David Finlay Had No Talks With TNA Before AEW Debut

David Finlay’s surprise arrival in AEW raised plenty of questions about how quickly the deal came together — and where else the former NJPW star may have been negotiating before landing in Tony Khan’s promotion.

Finlay made his unexpected debut during the March 4, 2026 episode of AEW Dynamite when he stormed the ring following a tag match between Darby Allin and Orange Cassidy against Gabe Kidd and Clark Connors. After attacking both Allin and Cassidy, Finlay aligned himself with Kidd and Connors, signaling the formation of a new faction.

However, speculation quickly spread about other promotions Finlay may have been speaking with before signing with AEW. Some rumors suggested he may have held discussions with TNA Wrestling. A new update from Fightful Select is now pushing back on that idea.

According to the report, Finlay’s AEW deal came together very recently and there were no talks with TNA prior to his debut.

“As highlighted this week, David Finlay’s deal came together in the last week. He wanted to work back in the United States. Despite reports, we're told that he did not have talks with TNA Wrestling.”

The update reinforces that Finlay’s move appears to have developed quickly after his New Japan Pro-Wrestling run ended. The former Bullet Club leader has reportedly been interested in working more regularly in the United States, especially after recently becoming a father.

Earlier reporting from Dave Meltzer also indicated that WWE had internally discussed creative plans for Finlay that would have placed him in a leadership role for a faction of second-generation wrestlers in NXT. That concept reportedly included names like Lexis King, Stacks Lorenzo, Arianna Grace, and Finlay’s younger brother.

Instead, Finlay’s first move in the United States wrestling scene ended up being his AEW debut, where he immediately joined forces with Gabe Kidd and Clark Connors. The trio was introduced as a new faction during the segment, revealing their group identity moving forward.

“They will collectively be known as THE DOGS.”

With Finlay now aligned alongside Kidd and Connors, AEW appears to be positioning the group as a new faction heading into the coming weeks of television.

What do you think about David Finlay joining AEW and the report that he never spoke with TNA? Let us know your thoughts and drop your feedback in the comments.