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Another prominent figure in New Japan Pro Wrestling may soon be on the move. This time, it’s David Finley, the head of Bullet Club War Dogs, whose contract is rumored to be expiring at the end of January 2026.
As reported by Fightful Select, Finlay is considering various options, with a strong interest in opportunities within the United States. After nearly 11 years and over 800 matches with New Japan Pro Wrestling, the former champion might be gearing up for a significant transition.
“Finlay is looking to explore options, especially in the United States.”
During his tenure with New Japan, Finlay has held multiple titles that solidified his status as a top competitor, including the IWGP Tag Team Championship, the NEVER Openweight Championship, and most recently the Global Heavyweight Championship, now known as the IWGP Global Championship.
With the deadline of his contract approaching, speculations are rife regarding his future moves. This also clarifies some misunderstandings about New Japan’s contract policies; not all talents have their contracts expiring in January. In fact, many wrestlers worked without formal contracts for several months in 2025 before re-signing to shorter terms.
“In fact, many New Japan Pro Wrestling talents worked without a contract for many months in 2025, only to be re-signed on one-year contracts along the way.”
While New Japan Pro Wrestling has successfully retained many of its top talents, Finlay’s potential exit feels particularly significant. Seen as a key figure in the company’s future, especially regarding its global branding, losing him could alter various storylines moving forward.
If David Finley were to depart from New Japan Pro Wrestling, it would mark another significant shift as international wrestlers seek to advance their careers in the United States.
Should he take a leap into AEW or WWE, or continue to carve out his legacy in Japan? Where do you think he should land in 2026? Share your thoughts in the comments about which promotion would benefit most from securing him.
December 27, 2025 3:49pm
Fan Take: This news is crucial for wrestling enthusiasts, as it highlights the ongoing shift of top talent from Japan to US promotions, signaling a possible transformation in the wrestling landscape. Finley’s decision could greatly influence how storylines develop and reshape the future of wrestling, making it a story to watch closely.
