David Finlay’s surprise debut in AEW came together quickly, but a new report reveals WWE had significant creative plans for the former New Japan Pro-Wrestling star before he ultimately landed in Tony Khan’s promotion.
Finlay surprised fans during the March 4, 2026 episode of AEW Dynamite when he stormed the ring following a tag team match between Darby Allin and Orange Cassidy against Gabe Kidd and Clark Connors. After attacking both Allin and Cassidy, Finlay stood tall alongside Kidd and Connors, immediately signaling the formation of a new faction.
While the appearance raised questions about how quickly Finlay signed with AEW after his NJPW contract expired, Dave Meltzer reported in the Wrestling Observer Newsletter that WWE had discussed a creative direction for him if he joined the company.
According to Meltzer, Finlay was interested in working more frequently in the United States after recently becoming a father, which made the travel schedule associated with Japanese promotions less appealing.
“He recently had a child and that was said to be part of the reason he wanted to work in the United States, so he could be home so much more and the American groups have a better schedule.”
Meltzer also noted that WWE had a specific idea in mind for Finlay that would have placed him in a leadership role within NXT.
“WWE wanted him to be the leader of the second generation group in NXT with Lexis King, Stacks Lorenzo, Arianna Grace and Uriah Connors (Brogan Finlay, David’s younger brother).”
The concept would have grouped together several second-generation wrestlers, including Lexis King, the son of Brian Pillman, and Arianna Grace, the daughter of Santino Marella, with Finlay serving as the faction’s leader.
Despite those reported plans, Finlay ultimately made his debut in AEW instead. The segment ended with Finlay aligning himself with Gabe Kidd and Clark Connors, establishing a new faction that will move forward under a shared identity.
“They will collectively be known as THE DOGS.”
Finlay’s sudden arrival and immediate alliance with Kidd and Connors suggests AEW is positioning the trio as a new faction moving forward rather than simply a one-night pairing.
Do you think WWE missed out by not bringing David Finlay in to lead that second-generation NXT faction, or do you prefer seeing him debut in AEW alongside Gabe Kidd and Clark Connors? Let us know your thoughts and leave your feedback in the comments.
