David Finlay’s NJPW contract has officially expired. The fourth-generation wrestler is now a free agent and clear to explore other promotions. Finlay is a two-time IWGP Heavyweight Champion and the reigning New Japan Cup holder. His contract expiring ends an 11-year association with the Japanese promotion.
Finlay’s last appearance for NJPW came on February 11, losing to Callum Newman at The New Beginning in Osaka. But it was Finlay’s emotional departure from the ring that made headlines that evening. He bowed to the Osaka crowd and hugged long-time manager Gedo. Finlay is still booked to compete at New Beginning USA on February 27 in Trenton, New Jersey. But this looks to have been his final NJPW appearance on Japanese soil.
David Finlay’s stock has grown considerably since debuting as an NJPW Young Lion in 2015. IWGP tag team gold and World Tag League success with Juice Robinson followed, as did a NEVER Openweight title in 2023. However, his ascension to the leadership of the Bullet Club announced him as a global star. Deposing Jay White in 2023, Finlay began the War Dogs era, altering the Bullet Club’s identity. The shift provided the foundations for his two World title runs and New Japan Cup triumph last year.
"Thank you" @THEdavidfinlay
From the profile URL #NJPW #njpwworld #njnbg pic.twitter.com/HlwpwTwKiY
— NJPW WORLD (@njpwworld) February 11, 2026
Where next for David Finlay?
Family ties will continue to tempt Finlay towards WWE. His brother (Brogan Finlay, aka Uriah Connors) is signed to NXT, while his father is a coach at the WWE Performance Center. Some reports indicate that WWE has already held creative discussions with Finlay ahead of a possible move to the company.
However, other reports suggest that fellow stablemate Clark Connors has signed with AEW, indicating that Finlay may be bound for Tony Khan’s company. NJPW maintains strong bonds with the company, so a transfer to AEW is highly plausible. But NJPW can’t be ruled out either. Having already hemorrhaged many major talents in 2026, the Japanese promotion is reportedly working hard to re-sign Finlay.
New Beginning USA February 27!
His future in the balance, @THEdavidfinlay wants new competition in New Jersey. A first time battle with @realfredrosser gives him no days off in Trenton!
Full preview: https://t.co/mOP5ZhqVqS
Tickets: https://t.co/bTJqdj5yL3#njnbgusa #njpw pic.twitter.com/4yXzlQqZI8
— NJPW Global (@njpwglobal) February 14, 2026
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