WWE Interested in Signing NJPW Star as Deal Nears End

WWE is now showing interest in David Finlay—just as the former Bullet Club War Dogs leader weighs a major move away from New Japan Pro Wrestling.

According to Wrestlevotes Radio on January 8, 2026, Finlay’s name came up internally at WWE—despite no formal negotiations taking place yet. Still, insiders confirm NXT is “interested in bringing him in”, a move that would mark a massive shift for the New Japan Pro Wrestling veteran.

"According to Wrestlevotes Radio on Fightful Select, David Finlay has been discussed as a possibility within WWE. When Sean Ross Sapp of Fightful reached out, we were told that negotiations haven't happened between the two sides, but that he was discussed within WWE. Wrestlevotes heard that NXT has interest in bringing him in."

The report lines up with earlier info from Fightful Select, which confirmed that Finlay’s NJPW contract is set to expire at the end of January. The son of wrestling legend Fit Finlay is “hoping to spend more time in the United States in 2026,” which would make a WWE deal particularly appealing.

“Sean Ross Sapp of Fightful Select had reported that Finlay's deal is up relatively soon, and is looking at his options in America. We're told that he is hoping to spend more time in the United States in 2026.”

Of course, NJPW isn’t giving up easily. According to the same update, Finlay still has some commitments to fulfill in Japan—and the promotion is actively trying to retain him.

“He does still have obligations to New Japan Pro Wrestling, and they're hoping to keep him.”

Finlay has wrestled over 800 matches under the NJPW banner in the past decade, collecting titles like the NEVER Openweight Championship and IWGP Tag Team gold. His recent elevation to main event status made him a pillar of NJPW’s global expansion efforts—so if he jumps ship, it won’t go unnoticed.

If WWE’s main roster or NXT land Finlay, it would be yet another major acquisition during a time when top international stars are getting scooped up fast.

Do you think David Finlay should take the leap to WWE? Would he be a better fit in NXT or the main roster? Drop your thoughts below and let us know where you’d book him first.