David Finlay: I Have Unfinished Business In NJPW, I Want To Win The IWGP World Heavyweight Title

David Finlay has unfinished business in New Japan and that business includes becoming the IWGP Heavyweight Champion one day.

Finlay was a guest on Fightful’s The Wrestling Perspective Podcast this week, with Lars Frederiksen and Dennis Farrell, ahead of his match against Bobby Fish at Saturday’s NJPW Battle in the Valley event. The NJPW veteran was asked about his goals, and whether he was after a larger contract or something more. Finlay gave some insight and shared why he was after more than just a contract.

“Yeah, I want to be world champion. I mean, I’m a fourth generation wrestler. Wrestling is ingrained in me, it’s all we talk about when I’m with my dad, when I’m with my grandfather. It’s like wrestling, wrestling, wrestling, but my family hasn’t had a world championship. So, for me to be at the pinnacle of wrestling, it would be the IWGP World Heavyweight Champion. I have unfinished business in New Japan, that’s been my goal since day one, and I can’t go anywhere else. I don’t want to go anywhere else, ever. That’s my goal, and until I achieve that, I’m not crossing any other bridges.”

Finlay has been with NJPW since 2015 and spoke about the growth New Japan Pro Wrestling has had in the United States.

“I’ve been there kind of, right around when they first got New Japan World. So I’ve been along the ride since 2015, and just to see New Japan’s growth in the United States has been cool. Slowly but surely, we’re becoming more widely recognized. I think New Japan is the highest caliber of professional wrestling. I think that’s the standard that we carry proudly. I think any fan of wrestling likes good wrestling, so the more eyes we can get on New Japan, the more it’s gonna grow. It’s just an organic thing that will happen.”

Finlay also commented on how he has adjusted to life in the ring without Juice Robinson, who he previously won both the IWGP and IMPACT World Tag Team Championships with.

“I’m actually enjoying being on my own, it’s been cool.” Finlay said. “I got to do the G1 [Climax Tournament 32]. I think I did a pretty good job in the G1. I was in a main event pay per view against Will Ospreay, and unsuccessfully against him for the United States championship. It’s been successful, I had a few close ones. I’m really chasing that big win this next year.”

Fans can check out Fightful’s full interview with David Finlay linked above.

Fightful will provide coverage of the NJPW Battle in the Valley Pay Per View on February 18.