David Finlay is not shy about the upgrade that came with going All Elite. Appearing on What Happened When with Tony Schiavone alongside Clark Connors, the former NJPW standout kept it brutally honest when asked how he’s enjoying life in AEW.
David Finlay (Credits: Fightful)
“AEW Money Is Way Better Than New Japan Money”
Finlay, who was officially announced as All Elite in March 2026 along with Connors, painted a happy picture of his new gig: “I like it. I get to kick ass and be with my boys. Different city, twice a week. What’s not to like?”
But it was Connors who brought the conversation to the bottom line, admitting, “The money. I like the money, too. A lot of it.” Finlay wasted no time agreeing, adding the headline-grabbing line: “Yeah, AEW money is way better than New Japan money.”
The comment is especially pointed given Finlay’s history — he previously revealed that NJPW offered him a salaried deal right around the time AEW launched, a crossroads moment that ultimately saw him leave the Japanese giant for Tony Khan’s promotion years later.
The Dogs Settle In
Connors had been appearing on AEW television since the beginning of the year alongside Gabe Kidd, while Finlay made his official AEW debut in March. The duo, now known as The Dogs, have quickly become fixtures of the roster.
Elsewhere in the interview, Connors also revealed the alternate name the pair pitched before landing on The Dogs — a story in itself, as WWE previously put a stop to the more NSFW option.
With better pay, a packed schedule, and on-screen chaos alongside his friends, Finlay sounds like a man with zero regrets about jumping ship.
Also Read: The Dogs Reveal the NSFW Name WWE Stopped Them Using in AEW
Source: Fightful — read the full story there.
