Wrestlers Connors, Kidd, and Finlay Join AEW as The Dogs
The former NJPW stable arrives in AEW under a new moniker after a rejected pitch to leadership.
Updated on Oct. 21, 2026 in Wrestling
Professional wrestlers Clark Connors, Gabe Kidd, and David Finlay have joined the AEW roster as a group known as The Dogs. The trio previously operated as The War Dogs within NJPW.
Why it matters
The group initially proposed the name Raw Dogs to AEW management upon their arrival. The pitch was rejected due to a potential naming conflict with WWE program Monday Night Raw.
The group consists of three members who previously formed an offshoot of the Bullet Club in NJPW. Following the departure of Jay White, David Finlay took over leadership of the Bullet Club.
The players
Clark Connors
He is a professional wrestler who performed as part of the War Dogs in NJPW.
Gabe Kidd
He is a professional wrestler who is now a member of The Dogs in AEW.
David Finlay
He is a professional wrestler who succeeded Jay White as the leader of the Bullet Club.
The details
The Dogs are now active in AEW and are currently aligned with the Death Riders. The trio rose to prominence in NJPW before transitioning to their current promotion.
Timeline
October 21, 2026: The article is published.
Season Trajectory
This development follows the pattern of roster shifts originating from the NJPW Bullet Club brand. The group's arrival marks a significant consolidation of former NJPW talent into the current AEW ecosystem.
The group is now positioned on AEW programming in an alliance with the Death Riders. Fans of the stable should track their involvement in matches alongside this faction for future storylines.
The takeaway
The group's branding change highlights the impact of corporate trademark and naming conflicts on professional wrestling stables. Viewers can monitor how the trio maintains their established group dynamic under the new name.
Further reading
For more updates on roster changes, visit the United States Wrestling section.
