AEW stars David Finlay and Clark Connors have opened up about their experiences since joining the promotion, praising their current working environment and revealing that the financial benefits have been a major positive.
During a recent appearance on the What Happened When podcast with Tony Schiavone, the two members of The Dogs discussed their transition from New Japan Pro-Wrestling to AEW, including the differences in compensation and their faction’s original name.
Finlay and Connors officially signed with AEW in March 2026. Connors had already been appearing on AEW programming alongside Gabe Kidd earlier in the year, while Finlay made his debut that same month.
When asked about his experience with AEW so far, Finlay expressed satisfaction with his current role and the opportunity to work alongside his longtime associates. “I like it. I get to kick ass and be with my boys. Different city, twice a week. What’s not to like?” Finlay said.
The former NJPW star also joked about getting the opportunity to make Schiavone’s life difficult on television. “I get to mess with you [Schiavone] on TV and make your life miserable. Life is good. Nothing to really complain about.”
Connors then pointed to another major advantage of joining AEW, making it clear that he is particularly happy with the financial side of his contract. “The money. I like the money, too. A lot of it,” Connors stated.
Finlay agreed with his teammate and offered a direct comparison between the two promotions. “Yeah, AEW money is way better than New Japan money,” Finlay said.
Finlay previously revealed that NJPW had offered him a salaried contract around the time AEW launched in 2019.
While neither wrestler disclosed specific salary figures during the discussion, their comments indicate that they are pleased with the compensation they are receiving in AEW.
Elsewhere in the interview, Connors revealed that The Dogs initially pitched a different name for their faction after arriving in the company.
According to Connors, the group wanted to call itself “Raw Dogs,” but the suggestion apparently raised concerns because of the possible connection to WWE’s Monday Night Raw. “When we came over here, we just became the Dogs, but we really pitched the name Raw Dogs, but I think there was an issue with that whole Monday night thing,” Connors explained.
Despite the potential issue, Connors admitted that he still liked the original idea. “But it sounds cool because we’re raw fucking dogs. The Dogs is also a sick name.”
The faction ultimately adopted the shorter name, The Dogs, which has become its official identity in AEW.
Between their increased earnings, opportunities to work together and prominent roles on AEW programming, Finlay and Connors made it clear that they are enjoying their current chapter in professional wrestling.
