32-Year-Old Star’s AEW Absence Likely Linked To WWE Move

One star’s absence from AEW could be down to Tony Khan’s belief that they’re likely headed to WWE.

AEW has been open to working with other promotions since the company was founded in 2019. Early AEW shows featured AAA titles being defended, while Kenny Omega captured the TNA World Championship during his time as AEW World Champion as well.

AEW now has a strong working relationship with the likes of CMLL, Stardom, RevPro, and New Japan Pro Wrestling, giving Tony Khan access to stars from around the world.

Recently, Bullet Club War Dogs stars such as Clark Connors, Gabe Kidd, Alex Coughlin and Drilla Moloney have all appeared in AEW as part of the ongoing storyline featuring the Death Riders being at war with the rest of the AEW roster. Kidd was spotlighted as a protege of Jon Moxley and competed in several matches before Darby Allin sent him back to NJPW on-screen.

NJPW Star Notable By Their Absence In AEW

One name notable by their absence in that list is the War Dogs leader, David Finlay. Finlay’s father, Fit Finlay, is a long-time WWE producer, while his brother currently competes for the sports entertainment giant as Uriah Connors. And that could be why he’s never been welcomed to AEW.

Speaking on Wrestling Observer Radio, Dave Meltzer noted that there could be a feeling that Finlay will end up in WWE, and that’s why Tony Khan won’t use him:

Maybe there’s a feeling that David’s gonna end up in WWE and [Tony Khan] doesn’t wanna use him. I don’t know that. Tony Khan doesn’t wanna use people that are gonna end up in WWE, even though it’s inevitable that a lot of people that he works with will end up in WWE because that’s how wrestling works.

Finlay has had one match in AEW, but that was back in 2022, when he lost to Adam Page on Dynamite. Finlay was on the card for the joint AEW/NJPW/CMLL Wrestle Dynasty show in January 2025, where he defeated Brody King.

If you use any quotes from this article, please credit original source and h/t with a link back to TJR Wrestling for the transcription.

Make TJR Wrestling your choice for news by clicking here.