David Finlay Being Discussed Within WWE Creative

David Finlay appeared to bid farewell to New Japan Pro-Wrestling's Japanese fans at today's New Beginning in Osaka event, and a new update has emerged on the former IWGP Global Heavyweight Champion's future.

Finlay was ultimately defeated by Callum Newman at New Beginning in Osaka and 'The Rebel' was emotional following the match as he bowed to the crowd and hugged Gedo before Finlay made his way up the ramp and kissed the NJPW logo.

The belief is Finlay's contract with New Japan was expiring soon and he was considering his options, with reports noting that Finlay was hoping to work more in the United States in 2026.

One of the options for Finlay in the US would be WWE, and the company are reportedly interested in Finlay, particularly within NXT. According to BodySlam, Finlay's name has even been discussed creatively within WWE and the organisation intentionally planted seeds for Uriah Connors (Brogan Finlay) on NXT TV in case his brother ends up signing on the dotted line. Connors has been signed to WWE since 2023 and he recently turned heel, betraying Chase U and aligning with Channing "Stacks" Lorenzo and Lexis King.

David Finlay's father, Fit Finlay, is also a long-time WWE coach, and he has been a part of the company across two runs since 2001.

While David Finlay has attracted interest from WWE, another option for him is AEW, and the impending signing of Clark Connors to All Elite Wrestling was believed to be a likely indication that Tony Khan's promotion had an increased interest in signing the 32-year-old.

David Finlay has been a part of NJPW since 2015. He is a two-time IWGP Global Heavyweight Champion, one-time NEVER Openweight Champion, one-time IWGP Tag Team Champion and 2019 World Tag League winner with Juice Robinson, and one-time NEVER Openweight Six Man Tag Team Champion with Ricochet and Satoshi Kojima. Finlay is also the latest winner of the New Japan Cup in 2025.