• WWE Wants To Sign Former Bullet Club Leader
The wrestling landscape may see a major defection in 2026 as WWE turns its attention toward New Japan Pro-Wrestling star David Finlay. According to reports from WrestleVotes Radio via Fightful Select, internal discussions have taken place regarding the former IWGP Global Heavyweight Champion, with a specific push from the NXT brand to secure his signature once his current contract expires.
While the 32-year-old “Rebel” is reportedly looking to spend more time in the United States this year, Sean Ross Sapp notes that formal negotiations have not yet begun as Finlay still has remaining obligations to NJPW.
The interest from WWE isn’t surprising given Finlay’s deep roots within the company’s ecosystem. He is the son of legendary coach and producer Fit Finlay, and his younger brother, Brogan Finlay, is already a rising star on the NXT roster performing under the name Uriah Connors. For David, a move to WWE would represent a significant homecoming after a highly decorated decade in Japan, where he transitioned from a “Young Lion” into the fifth leader of the Bullet Club in 2023.
Finlay’s NJPW tenure reached a historic peak at Wrestle Kingdom 20 on January 4, 2026, where he and Yota Tsuji announced the official dissolution of Bullet Club. The faction has since been replaced by the new Unbound Co. stable, marking the end of a 13-year era for the group.
With a resume that includes winning the 2025 New Japan Cup and multiple title reigns across the Global, NEVER Openweight, and Tag Team divisions, Finlay enters the 2026 free-agent market as one of the most experienced and coveted veterans available.
• WWE Management Doesn’t See New Main Roster Call-Up As A “Franchise Star”
Despite a rapid ascent from NXT to a full-time spot on the Monday Night RAW roster, the internal outlook on Je’Von Evans may be more complicated than his push suggests. The 21-year-old high-flyer officially joined the red brand on January 5, 2026, following a series of standout performances against stars like Randy Orton and AJ Styles. However, a recent report from Dave Meltzer of the Wrestling Observer indicates that WWE leadership is divided on exactly how high Evans’ ceiling truly is.
According to the report, while management acknowledges Evans’ undeniable charisma and connection with the audience, as evidenced by his recent win as the fan-voted NXT Male Superstar of the Year, they do not currently view him as a “franchise star.”
This puts him in a different category than fellow call-up Oba Femi, whom officials reportedly see as a “top guy” capable of carrying the company in the same vein as Bron Breakker. Meltzer noted that while Evans is expected to be a “star,” the company seemingly views his potential as capped below the true main-event level.
The unusual nature of his RAW debut has only added to the conversation. Evans signed his contract with General Manager Adam Pearce during a commercial break, a move that reportedly caused confusion even among some backstage staff.
While some initial rumors suggested this might be a slight against the young star, reports from WrestleVotes / Fightful Select clarify that it was more likely a timing issue, while PWInsider reported that it was a deliberate attempt to create a “viral” moment for social media rather than a reflection of his standing in the company.
