NJPW Star on Verge of Signing Dual AEW Deal Despite WWE Interest

David Finlay might be trying to get to WWE—but AEW looks like it’s closing in first, thanks to a potential dual contract that would keep him working both in the U.S. and Japan.

According to a February 2, 2026 report from Self Made Pro, Finlay has not submitted a formal notice of departure to New Japan Pro Wrestling, despite actively exploring opportunities in the U.S. wrestling market. That detail, according to one NJPW source, caught people off guard.

“I actually spoke to a New Japan source, and what that source told me was that unlike EVIL, David Finlay has not put in any notice of departure, which people found curious. They were like, ‘Alright, you’re not putting in a notice of departure, but you are looking to leave and get signed by an American company.’”

But the report didn’t stop there. After speaking with multiple sources in the industry, Self Made Pro noted that Finlay is on the verge of securing a dual contract—primarily with AEW, while still making appearances for NJPW.

“With all the evidence I’ve put together, I now believe that despite David Finlay wanting to go to WWE and actively trying to get signed there, there is now an extremely high chance—an extremely high chance—that David Finlay ends up on some kind of dual deal between AEW and New Japan Pro Wrestling. In that scenario, he would primarily work for AEW and make trips back to Japan when New Japan needs him.”

This aligns with the January 30 report from Self Made Pro’s Self Made Session, which confirmed AEW had officially entered the “David Finlay sweepstakes.” Around the same time, Fightful Select and Wrestlevotes Radio reported that WWE—specifically NXT—had internally discussed Finlay, though no formal negotiations have taken place.

Finlay’s NJPW contract expired at the end of January, but he’s still fulfilling obligations in Japan. A move to AEW under a dual arrangement would keep that door open—while allowing him to work full-time in the U.S., something sources say is a top priority for him in 2026.

“He does still have obligations to New Japan Pro Wrestling, and they’re hoping to keep him,” one source confirmed, noting that NJPW isn’t letting go easily.

With over a decade in NJPW and a resume that includes leadership of the Bullet Club’s War Dogs and titles like the NEVER Openweight and IWGP Tag Team Championships, Finlay brings serious value to whichever brand lands him.

Do you think a dual AEW–NJPW deal is the right move for David Finlay? Or should he hold out for WWE? Share your thoughts in the comments below.

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