David Finlay Reveals Why He Turned Down WWE for AEW

David Finlay is opening up about why he chose All Elite Wrestling over WWE — and according to him, the decision came down to one simple factor.

During an interview with Wrestling Classic on March 11, 2026, Finlay was asked directly about the thought process behind signing with AEW after leaving New Japan Pro-Wrestling. When the interviewer brought up the decision-making process and why AEW ended up being the destination, Finlay didn’t hesitate to explain his reasoning.

“Yeah, that was easy. Obviously I’ve got family ties in another company, but when it came down to it, I’ve never made a single dime with my brother and I’ve never made a single dime with my dad.”

Finlay continued by explaining that his current situation in AEW — working alongside Gabe Kidd and Clark Connors — has been far more financially rewarding. Because of that reality, Finlay made it clear the choice between the two companies wasn’t complicated for him.

“Meanwhile, I’ve almost paid off a house working with Gabe Kidd and Clark Connors. So money talks. It was a very easy decision.”

Finlay made his AEW debut on the March 4, 2026 episode of Dynamite, where he attacked Darby Allin and Orange Cassidy following a tag match and aligned himself with Kidd and Connors. The trio later formed a faction known as The Dogs, with AEW President Tony Khan confirming the group shortly after the show aired.

While reports previously suggested WWE offered Finlay a contract that would have started in NXT, the wrestler himself is now making it clear that his AEW deal simply made more sense for him financially. Now firmly established in AEW alongside Kidd and Connors, Finlay appears ready to make the most of the decision that he says came down to one thing — money.

Do you think David Finlay made the right call choosing AEW over WWE, or would starting in NXT have been the better move for his career? Let us know your thoughts and leave your feedback below.

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