Fit Finlay

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
This article is about the professional wrestler born in 1958. For his son, see David Finlay (wrestler). For the wrestling executive briefly billed as "Dave Finley", see David Crockett (wrestling). For people with similar names, see David Finlay.

Fit Finlay
Fit Finlay at Stampede crop.jpg
Finlay in 2011
Birth nameDavid John Finlay Jr.
Born (1958-01-31) 31 January 1958 (age 63)
Carrickfergus, County Antrim, Northern Ireland
ResidenceAtlanta, Georgia, U.S.
Spouse(s)
Paula Valdez
​
​
(m. 1976; div. 1979)​

Melanie Duffin
​
​
(m. 1998)​
Children3, including David
Professional wrestling career
Ring name(s)Dave Finlay
Dave "Fit" Finlay
Fit Finlay
Fit Finley
Finlay[1]
Sir Finlay[2]
The Belfast Bruiser
Billed height6 ft 2 in (188 cm)[1]
Billed weight233 lb (106 kg)[1]
Billed fromBelfast, Northern Ireland[3]
Trained byDavid Finlay Sr.[4]
Ted Betley
Debut1974
Retired2012

David Finlay Jr. (born 31 January 1958)[5] is a Northern Irish professional wrestling trainer, producer, and retired professional wrestler.[6][7] He is signed to WWE as a Producer. He is known for his work with World Championship Wrestling (WCW) under the ring name Fit Finlay from 1995–2000, and Finlay in World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) from 2005–10. He has held over 20 championships around the world throughout his career, including the WCW World Television Championship and the WWE United States Championship.

Professional wrestling career[]

British and European Wrestling (1974–1995)[]

Finlay's first match was for his father's promotion in Glynn in 1974,[6] when he filled in for a wrestler who no-showed. He began wrestling on a full-time basis in Carrickfergus and throughout Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland for the next four years before moving to England in 1978.[6] In England, he wrestled for various companies under the Joint Promotions banner.[8] Finlay defeated Alan Kilby on 9 June 1982 to win his first title, the Joint Promotions British Heavy Middleweight Championship.[9] At this time, Finlay's then-wife, "Princess" Paula Valdez, became his manager.[10]

He then won a tournament to crown a new British Light Heavyweight champion and fill the vacant position, defeating Ringo Rigby in the finals.[8] Finlay soon lost the championship, but later pinned Marty Jones to win the World Mid-Heavyweight Championship.[8] He traded it back and forth with Jones for over two years before losing it a final time to Jones via disqualification. He defeated Jones to win Joint Promotions' British Light Heavyweight Championship. In the second half of the 1980s, he defeated Frank 'Chic' Cullen on television for the British Heavy Middleweight Championship, but later lost it to Danny Collins.[11] In 1990 he became a champion at the top of the weight range when he won All Star's British Heavyweight Championship. Finlay often competed on ITV's World of Sport programme as David "Fit" Finlay and had many matches against "The American Dream" Steve Adonis.

During this time, Finlay also began to wrestle in Japan, then in Germany and Austria for the European promotion Catch Wrestling Association.[6] While holding the British Heavyweight championship, he teamed with former rival Jones to win the CWA tag title from Tony St. Clair and Mile Zrno.[8] After losing the British championship to Dave Taylor, Finlay began to focus more on the CWA, winning many of their championships.[8]

Finlay teamed with Mark Rocco and Skull Murphy (Peter Northey) in a 1989 WWF dark match in London, defeating the team of Al Perez, Dusty Wolfe, and Tim Horner.[12]

World Championship Wrestling (WCW) (1996–2001)[]

Finlay made his American wrestling debut in World Championship Wrestling (WCW) in 1996, going by the ring name of The Belfast Bruiser.[13] He entered a feud with Lord Steven Regal that started when he emerged from the stands to viciously attack Regal on the 27 January edition of WCW Saturday Night, then cut a promo to the camera in which he introduced himself and declared that Regal was an "English pig" who was "paying for 400 years" of English-Irish conflict.[14] The feud played out over subsequent Saturday Night episodes in which the Bruiser and Regal's stablemates The Blue Bloods (Squire David Taylor and Earl Robert Eaton) interfered in each other's matches.[15][16][17] The Bruiser won a stiff encounter with Regal by disqualification at Uncensored when the Blue Bloods again rushed the ring and assaulted him after Regal suffered a broken nose during the match.[18] After Regal pinned the Bruiser in a parking lot brawl on WCW Monday Nitro on 29 April,[19] the feud died down thereafter and the Bruiser disappeared into the midcard.

After a hiatus off WCW television, he abandoned the Belfast Bruiser persona and returned in 1998 as Fit Finlay, while sporting a new look of short bleached-blond hair and no mustache. He was given a push upon his return, which culminated in his winning the World Television Championship on 4 May 1998 after pinning Booker T on Nitro, thus setting off a three-way feud with Booker and Chris Benoit, who was also vying for the title.[9] After Finlay lost the belt to Booker at The Great American Bash on 14 June, he fell out of the TV title picture. He then entered a feud with Alex Wright, who was angry at Finlay for having ended the wrestling career of his father, Steve Wright. The feud led to a matchup at Halloween Havoc, where Finlay was pinned by Wright.[20]

At Bash at the Beach, he won a Junkyard Invitational involving Ciclope, Jerry Flynn, Johnny Grunge, Hak, Horace Hogan, Brian Knobs, Hugh Morrus, La Parka, Steve Regal, Rocco Rock, Silver King, Dave Taylor, and Mikey Whipwreck, winning a "hardcore trophy". He legitimately suffered a badly lacerated nerve in his leg during a hardcore match at a house show in Jackson, Mississippi on 25 July 1999, which nearly cost him use of the leg.[9] As he was wrestling Brian Knobbs, he was thrown into a table in the corner of the ring, causing it to shatter and the shards to cut into his leg. He managed to regain use of the limb and came back later in the year, but by that point, all momentum he had from the Junkyard Invitational win was lost.[8] In 2000, Finlay formed a trio of "Hardcore Soldiers" with Knobbs and The Dog. They feuded with Vampiro; the feud included a match between Finlay and Vampiro at Uncensored, which marked Finlay's last appearance on a WCW pay-per-view.[21] His final match in WCW was at a German house show in November 2000, losing to Norman Smiley in a hardcore match. In March 2001, WCW was bought by the World Wrestling Federation (WWF).

World Wrestling Federation/Entertainment (WWF/E) (2001-2011)[]

Trainer (2001–2005)[]

When WCW was purchased by the World Wrestling Federation (WWF; now WWE), Finlay began working for the company as a trainer for new wrestlers. He trained future WWE champions John Cena and Randy Orton and was eventually put in charge of training the WWE Divas for their matches.[8]

In-ring return and United States Champion (2005–2006)[]

Finlay began working on a comeback in 2004, wrestling in a match against Jamie Noble at a house show in Glasgow, and promos began airing for his impending in-ring return in 30 December 2005. His gimmick was that of a proud native Irishman who loved to fight. At the age of 47, Finlay made his televised debut on 20 January 2006 edition of SmackDown! against Matt Hardy, which ended in a disqualification after he refused to break a five-count while pummeling Hardy against the ropes. After the match, Finlay stomped Hardy's face into the ring steps, establishing himself as a villain.[22] This earned him the nickname "The Fighting Irish Bastard".[citation needed]

Finlay continued to establish himself on the SmackDown! roster. During February and March 2006, he feuded with Bobby Lashley that began after he cost Lashley his unbeaten streak by interfering in Lashley's match with JBL at No Way Out.[23] This feud would see the pair brawl on many occasions, including a parking lot segment in which Lashley tried to overturn a car onto Finlay. Later, the pair competed in a Money in the Bank qualifier lumberjack match that Finlay won. During this time, Finlay began to wield a shillelagh as a weapon. On 2 April, Finlay competed at his first WrestleMania, WrestleMania 22. He faced five other WWE superstars from both the Raw and SmackDown! brands in a Money in the Bank ladder match which also included Lashley, who won a last chance battle royal. This match was eventually won by Rob Van Dam.[24] Finlay next entered the King of the Ring tournament on SmackDown!, defeating his first round opponent Chris Benoit[25] before being beaten by his rival Lashley, who advanced to the finals at Judgment Day.[26] Finlay helped the other finalist, Booker T, defeat Lashley in the King of the Ring finals.[27] At the same pay-per-view, Finlay lost to Chris Benoit.[28]

Alliance with Hornswoggle (2006–2009)[]

Finlay with his on-screen son Hornswoggle

Beginning on 26 May episode of SmackDown!, Finlay was joined by Hornswoggle, who came out from under the ring to attack Finlay's opponents.[29] Finlay then joined forces with William Regal as loyal subjects of the newly renamed King Booker and his Court.[30] Both men were later "knighted" by the King, and Finlay briefly used the name Sir Finlay. During his time as part of the court, Finlay picked up a win against World Heavyweight Champion Rey Mysterio in a non-title match before defeating the court's main foe Bobby Lashley to take Lashley's United States Championship.[31] Finlay defended the championship on several occasions, often with help from Little Bastard, and even defended it against fellow court member William Regal at The Great American Bash.[32] He lost the title to Mr. Kennedy on the edition of 1 September of SmackDown! in a Triple Threat match that also involved Bobby Lashley.[33] After the title loss, Finlay continued to attack and wrestle threats to court leader Booker and his newly won World Heavyweight Championship, including Lashley and Batista. Finlay defeated Booker in a non-title singles match and lost in a four-way match at No Mercy for the title.[34] After leaving the court, Finlay continued to feud with Batista. At Armageddon, Finlay and King Booker faced Batista and his partner, the WWE Champion John Cena from Raw, but were defeated.[35]

Shortly after the Royal Rumble, Finlay began a feud with The Boogeyman. At No Way Out, he and Little Bastard defeated The Boogeyman and The Little Boogeyman.[36] Finlay earned a place in the Money in the Bank ladder match at WrestleMania 23; however, Mr. Kennedy won the match.[37] Following this loss, he would feud with Kennedy, after an attack on Little Bastard (now renamed "Hornswoggle") during the Money in the Bank match, and Jamie Noble for assaulting Hornswoggle after he won the Cruiserweight Championship. Finlay's feud, however, would quickly redirect to Kane after Finlay accidentally spilled coffee on him. The two also became involved with Batista and The Great Khali. At Saturday Night's Main Event XXXV, he and Khali lost to Batista and Kane.[38] Kane beat him at SummerSlam.[39] Finlay defeated Kane in a Belfast Brawl rematch a few weeks later.[40]

Finlay in 2008

Finlay and Hornswoggle briefly separated when Hornswoggle was stripped of the Cruiserweight Title,[41] and briefly moving to Raw with his "illegitimate father". Finlay then feuded with Rey Mysterio by attacking him during a confrontational interview with John "Bradshaw" Layfield (JBL).[42] At No Mercy, Finlay faked an injury after taking a bump to the outside. Once placed on a stretcher, Finlay suddenly rose and attacked Mysterio, forcing Rey to be carried out on the stretcher.[43] The feud continued at Cyber Sunday, where fans voted for the two to face-off in a Stretcher match. Mysterio came out on top,[44] but Finlay retaliated with a victory on the edition of 9 November of SmackDown![45] The feud intensified further when the two faced on opposite teams at Survivor Series.[46]

Finlay reunited with Hornswoggle by coming to rescue him in a match against The Great Khali, turning both Finlay and Hornswoggle faces.[47] At Armageddon, Finlay was placed in a match with Khali. Finlay scored an upset win after Hornswoggle interfered by hitting Khali in the groin with a shillelagh.[48] Still battling Khali and his translator, Ranjin Singh, with Hornswoggle, he qualified for the Royal Rumble. He drew number 27, but was immediately disqualified when he entered before his time to save Hornswoggle. Hornswoggle, who was also a competitor in the Rumble, was disqualified as well.[49] Finlay fought in the SmackDown Elimination Chamber match at No Way Out, ultimately being pinned after a chokeslam on the steel floor by The Undertaker.[50]

Finlay then began making occasional appearances on Raw to protect Hornswoggle from Mr. McMahon, who had been showing him "tough love". After Hornswoggle was injured by JBL in a steel cage match,[51] JBL revealed that Finlay, and not McMahon, was Hornswoggle's father.[52] A week after, on 3 March, Finlay admitted to this fact.[53] At WrestleMania XXIV he was defeated by JBL in a Belfast Brawl, where Hornswoggle also reappeared.[54]

As part of the 2008 WWE supplemental draft, Finlay was drafted to the ECW brand.[55] He and Hornswoggle challenged The Miz and John Morrison for the WWE Tag Team Championship at Night of Champions, but lost. Throughout the rest of 2008, Finlay challenged for the ECW Championship. He, along with Matt Hardy, Chavo Guerrero, The Miz and ECW Champion Mark Henry participated in the first ever Championship Scramble match at Unforgiven which Matt Hardy won.[56] He defeated Mark Henry on an episode of ECW to earn an opportunity for the ECW championship, but was defeated by champion Matt Hardy. Then he started a feud with Henry, and the feud ended when Finlay defeated Henry in a Belfast Brawl match at Armageddon.[57]

Brand switches and departure (2009–2011)[]

Finlay entered his third Royal Rumble match at the eponymous pay-per-view on 25 January 2009, where he entered at number 14 and lasted 30 minutes before being eliminated by Kane.[58] At No Way Out, Finlay faced Jack Swagger for the ECW Championship in a losing effort.[59] On 13 March episode of SmackDown, Finlay defeated The Brian Kendrick to qualify for the Money in the Bank ladder match at WrestleMania XXV.[60] At the event, Finlay failed to win the match as it was won by CM Punk.[61] In the 2009 Supplemental Draft, Finlay and Hornswoggle were separated when Hornswoggle was drafted to Raw.[62] In late May 2009, Finlay suffered a legitimate eye injury, sidelining him temporarily.[63] He returned on 16 June, attacking ECW Champion Tommy Dreamer, Christian, and Jack Swagger. At The Bash, he participated in a Championship Scramble match for the ECW Championship, which also included Christian, Jack Swagger and Mark Henry, however the defending champion Tommy Dreamer retained. Finlay did not return to ECW after that.[64]

He was traded to the SmackDown brand on 29 June 2009.[65] He went on to form part of John Morrison's team at Survivor Series, but was eliminated by Sheamus, and his team eventually lost. In late 2009, he began pursuing the Intercontinental Championship by feuding with Drew McIntyre, which he failed to win. His final televised match in WWE was on 4 June 2010 episode of SmackDown where he competed in a 15 man battle royal. He failed to win as the match was won by former rival Rey Mysterio.[66] In 2010, Finlay became a full-time trainer and agent.

Finlay was released by WWE in March 2011 after authorising the interruption of the US national anthem by The Miz during a house show, which offended many, including National Guard members who were in attendance. Finlay stated that his intention was to intensify the audience's dislike of The Miz in preparation for the latter's WrestleMania XXVII main event appearance, but accepted full responsibility for his dismissal.[67]

Independent circuit and retirement (2011–2012)[]

Finlay wrestling Harry Smith in November 2011

After being released from WWE, Finlay was contacted by Total Nonstop Action Wrestling several times, but was unable to agree upon contractual terms.[67] He began to wrestle again on the independent circuit, making his first appearance on 26 July 2011, defeating Sami Callihan at Evolve 9.[68]

On 20 August 2011, Finlay made his debut for Pro Wrestling Guerrilla, taking part in the 2011 Battle of Los Angeles tournament. He was eliminated from the tournament in the first round by PWG World Champion Kevin Steen.[69]

On 28 October 2011, Finlay's debut for Yoshihiro Tajiri's Smash promotion was announced, when he was revealed as the mysterious "King of Terror", Michael Kovac had promised to bring to the promotion and named first ever Smash Champion StarBuck's first challenger for the title.[70] On 24 November at Smash.23, Finlay defeated StarBuck to become the new Smash Champion.[71] On 19 February, Finlay made his first successful defence of the Smash Championship, defeating TAJIRI. Prior to the event, Smash had announced that it would cease its operations on 14 March, which led to Finlay vacating the Smash Championship after the title defence.[72]

On 6 November 2011, Finlay wrestled in the main event of a Stampede Wrestling show in Barrie, Ontario[73] in a losing effort against Harry Smith.

On 21 January 2012, Fit Finlay returned to DOA Pro Wrestling in Portland, OR to face Ethan HD for the DOA Heavyweight Championship.[citation needed]

On 12 May 2012, at Border Wars, Finlay made his debut for Ring of Honor (ROH), unsuccessfully challenging Roderick Strong for the ROH World Television Championship.[74] On 24 May, Finlay made his debut for Wrestling New Classic (WNC), the follow-up promotion to Smash, defeating Akira in the main event.[75] Two days later, Finlay defeated Zeus in the main event of another WNC event. Finlay's first tour of WNC concluded on 27 May, when he, Akira and Syuri defeated Kana, Mikey Whipwreck and Tajiri in a six-person main event. On 24 June at ROH's Best in the World 2012: Hostage Crisis iPPV, Finlay was defeated by Michael Elgin.[76]

Finlay returned to WNC on 20 September, when he defeated Ray Mendoza, Jr. in the main event at Korakuen Hall.[77] Following the match, Finlay announced that he was done with WNC for the time being due to re-signing with WWE.[78] Despite no longer scheduled to make appearances for WNC, Finlay was named the head of the WNC Championship Committee.[79]

Return to WWE (2012–2020)[]

Following a stint on the independent circuit and a year after the house show incident, Finlay returned to WWE on 11 July 2012 as a backstage producer. The two sides had been negotiating since WrestleMania XXVIII, but there were situations that delayed the deal being finalised.[80] During the following years, Finlay made some cameo appearances, usually separating brawling wrestlers.[81] He was also one of four wrestlers who presented Tyler Bate with the WWE UK Championship after Bate won the related tournament in January 2017.[citation needed] After Lana was unable to compete in the 2019 women's Royal Rumble match following an attack by Nia Jax during her entrance, Finlay gave fellow Irish wrestler Becky Lynch permission to replace Lana; Lynch would go on to win the match and subsequently headline WrestleMania 35, where she would win both the Raw Women's Championship and SmackDown Women's Championship in a Winner Takes All triple threat match against Ronda Rousey and Charlotte Flair.

On April 16, 2020, Finlay was among the several WWE employees who were released as part of the COVID-19 budget cuts.

Second return to WWE (2020–present)[]

After being released from his contract in April 2020, stemming from budget cuts due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Finlay was rehired and returned to work for WWE in November of the same year.[82]

Legacy[]

Finlay has been receiving praises from fellow professional wrestlers and peers. He reportedly assisted in the transition of WWE's presentation of the WWE Divas from bra and panties matches to more respectful traditional wrestling.[83] Former WWE Diva Victoria attested: "He made us and molded us. He got to know what made us tick, exposed that, and there was nothing we couldn't do. Today, the girls pick and choose what moves they want to do. If Fit Finlay wasn't around, that wouldn't happen. We worked stiff. We made contact."[84]

Other women wrestlers such as Torrie Wilson, Lita, Jazz, Stacy Keibler, Molly Holly, The Bella Twins, Beth Phoenix, Natalya, Trish Stratus, Ruby Riott, Liv Morgan, Sarah Logan, Sasha Banks, Charlotte Flair, Becky Lynch, Lana, Bayley, and Ronda Rousey have credited Finlay for helping them hone their wrestling abilities and find their identities. They described Finlay as "an incredible wrestler and patient coach who treats everyone equally and brings out the best in them".[85]

WWE Hall of Famer Batista has credited Finlay as "the unsung hero who changed the direction of his career" and personally requested Finlay to induct him in the Hall of Fame ceremony. Former WWE wrestler and trainer Lance Storm and current AEW wrestler and executive Cody Rhodes have also praised Finlay's mentoring skills and for putting new talents over.[86]

Other media[]

Video games[]

Year Title Gimmick Notes
1998 WCW/nWo Revenge Fit Finlay Video game debut
1999 WCW/nWo Thunder Fit Finlay
1999 WCW Nitro Fit Finlay Last WCW video game
2006 WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2007 Finlay First WWE video game
2007 WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2008 Finlay
2008 WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2009 Finlay
2009 WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2010 Finlay
2010 WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2011 Finlay
2014 WWE SuperCard Fit Finlay Mobile game
2014 WWE 2K15 Fit Finlay Downloadable content (DLC)
2015 WWE 2K16 Fit Finlay Last video game appearance

Personal life[]

Both Finlay's father, David Finlay Sr., and his grandfather were professional wrestlers, and his sister was a referee. His uncle, Albert, was a goalkeeper for Glentoran FC in the 1960s and 1970s. Finlay was previously married to his former manager, Princess Paula.[7] He is currently married to a German woman named Mel and has three children, the eldest of whom, David, was born in Germany.[6]

His children are all wrestlers. The oldest, David, made his professional wrestling debut on 22 December 2012 and is now wrestling for New Japan Pro Wrestling (NJPW) and Ring of Honor (ROH). David is a former IWGP Heavyweight Tag Team Champion.[87] His daughter has won the Georgia State championship.[citation needed] The family resides in Atlanta, Georgia, United States.

Championships and accomplishments[]

Notes[]

  1. ^ The Hardcore Junkyard Invitational Trophy is listed by WWE as one WCW Hardcore Championship title reign.[101]

References[]

  1. ^ Jump up to: a b c "Finlay bio". WWE. Retrieved 12 August 2017.
  2. ^ "A Knight to remember". WWE.com. Retrieved 22 May 2018.
  3. ^ "Finlay vs. Matt Hardy: SmackDown, January 20, 2006" – via www.wwe.com.
  4. ^ Elliott, Brian (15 June 2008). "Finlay's dad reflects back on his own career". SLAM! Sports. Archived from the original on 23 July 2017. Retrieved 18 January 2017.
  5. ^ Fit Finlay. Gerweck.net (6 September 2009). Retrieved on 26 May 2012.
  6. ^ Jump up to: a b c d e "Dave Finlay". IMDB. Retrieved 6 June 2021.
  7. ^ Jump up to: a b "Fit Finlay profile". Online World of Wrestling. Retrieved 27 January 2008. Fit Finlay signed with the WWF as a Road Agent after WCW was purchased.
  8. ^ Jump up to: a b c d e f g Milner, John M.; Kamchen, Richard. "Finlay". Slam! Sports. Canadian Online Explorer. Retrieved 14 October 2008.
  9. ^ Jump up to: a b c Nagasaki, Kendo (2005). The Grapple Manual: Heroes and Villains from the Golden Age of World Wrestling. Sterling Publishing Company, Inc. p. 33. ISBN 0-297-84419-9.
  10. ^ Finlay. Accelerator3359.com. Retrieved on 26 May 2012.
  11. ^ British Heavy Middleweight Title. Wrestling-titles.com. Retrieved on 26 May 2012.
  12. ^ Kreikenbohm, Philip. "Matches « Finlay « Wrestlers Database « CAGEMATCH - The Internet Wrestling Database". www.cagematch.net. Retrieved 9 June 2018.
  13. ^ Conner, Floyd (2001). Wrestling's Most Wanted: The Top 10 Book of Pro Wrestling's Outrageous Performers, Punishing Piledrivers, and Other Oddities. Brassey's. p. 133. ISBN 1-57488-308-9.
  14. ^ "WCW @ Atlanta, GA - Center Stage Theatre - January 10, 1996". The History of WWE. Retrieved 13 April 2021.
  15. ^ "WCW Saturday Night - Saturday, February 17th, 1996". DDT Digest. Retrieved 13 April 2021.
  16. ^ "WCW Saturday Night - Saturday, March 9th, 1996". DDT Digest. Retrieved 13 April 2021.
  17. ^ "WCW Saturday Night - Saturday, March 16th, 1996". DDT Digest. Retrieved 13 April 2021.
  18. ^ Finlay Bio – Accelerator3359.com
  19. ^ "WCW Monday Nitro - Monday, April 29th, 1996". DDT Digest. Retrieved 13 April 2021.
  20. ^ Powell, John (26 October 1998). "Horace causes Halloween havoc". Slam! Sports. Canadian Online Explorer. Retrieved 12 January 2009.
  21. ^ Powell, John (20 March 2000). "Uncensored elevates WCW". Slam! Sports. Canadian Online Explorer. Retrieved 14 October 2008.
  22. ^ "Second chance". World Wrestling Entertainment. 20 January 2006. Retrieved 20 November 2007.
  23. ^ "JBL def. Bobby Lashley". World Wrestling Entertainment. 19 February 2006. Retrieved 20 November 2007.
  24. ^ "RVD wins the "Money in the Bank" Ladder Match". World Wrestling Entertainment. 2 April 2006. Retrieved 20 November 2007.
  25. ^ Dee, Louie (5 May 2006). "A Man of his word". World Wrestling Entertainment. Retrieved 20 November 2007.
  26. ^ Dee, Louie (12 May 2006). "Tragic Homecoming". World Wrestling Entertainment. Retrieved 20 November 2007.
  27. ^ Hoffman, Brett (21 May 2006). "The King is Crowned". World Wrestling Entertainment. Retrieved 20 November 2007.
  28. ^ "Chris Benoit def. Finlay". World Wrestling Entertainment. Retrieved 27 December 2012.
  29. ^ Dee, Louie (26 May 2006). "Kiss Him Goodbye". World Wrestling Entertainment. Retrieved 20 November 2007.
  30. ^ Hoffman, Brett (2 June 2006). "All hail the king". World Wrestling Entertainment. Retrieved 20 November 2007.
  31. ^ Hoffman, Brett (14 July 2006). "Rey's Revenge". World Wrestling Entertainment. Retrieved 20 November 2007.
  32. ^ Hoffman, Brett (23 July 2006). "An Old-Fashioned Fight". World Wrestling Entertainment. Archived from the original on 29 December 2007. Retrieved 20 November 2007.
  33. ^ Hoffman, Brett (1 September 2006). "Signing Bonus". World Wrestling Entertainment. Retrieved 20 November 2007.
  34. ^ Schiff, Steven (8 October 2006). "Long live the King". World Wrestling Entertainment. Retrieved 20 November 2007.
  35. ^ Hoffman, Brett (17 December 2006). "Champs prevail". World Wrestling Entertainment. Retrieved 20 November 2007.
  36. ^ McAvennie, Mike (18 February 2007). "Boogeymen come up short". World Wrestling Entertainment. Retrieved 20 November 2007.
  37. ^ "Mr. Kennedy wins the Money in the Bank Ladder Match". World Wrestling Entertainment. Retrieved 27 December 2012.
  38. ^ Rote, Andrew (18 August 2007). "Saturday night's alright for fighting". World Wrestling Entertainment. Retrieved 20 November 2007.
  39. ^ "Kane def. Finlay". World Wrestling Entertainment. Retrieved 27 December 2012.
  40. ^ DiFino, Lennie (14 September 2007). "Forgive and forget?". World Wrestling Entertainment. Retrieved 20 November 2007.
  41. ^ DiFino, Lennie (28 September 2007). "All things big and small". World Wrestling Entertainment. Retrieved 20 November 2007.
  42. ^ DiFino, Lennie (21 September 2007). "619: Flight grounded". World Wrestling Entertainment. Retrieved 20 November 2007.
  43. ^ "Finlay vs, Rey Mysterio (No Contest)". World Wrestling Entertainment. Retrieved 27 December 2012.
  44. ^ "Rey Mysterio def. Finlay (Stretcher Match)". World Wrestling Entertainment. Retrieved 27 December 2012.
  45. ^ DiFino, Lennie (9 November 2007). "Celtic carnage". World Wrestling Entertainment. Retrieved 20 November 2007.
  46. ^ "Triple H and Jeff Hardy win Traditional Survivor Series Elimination Match". World Wrestling Entertainment. Retrieved 27 December 2012.
  47. ^ "Friends The Great Khali def. Hornswoggle (DQ)". World Wrestling Entertainment. Retrieved 27 December 2012.
  48. ^ "Finlay def. The Great Khali". World Wrestling Entertainment. Retrieved 27 December 2012.
  49. ^ "John Cena wins the Royal Rumble Match". World Wrestling Entertainment. Retrieved 27 December 2012.
  50. ^ Hillhouse, David (18 February 2008). "Chamber matches dominate No Way Out". Slam! Sports. Canadian Online Explorer. Retrieved 14 October 2008.
  51. ^ Adkins, Greg (18 February 2008). "Outrage in a Cage". World Wrestling Entertainment. Retrieved 29 February 2008.
  52. ^ Clayton, Corey (25 February 2008). "The Truth about Hornswoggle, According to JBL". World Wrestling Entertainment. Retrieved 16 March 2008.
  53. ^ Adkins, Greg (3 March 2008). "Family Outrage". World Wrestling Entertainment. Retrieved 16 March 2008.
  54. ^ "JBL def, Finlay in a Belfast brawl". World Wrestling Entertainment. Retrieved 27 December 2012.
  55. ^ "Official 2008 WWE Supplemental Draft Results". World Wrestling Entertainment. Retrieved 25 June 2008.
  56. ^ "Matt Hardy wins ECW Championship Scramble". World Wrestling Entertainment. Retrieved 27 December 2012.
  57. ^ Bishop, Matt (14 December 2008). "Armageddon: Hardy finally breaks through". Slam! Sports. Canadian Online Explorer. Retrieved 2 April 2009.
  58. ^ "2009 Royal Rumble Eliminations and Statistics". WWE. Archived from the original on 18 December 2009. Retrieved 25 November 2018.
  59. ^ "No Way Out 2009". Online World of Wrestling. Archived from the original on 19 February 2009. Retrieved 25 November 2018.
  60. ^ "SmackDown — March 13, 2009". Online World of Wrestling. Retrieved 25 November 2018.[permanent dead link]
  61. ^ "Full WrestleMania XXV results". WWE. Retrieved 25 November 2018.
  62. ^ "2009 WWE Supplemental Draft results". World Wrestling Entertainment. 15 April 2009. Retrieved 15 April 2009.
  63. ^ Hubbard, Myles (8 November 2009). "Eyeing An Irishman: A Look at the Career of David Finlay". Bleacher Report. Retrieved 23 June 2020.
  64. ^ Caldwell, James (30 June 2009). "CALDWELL'S WWE THE BASH PPV REPORT 6/28: Ongoing "virtual time" coverage of Orton vs. Triple H, Punk vs. Hardy". Archived from the original on 30 June 2009. Retrieved 4 July 2018.
  65. ^ "Trump's Last Laugh". WWE. 28 June 2009. Retrieved 18 July 2009.
  66. ^ "SmackDown — June 4, 2010". Online World of Wrestling. Retrieved 17 May 2018.
  67. ^ Jump up to: a b Giri, Raj (1 November 2011). "Fit Finlay Talks Going To TNA, Possible Return To WWE". Wrestling Inc. Retrieved 25 March 2021.
  68. ^ Radican, Sean (26 July 2011). "Radican's "Evolve 9" virtual time iPPV results 7/26: Finlay vs. Callihan, Taylor vs. Gargano main event". Pro Wrestling Torch. Retrieved 27 July 2011.
  69. ^ Massingham, Matt (21 August 2011). "8/20 PWG results in Reseda, Calif.: BOLA tournament winner, Young Bucks not shaking hands turned into angle, Tag Title match, Finlay debuts". Pro Wrestling Torch. Retrieved 21 August 2011.
  70. ^ "Smashxsmash.jp" 初代王者スターバックがフィンレーに宣戦布告！. Smash (in Japanese). 28 October 2011. Retrieved 28 October 2011.[dead link]
  71. ^ Jump up to: a b "『SMASH.23』試合レポート（メインイベント）". Smash (in Japanese). 25 November 2011. Retrieved 14 December 2011.
  72. ^ "2・19『Smash.25』全試合結果". Smash (in Japanese). 19 February 2012. Retrieved 19 February 2012.
  73. ^ Gibson, Shawn (2 November 2011). "Wrestling hits the ANAF Club". Simcoe.com. Archived from the original on 27 June 2013. Retrieved 19 January 2012.
  74. ^ Namako, Jason (12 May 2012). "ROH Border Wars iPPV Results- 5/12/12". WrestleView. Archived from the original on 5 December 2012. Retrieved 12 May 2012.
  75. ^ "Wrestling New Classic「旗揚げ戦」". Sports Navi (in Japanese). Yahoo!. 24 May 2012. Archived from the original on 27 May 2012. Retrieved 24 May 2012.
  76. ^ Meltzer, Dave (24 June 2012). "ROH Best in the World iPPV coverage from New York". Wrestling Observer Newsletter. Retrieved 24 June 2012.
  77. ^ 皇帝対決の行方は!? 9・20後楽園ホール大会 全試合結果. Wrestling New Classic (in Japanese). 20 September 2012. Archived from the original on 5 December 2012. Retrieved 20 September 2012.
  78. ^ "メンドーサJrとの重厚かつクラシカルな一戦を制したフィンレーが、内戦真っ只中のWNCにメッセージ！". Battle News (in Japanese). 20 September 2012. Retrieved 20 September 2012.
  79. ^ "ついに到着！WNC王座、WNC女子王座のベルト初公開！". Wrestling New Classic (in Japanese). 20 October 2012. Retrieved 25 October 2012.[permanent dead link]
  80. ^ Middleton (11 July 2012). "Fit Finlay Returns to WWE, AW Comments on MITB Pre-show Match, Retro RAW T-shirts » TWNP-Wrestling News".
  81. ^ Oster, Aaron. "Stephanie McMahon-Brie Bella feud highlights RAW". baltimoresun.com. Retrieved 9 June 2018.
  82. ^ Middleton, Marc (25 November 2020). "WWE brings producer Fit Finlay back to work". Wrestling Inc.
  83. ^ Coder, Brie (23 February 2020). "Fit Finlay On Helping The WWE Women's Division Evolve, His Son Wrestling In NJPW". WrestlingInc. Retrieved 26 May 2020.
  84. ^ "LISA MARIE "TARA" VARON SHOOTS HARD ON TNA, WHY SHE LIKED WWE BETTER, HER RESTAURANT AND MORE | PWInsider.com". www.pwinsider.com. Retrieved 9 June 2018.
  85. ^ Neidhart, Natalya (5 September 2018). "Natalya Neidhart: Finlay helps keep WWE women's division 'Fit'". Calgary Sun. Retrieved 29 November 2020.
  86. ^ Lianos, Konstantinos (1 December 2018). "Marvel star Batista reveals WWE unsung hero who changed the direction of his career". Express. Retrieved 29 November 2020.
  87. ^ "『Super Jr.』メンバー＆全カード決定! 外道が3年ぶり出場! フィッシュ、オライリー、小松、カベルナリオ、フィンレーらが初出場!". New Japan Pro Wrestling (in Japanese). 7 May 2015. Retrieved 7 May 2015.
  88. ^ "British Heavyweight Title". Wrestling-Titles.com. Retrieved 30 December 2019.
  89. ^ "CWA Intercontinental Heavyweight Title (Austria / Germany)". Wrestling-Titles.com. Retrieved 30 December 2019.
  90. ^ "CWA World Middleweight Title (Austria / Germany)". Wrestling-Titles.com. Retrieved 30 December 2019.
  91. ^ "CWA World Tag Team Championship history". titlehistories.com.
  92. ^ "Pulse Wrestling's Top 100 Wrestlers of the Modern Age: #77 – Dave Finlay". Archived from the original on 23 May 2009.
  93. ^ "World Mid-Heavyweight Title". Wrestling-Titles.com. Retrieved 30 December 2019.
  94. ^ "British Heavy Middleweight Title". Wrestling-Titles.com. Retrieved 30 December 2019.
  95. ^ "British Light Heavyweight Title". Wrestling-Titles.com. Retrieved 30 December 2019.
  96. ^ "itvwrestling.co.uk - 1982". itvwrestling.co.uk. Retrieved 2 August 2021.
  97. ^ TV Times 27 November - 3 December 1982, ITV listings for Saturday 27 November 1982, panel for World of Sport
  98. ^ "Pro Wrestling Illustrated Top 500 – 2007". Pro Wrestling Illustrated. Wrestling Information Archive. Archived from the original on 7 July 2011. Retrieved 10 March 2009.
  99. ^ "Pro Wrestling Illustrated's Top 500 Wrestlers of the PWI Years". Pro Wrestling Illustrated. Wrestling Information Archive. Archived from the original on 7 July 2011. Retrieved 5 May 2008.
  100. ^ "Solie's Title Histories:WCW". www.solie.org. Retrieved 30 December 2019.
  101. ^ Murphy, Ryan (15 November 2020). "Finlay Bio". WWE.com. Finlay Superstar Stats – WCW Hardcore Champion
  102. ^ "Solie's Title Histories: WCW". www.solie.org. Retrieved 30 December 2019.
  103. ^ "Finlay's first WWE United States Championship reign". World Wrestling Entertainment. Archived from the original on 3 June 2012. Retrieved 1 March 2009.
  104. ^ "WWE United States Championship". Retrieved 25 May 2020.
  105. ^ "Bragging Rights 2009 results". WWE.com. Retrieved 20 May 2018.

External links[]

Retrieved from ""