timeline

### 2026-10-26: David Finlay explains decision to join AEW over WWE

David Finlay reveals he chose AEW over WWE to maintain creative freedom and reunite with former teammates after an 11-year career with New Japan Pro Wrestling.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/david-finlay-explains-decision-to-join-aew-over-wwe

### 2026-10-21: AEW wrestlers discuss professional environment and compensation

AEW wrestlers David Finlay and Clark Connors discussed the promotion's professional production, superior pay compared to NJPW, and the rejected original name for their group, ‘The Dogs’.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/aew-wrestlers-discuss-professional-environment-and-compensation

### 2026-10-03: David Finlay discusses transition from NJPW to AEW

David Finlay discusses his move from NJPW to AEW, citing better pay and the formation of ‘The Dogs’ following NJPW's decision to keep the Bullet Club brand active.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/david-finlay-discusses-transition-from-njpw-to-aew

---
Cite as: David Finlay transition to AEW. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/david-finlay-transition-to-aew