AEW President Tony Khan continues to add new talent to his roster, and his latest signing is former NJPW star David Finlay. Finlay made his debut on Wednesday night’s episode of AEW Dynamite, and reports say his deal was finalized only a few days before he appeared on the show.
On the March 4 episode of AEW Dynamite, after Orange Cassidy and Darby Allin defeated Gabe Kidd and Clark Connors in a tag team match, Finlay attacked both winners with a shillelagh.
He has now reunited with former NJPW teammates Gabe Kidd and Clark Connors.
Report: David Finlay’s AEW Deal Came Together Within the Last Week
According to Fightful Select, the deal between Finlay and AEW came together very quickly. The report noted that “David Finlay’s AEW deal came together in the last week.” Even with the short timeline, AEW had prepped to introduce Finlay on its TV programming right away.
Finlay entered free agency after his contract with NJPW expired and became one of the most talked-about free agents. The two-time IWGP Global Heavyweight Champion built a strong reputation in Japan, especially during his run as the leader of the War Dogs faction in Bullet Club.
Before signing with AEW, Finlay also engaged in talks with WWE. Reports said that WWE wanted to bring him in, but the company wanted Finlay to start his run in the development brand NXT.
Because of that condition, the now AEW star decided to look at other options. AEW offered him the chance to debut right away on a major show and reunite with his former teammates, which made the decision easier.
For Tony Khan and AEW, the quick signing shows the company is willing to move fast with bigger offers when a top talent becomes available.
Read More: David Finlay Turned Down WWE NXT Deal Before Signing With AEW — Report
