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Fit Finlay

David John "Fit" Finlay Jr. (born 31 January 1958) is a Northern Irish professional wrestling coach, producer, and retired professional wrestler, renowned for his hard-hitting style and contributions to the industry over five decades. A third-generation wrestler from Carrickfergus, Northern Ireland, Finlay made his professional debut in July 1974 at age 16, initially competing across Europe under monikers like the Belfast Bruiser. He amassed over 20 championships worldwide, including the WCW World Television Championship in 1998, the WCW Hardcore Championship, and the WWE United States Championship in 2006, establishing himself as a resilient midcard competitor known for intense brawls and technical prowess. Finlay's career gained prominence in North America starting in 1996 when he joined World Championship Wrestling (WCW) as the Belfast Bruiser, quickly capturing the Television title from Booker T on WCW Monday Nitro. After WCW folded in 2001, he joined WWE as a trainer and producer, returning to in-ring competition in 2006 where he feuded with stars like John Cena and Batista while mentoring younger talent, including his son Brogan Finlay, and later appearing on WWE's revived ECW brand. Retiring from in-ring competition in 2011 following a stint in WWE's developmental territories, Finlay shifted to backstage roles, leveraging his experience to train future stars. As of 2025, serves as a producer for WWE's NXT television programming and as a coach at the in , where he emphasizes fundamentals like resilience and match psychology for emerging wrestlers, including significant contributions to the development of female talent. His legacy extends beyond the ring, influencing generations through his family lineage—his father and grandfather were also wrestlers—and his reputation as one of wrestling's toughest enforcers.

Early life

Family background and heritage

David John Finlay Jr., professionally known as Fit Finlay, was born on January 31, 1958, in , , in the area. He hails from a storied multi-generational wrestling family with deep roots in , where the sport has been a central pillar of his heritage. As a third-generation wrestler, Finlay's lineage traces back to his father, David Finlay Sr. (born 1936), a renowned wrestler and promoter who trained in Olympic before establishing himself in professional circuits across . Finlay's grandfathers further solidified the family's wrestling legacy: William Finlay, who competed in and at Ulster fairs, and John Liddell, an early promoter and wrestler active in during the 1940s. This paternal heritage immersed young Finlay in an environment dominated by the wrestling world, with family members organizing and participating in events that shaped his early worldview. He experienced direct exposure to the industry through his father's promotions in Ireland, where local shows fostered a tight-knit of performers and fans. The 's dynamics revolved around wrestling, extending to Finlay's sister, who contributed as a in matches, underscoring the all-encompassing nature of their involvement. Frequent travels to and the for promotional activities and competitions exposed him to diverse wrestling styles and international networks from an early age, reinforcing the nomadic and resilient spirit of the profession within his household. This upbringing in a wrestling-saturated not only provided foundational influences but also perpetuated a legacy carried forward by his own children, David Finlay III and Brogan Finlay, who continue the tradition as professional wrestlers.

Initial training and debut

David Finlay, known professionally as , began his wrestling training under the guidance of his father, Dave Finlay Sr., a veteran wrestler and promoter, during his early teens. By age 10 or 12, Finlay was already engaging in both amateur and introductory professional techniques, building on the rigorous discipline emphasized in the family tradition. This hands-on mentorship instilled a strong foundation in the technical and physical demands of the , drawing from the family's longstanding involvement in the as motivation to enter the profession. Finlay's influences were rooted in the and catch-as-catch-can wrestling style, a holdover from his father's era that prioritized , submissions, and endurance over theatrical elements. This approach, common in regional promotions of the time, shaped his early development as a technician capable of controlling matches through precise holds and counters. He made his professional debut on July 6, 1974, at the age of 16, in Glynn, , stepping in for a no-show wrestler at one of his father's events and billed as the "young ." Following this impromptu start, Finlay undertook initial tours with independent promotions, honing his skills in small venues across and before venturing further abroad.

Professional wrestling career

Early career in Europe and Japan (1974–1995)

Finlay began his professional wrestling career in July 1974 at the age of 16, debuting in his native under the guidance of his father, a local promoter and former wrestler. He initially competed in small promotions, building a foundation in technical wrestling before expanding to the in 1978. There, he toured extensively with independent promoters such as Orig Williams and Brian Dixon, honing his skills in regional circuits across and the UK throughout the late and . By the early 1980s, Finlay had established himself in major British promotions, starting with Joint Promotions in 1981, where he made his television debut against Chris Adams in October of that year. He quickly rose to prominence, winning the Joint Promotions British Heavy Middleweight Championship for the first time on June 9, 1982, by defeating Alan Kilby, and defended it multiple times against opponents like and . Finlay's aggressive, powerhouse style—characterized by hard-hitting uppercuts and a focus on physical dominance—influenced his adoption of a brawling approach rooted in European traditions, earning him the nickname "Fit Finlay" for his exceptional conditioning and relentless in-ring intensity. Notable feuds during this period included rivalries with in 1981 and Rollerball Mark Rocco, which showcased his reputation as a tough, reliable performer in smaller territories. He later transitioned to as Joint Promotions declined, capturing the All Star British Heavyweight Championship on February 6, 1990, and continuing tours in the UK and into the mid-1990s. Finlay's international experience grew in the late 1980s and early 1990s, including stints in continental Europe with the (CWA) in and , where he won the CWA World Middleweight Championship multiple times starting in 1990 and the CWA Intercontinental Heavyweight Championship on July 3, 1993. He also ventured to , competing in (NJPW) tours such as the Explosion Tour in 1992 and 1993. A highlight was his tag team match on April 30, 1992, in , partnering with Pegasus Kid to defeat and , demonstrating his adaptability to the strong-style environment. These outings, combined with his European work, helped solidify his versatile technical prowess and physicality, though comprehensive win-loss records from this era remain limited, with estimates suggesting hundreds of matches across promotions without a precise tally available.

WCW tenure (1996–2001)

Finlay made his (WCW) debut on January 27, 1996, as the Belfast Bruiser, interrupting and attacking Lord Steven Regal during an episode of , marking his introduction to American audiences with a brawling, aggressive rooted in his . This debut led to an immediate with Regal, highlighted by a brutal parking lot brawl on in April 1996, showcasing Finlay's stiff, technical style adapted from his European background. After a brief hiatus, Finlay returned to WCW in October 1997 under his real name, competing in midcard matches and building momentum through victories over wrestlers like Dave Taylor. In 1998, achieved his most notable success in WCW by capturing the World Television Championship from Booker T on the May 4 episode of in , , pinning him after a hard-fought bout. He held the title for 41 days, defending it primarily at house shows against challengers such as , emphasizing his resilient, no-nonsense fighting approach with moves like the . lost the championship back to Booker T at on June 14, 1998, in , , in a match that underscored WCW's hot midcard division at the time. This reign represented a peak in his singles run, transitioning his character from a straight technical grappler to one incorporating more physical intensity amid WCW's evolving booking. By 1999, as WCW emphasized its hardcore division, joined the Hardcore Army stable alongside and The Dog, participating in the inaugural Hardcore Junkyard Invitational tournament, which he won to highlight the group's roughneck ethos. The faction engaged in territorial skirmishes with Raven's Flock, with notably clashing against in hardcore-influenced matches on , blending his technical base with environmental weapons to feud over the emerging hardcore title scene. also competed in high-stakes multi-man bouts, including elements of WCW's chaotic storylines, though his role diminished as the promotion declined. Finlay's WCW tenure concluded in 2001 amid the company's financial turmoil and sale to the World Wrestling Federation, with his final in-ring appearances shifting toward enhancement roles before he pivoted to producing; this period solidified his reputation as a reliable, tough performer who bridged technical wrestling with WCW's late-1990s hardcore shift.

WWE as trainer and performer (2001–2011)

In 2001, following WWE's acquisition of WCW, was hired as a trainer at (OVW), WWE's developmental territory, where he mentored emerging talents including , , and until 2005. His coaching emphasized technical proficiency and in-ring psychology, drawing from his extensive international experience to prepare wrestlers for the main roster. While primarily focused on training during this period, Finlay occasionally appeared in non-televised matches to stay sharp, balancing his dual responsibilities effectively. Finlay transitioned to an in-ring role in 2005, joining the SmackDown brand and making his televised debut on January 20, 2006, against , which ended in disqualification due to Finlay's aggressive use of a . His hard-hitting, brawling style—reminiscent of his WCW hardcore matches—quickly established him as a formidable midcard competitor, often involving disqualifications for excessive violence. On May 26, 2006, captured the from Booker T on SmackDown, initiating a five-month reign marked by defenses against high-profile opponents. During his title run, Finlay engaged in intense feuds, including a rivalry with Booker T that extended from their championship encounter and involved tag team alliances, as well as clashes with JBL, where Finlay's unorthodox tactics like the shillelagh led to memorable brawls. He lost the title to Mr. Kennedy on September 4, 2006, in a triple threat match also involving Bobby Lashley at No Mercy, ending his only WWE singles championship pursuit on the main roster. Throughout 2006 and into 2007, Finlay continued performing on SmackDown while occasionally contributing to training, demonstrating his versatility in WWE's ecosystem. In 2007, Finlay's character evolved with the introduction of the "Little Bastard" storyline, featuring Hornswoggle (portrayed as his leprechaun-like son and valet) who would emerge from under the ring to interfere in matches, often using a shillelagh for comedic yet effective assistance. This alliance led to tag team pursuits, including a failed challenge against John Morrison and The Miz for the WWE Tag Team Championship at Night of Champions in June 2008. The duo's dynamic blended Finlay's toughness with Hornswoggle's antics, culminating in upsets like their victory over The Great Khali at Armageddon 2007 via interference. As part of the 2008 WWE Supplemental , was moved to the brand, where he and continued their partnership, competing in tag matches and individual bouts against talents like . In the 2009 , shifted to , participating in multi-man matches such as the 15-man on the Draft special, though the separation from (drafted elsewhere) marked the storyline's wind-down. His final notable in-ring appearances included a win over The in a Money in the Bank qualifying match on the March 13, 2009, episode of SmackDown and participation in a on June 4, 2010, after which he transitioned out of active competition. Finlay was released from in March 2011 following an incident at a house show where, as a producer, he authorized The Miz to interrupt the U.S. , drawing complaints from and sponsors; he took responsibility to protect the performer. This concluded his decade-long tenure, during which he seamlessly balanced training future stars with his own competitive performances across brands.

Independent circuit and in-ring retirement (2011–2012)

Following his release from in March 2011 due to an incident involving interrupting the at a house show, Fit Finlay returned to the for a series of appearances across and . In the , he competed for promotions such as IPW:UK, where he defeated Martin Stone on February 26, 2012, at No Escape 2012 in , , and 4 Front Wrestling, securing a victory over JD Knight on February 25, 2012, in . These matches showcased his technical brawling style against younger talents, drawing on his European roots to connect with local audiences. Finlay also ventured into Germany for Westside Xtreme Wrestling's prestigious 16 Carat Gold tournament in March 2012, advancing past in the first round with a hard-fought win on March 2 but falling to in the quarterfinals the following day. Later that year, he made a notable one-off appearance at WrestleReunion 6 in , defeating in a World of Sport rules match that highlighted his veteran expertise in traditional British wrestling formats. This bout, part of outreach to international fans, served as one of his final high-profile competitive outings at age 54. Finlay's in-ring career concluded with a retirement tour emphasizing farewell events in , culminating in his official retirement match on , 2012, at European Wrestling Promotion's Christmas Wrestling event in Hannover, . Teaming with his son David Finlay Jr. in an Irish street fight, they defeated and "Dirty" Dan Collins in a 15-minute brawl that paid tribute to Finlay's storied career across continents. The decision to retire stemmed from the cumulative toll of nearly four decades in the ring, including chronic injuries like issues accumulated from high-impact matches in Japan, WCW, and , allowing him to shift focus toward family and mentoring the next generation backstage. Tributes from peers, including multi-time world champions he had trained, underscored his legacy as a resilient technician and influential figure in global wrestling.

WWE backstage roles (2012–present)

In 2012, Fit Finlay was rehired by as a backstage producer, initially assigned to both and SmackDown brands, where he contributed to match layouts and event coordination following his release in 2011. By the mid-2010s, his responsibilities shifted toward 's developmental system, including production work for NXT programming and events. He was furloughed in April 2020 amid the but returned to his producer role by November of that year, continuing to support main roster and tapings. Since 2014, Finlay has served as a trainer and assistant coach at the in , emphasizing technical wrestling skills, ring psychology, and in-ring safety for developmental talent. Drawing from his prior experience as a trainer during his initial stint from to 2004, he has focused on building foundational abilities for emerging wrestlers, particularly in the women's division and international recruits. His coaching has been integral to NXT's talent pipeline, helping shape performers through rigorous drills and match simulations at the facility. Finlay's production work has extended to major NXT events, including serving as a match producer for high-profile bouts at specials like in 2024, where he handled the Oba Femi vs. contest. He has also contributed to earlier series, overseeing segments and ensuring smooth execution during live events such as those celebrating NXT's milestone moments. As of 2025, Finlay remains active in these dual roles, mentoring NXT's evolving roster without any in-ring appearances, amid WWE's ongoing expansion of its developmental brand.

Championships and accomplishments

Major titles

Fit Finlay's major championship accomplishments primarily occurred during his tenures in (WCW) and World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE), supplemented by significant reigns in European promotions during the 1980s and 1990s. His most notable singles titles include the and the , both of which highlighted his technical prowess and midcard dominance. Additionally, he captured key British heavyweight belts and multiple titles, establishing his reputation as a top talent in the UK wrestling scene. Finlay won the WCW World Television Championship once on May 4, 1998, at WCW in , , defeating Booker T to end the latter's third reign. He held the title for 41 days until losing it to on June 14, 1998, at WCW's pay-per-view. During this reign, Finlay made successful defenses against midcard competitors. In , Finlay secured the United States Championship on one occasion on the July 14, 2006, episode of SmackDown by defeating . He defended the title at against . His 49-day reign concluded on September 1, 2006, when Mr. Kennedy defeated him and in a match. Key defenses included victories over Lashley in non-title matches leading up to and following his win, emphasizing his brawling style. Earlier in his career, claimed multiple reigns as the British Light Heavyweight Champion in the . A prominent reign came as the CWA British Commonwealth Champion from December 14, 1993, to August 13, 1994, lasting 242 days after defeating . He also won the British Heavyweight Championship once on February 5, 1990, in , , by defeating , holding it for approximately 425 days until losing to Dave Taylor on April 6, 1991, in . These reigns featured defenses against established UK veterans, underscoring Finlay's endurance in long-term title holds.

Awards and honors

Fit Finlay's contributions to have been recognized through various rankings and awards, particularly for his in-ring technical ability and overall impact. In 2006, ranked him #111 among the top 500 singles wrestlers in their annual PWI 500 list. The following year, in 2007, he achieved a higher placement at #33, reflecting his strong performances during his tenure. Finlay was inducted into the European Wrestling Promotion (EWP) Hall of Fame in 2012, honoring his extensive career across and his influence on the regional scene. Additionally, the has acknowledged his technical wrestling expertise through consistent high star ratings for matches and placements in annual award polls. During the 1980s and 1990s, 's matches in promotions, including contests against wrestlers like and , were celebrated for their technical precision and storytelling. In December 2023, Finlay's father, Dave Finlay Sr.—the family patriarch and a pioneering figure in Northern Irish wrestling—was appointed a Member of the () in the 2024 New Year's Honours list by III for services to wrestling, underscoring the enduring legacy of the Finlay family in the sport.

In wrestling

Signature moves

Finlay's in-ring style blended technical proficiency with brutal brawling, reflecting his Northern Irish roots and evolution from European catch-as-catch-can wrestling to hardcore elements in American promotions. Early in his career, he emphasized submission holds and suplexes, drawing from his training in the UK independent scene and tours in . By the mid-1990s in WCW, his approach shifted toward stiff strikes and weapon usage, incorporating kendo sticks in no-disqualification bouts to heighten the intensity of his feuds. In , he incorporated Celtic-themed maneuvers, maintaining a hard-hitting persona known as the "Belfast Bruiser." His finishing move, the , was a sitout scoop slam piledriver executed by lifting the opponent overhead in a before driving their head into the mat with a spinning motion. This high-impact technique became synonymous with his run from 2006 onward, often setting up decisive pins in midcard matches. An earlier variation, the Irish Driver, a reverse piledriver, was used during his WCW tenure in the late . Among his signature maneuvers, Finlay frequently employed the short-arm clothesline, a whipping delivered with force that staggered opponents and showcased his brawling prowess. He also utilized a series of rapid headbutts, targeting the opponent's forehead or chest in close-quarters exchanges to wear them down, a tactic rooted in his stiff striking style. Submission holds like the were staples in his technical arsenal, applied to target the lower back and legs during extended mat-based sequences. The , a modified deathlock, further emphasized his expertise, twisting the opponent's limbs for intense pressure. In WCW hardcore matches, Finlay integrated foreign objects such as the kendo stick, swinging it for resounding strikes that amplified his reputation as a resilient willing to brawl beyond the ropes. This evolution from precise technical holds to weapon-assisted aggression highlighted his adaptability across promotions, influencing his role as a versatile performer.

Managers and valets

In , was accompanied by the diminutive valet known as Little Bastard starting in May 2006, who would emerge from under the ring to interfere in matches by attacking opponents on 's behalf. This partnership highlighted a dynamic of tough mentorship, with encouraging the fearful Little Bastard during encounters like their mixed victory over The Boogeyman and Little Boogeyman at No Way Out in February 2007, where Little Bastard overcame his reluctance to contribute to the win. The role evolved when Little Bastard was rebranded as in 2007, continuing as Finlay's mischievous through 2009 and incorporating comedic elements, such as protective antics and a father-son storyline that added layers to Finlay's brawling character. 's involvement often included hiding under the ring to aid Finlay, enhancing the Irish heritage theme and leading to memorable segments, including multi-man matches where the 's interference turned the tide. During his WCW tenure from 1999 to 2001, did not have a primary manager but formed alliances within the Hardcore Army stable alongside and The Dog (), focusing on brawling feuds like their rivalry with without dedicated support. occasionally involved family in his appearances post-2011, teaming with his son David Finlay Jr. in tag matches such as a Street Fight victory over Dan Collins and for European Wrestling Promotion in December 2012, marking a brief on-screen father-son partnership before his full retirement.

Personal life

Immediate family

Finlay has been married to Melanie "Mel" Finlay since June 1, 1998. The couple has three children: David Finlay III (born May 16, 1993), a professional wrestler signed to (NJPW) where he leads the War Dogs stable; Brogan Finlay (born August 26, 2002), who made his professional wrestling debut on the independent circuit in 2021 and signed with in 2023, debuting in NXT under the Uriah Connors in 2024; and a daughter (born circa 2001), who competed as an amateur wrestler, winning a state championship with her club team. In the mid-1990s, the family relocated from to the , area to accommodate 's career with (WCW), allowing stability for schooling and training. Mel Finlay has provided significant support throughout 's career transitions, including his shift from in-ring performer to trainer and producer after retiring in 2011, by serving as a lay coach for the children's and fostering the family's deep ties to the industry. The Finlay family's wrestling heritage spans four generations, beginning with 's grandfather and including his father, Dave Finlay Sr.

Health and residence

Following his in-ring retirement, Fit Finlay has managed ongoing physical challenges from a career spanning over four decades in . In January 2020, he underwent shoulder replacement surgery due to accumulated . Earlier, in 1999, Finlay sustained a severe during a WCW match when he was cut by a table edge, lacerating a and nearly requiring ; this incident left lasting effects that contributed to his decision to step away from full-time competition in 2011 to prevent further damage. Finlay resides in the area to facilitate his role as a trainer and at WWE's Performance Center. His post-retirement lifestyle centers on coaching emerging talent at the facility, allowing him to remain involved in the industry without the physical demands of performing. As of 2025, no additional major health issues have been publicly reported.

Legacy

Impact as a performer

Fit played a pivotal role in bridging the technical, catch-as-catch-can style of wrestling with the high-impact, weapon-heavy genre that defined American promotions like WCW and in the late 1990s. After honing his craft in for over two decades, where he captured multiple regional titles emphasizing and submissions, debuted in WCW as the Belfast Bruiser in , introducing a gritty, brawling approach that blended European resilience with American extremism. His tenure in WCW's division, where he won the Hardcore Championship and participated in innovative stipulations like the promotion's only junkyard match, helped legitimize the chaotic, no-holds-barred format by grounding it in believable toughness rather than mere spectacle. As a midcard mainstay in from 2006 onward, demonstrated exceptional reliability in elevating undercard bouts into compelling showcases of athleticism and storytelling, often stealing the show against top talents. A prime example is his intense rivalry with in late 2006, culminating in multiple singles and multi-man matches, including a fatal four-way for the World Heavyweight Championship at No Mercy where 's hard-hitting offense pushed the future Hall of Famer to deliver some of his most visceral performances. later credited with reshaping his in-ring approach, highlighting how their encounters emphasized realism and intensity over flash. This consistency made a go-to performer for building momentum in non-title feuds, ensuring midcard segments felt as urgent as main events. Finlay's portrayal as a proud Northern Irish warrior marked him as one of the first major stars from the region to gain prominence in , infusing the product with authentic motifs that resonated with international audiences. His entrance theme, character attire, and signature use of the —a traditional —alongside his "little bastard" sidekick , evoked and fighting spirit, providing cultural depth to 's roster during an era dominated by American archetypes. This representation not only highlighted underrepresented European heritages but also drew from Finlay's real-life third-generation wrestling lineage in , fostering a sense of national pride. Despite his in-ring prowess, Finlay's opportunities for main event elevation were constrained by his compact physique—standing at 6 feet and around 235 pounds—and the timing of his push, which came in his late 40s after years as a trainer rather than a full-time competitor. These factors positioned him primarily as a reliable in the upper midcard, where he captured the United States Championship once but rarely contended for world titles, leading some observers to lament his underutilization in favor of larger or younger stars.

Influence as a trainer

Finlay's tenure as a trainer began in earnest after his in-ring retirement, where he played a pivotal role in developing talent at WWE's developmental territories, including (OVW) and NXT. He mentored several future main roster stars, such as and , focusing on enhancing their in-ring fundamentals and match psychology. Particularly in the women's division, Finlay was credited with elevating performers through rigorous submission training, which helped refine techniques like the Dis-arm-her employed by during high-stakes matches against competitors including . From 2014 through 2025, Finlay contributed extensively at the in , where he served as a coach and , building the technical base for NXT's emerging roster. His guidance emphasized hard-hitting, precise wrestling styles that shaped the division's evolution into the , influencing the NXT roster with rigorous standards for trainees. This work solidified NXT as a proving ground for technically proficient performers ready for the main roster. As of 2025, there has been a notable push for Finlay's induction into the , recognizing his profound impact on the industry. Former executive lauded Finlay's impact, stating, "He's the single most important thing to ever happen to women's wrestling. He had the most influence on the women’s division in the history of the business." Anderson highlighted Finlay's single-handed responsibility for the women's evolution, crediting his patient coaching for transforming the division from novelty matches to competitive spectacles. Finlay also extended his wrestling legacy within his family by training his sons, David and Brogan, both of whom pursued professional careers. , who debuted in 2012, received direct instruction from his father before competing internationally, while Brogan, a fourth-generation wrestler, benefited from the familial guidance as he entered the industry in 2020 and later signed with in 2023. This mentorship ensured the continuation of the Finlay lineage in modern wrestling.

Other media

Video games

Fit Finlay made his debut as a playable character in video games with the 1998 title WCW/ Revenge, where he was featured on the roster alongside other stars. He continued to appear in WCW-licensed games, including WCW Nitro (1999, ) and WCW/ Thunder (1999, and ), reflecting his active role in the promotion during the late 1990s. Finlay's transition to WWE corresponded with his inclusions in the SmackDown vs. Raw series, beginning with WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2007 (2006), marking his first appearance under the WWE banner. He was subsequently featured in WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2008, WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2009, WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2010, and WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2011, often portrayed as a midcard competitor with his signature brawling style. These games coincided with the peak of his in-ring WWE career from 2006 to 2009. Finlay returned as downloadable content in the WCW Pack for WWE 2K15 (2014) and appeared on the base roster of WWE 2K16 (2015) as a legend. In these titles, Finlay's moveset typically recreated his real-life arsenal, including strikes, suplexes, and submissions like the , with the —a kneeling reverse piledriver—serving as his primary finisher. He has not been included as a playable character in subsequent games beyond WWE 2K16, nor in any non-playable roles post-retirement.

Film and television appearances

Fit Finlay has made several appearances in documentaries and television specials centered on , though he has no credited roles in major feature films. His media presence primarily revolves around biographical content highlighting his career and contributions to the industry. In 2010, Finlay was featured in the documentary The Fit Finlays, which explores the history and legacy of his wrestling family from , , including his father Dave Finlay Sr. and his own early career in traditional wrestling. The film emphasizes the Finlay family's role in preserving catch-as-catch-can wrestling styles in Ireland and the challenges faced by the multi-generational dynasty. Directed by Ronan McCloskey, it includes interviews with Finlay discussing his upbringing and transition to international promotions. Finlay has appeared in cameo capacities in WWE Network documentary series, providing insights into his in-ring tenure and behind-the-scenes influence. Notably, in the 2021 episode "The First Revolution" of Ruthless Aggression, he reflects on his work training female wrestlers during the early 2000s, crediting his methods for elevating performers like and Lita in an era of evolving gender dynamics in . This appearance underscores his shift from active competitor to mentor without delving into scripted roles. In 2025, the May 13 episode of the podcast Something to Wrestle with Bruce Prichard, titled "The Brilliance Of Fit Finlay" and available on YouTube, featured hosts JBL and Conrad Thompson discussing his career anecdotes, European wrestling roots, WWE experiences, and approaches to developing talent, including stories from his time as a road agent. These discussions highlight his enduring impact as a trainer rather than performer.

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