AEW Joins WWE in Race to Sign Major NJPW Star

TLDR

AEW has joined WWE in pursuing former NJPW War Dogs leader David Finlay, according to a January 30, 2026 report from Self Made Pro. Finlay's contract with New Japan Pro Wrestling is set to expire at the end of January, and sources indicate he is looking to spend more time in the United States in 2026. While WWE's NXT brand has reportedly discussed Finlay internally as a potential signing, no negotiations have taken place with WWE yet, though NJPW is hoping to retain the former NEVER Openweight Champion.