Known for movies
Short Info
Spouse | Melanie Duffin, Paula O Doyle', Lisa Moretti, Mel Finlay |
Fact | Beat Bobby Lashley in a Lumberjack Match and won for the qualification of the Money in the Bank Match at Wrestlemania 22 on April 2. [March 2006] |
David Edward “Dave” Finlay Jr. (born 25 October 1958) is a Northern Irish professional wrestling trainer, producer and retired professional wrestler. He is currently signed to WWE as a producer.
We all know! Lol
— Fit Finlay (@ringfox1) February 9, 2022
Finlay was born in Belfast, Northern Ireland. He began his career in 1974, wrestling in various independent promotions in Ireland and the United Kingdom. He wrestled in his first World Championship Wrestling (WCW) match in 1989 and made his first appearance for the World Wrestling Federation (WWF, now WWE) in 1995.
Finlay held numerous championships throughout his career, including the WCW World Television Championship and the WWF European Championship. He is a former United States Heavyweight Champion, a three-time Hardcore Champion, a two-time World Tag Team Champion and a one-time Intercontinental Champion. He retired from professional wrestling in 2006.
In 2012, Finlay was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame.
Early Life
A little late, but Happy Birthday, Terry Funk. For sure, one of the very best!!! pic.twitter.com/IMyqDhtPTf
— Fit Finlay (@ringfox1) July 1, 2021
David Edward Finlay Jr. was born on 25 October 1958 in Belfast, Northern Ireland. He was raised a Protestant. His father, David Sr., was a former boxer who fought professionally as “Kid Chocolate” and encouraged his son to enter the sport. Finlay’s mother died when he was four years old and he was raised by his grandmother, Rose.
Finlay began wrestling at the age of 14, making his debut in 1974. He wrestled in various independent promotions in Ireland and the United Kingdom throughout the 1970s and 1980s. In 1985, he defeated “The British Bulldog” Davey Boy Smith to win the British Heavy Middleweight Championship.
Career
World Championship Wrestling (1989–1991)
Ya got that right!
— Fit Finlay (@ringfox1) June 25, 2021
Finlay made his World Championship Wrestling (WCW) debut in 1989, wrestling Rick Steiner. In 1990, he wrestled Sting for the NWA World Television Championship at The Great American Bash, but was unsuccessful in winning the title. Finlay feuded with Sid Vicious in 1991 and defeated him at Halloween Havoc.
World Wrestling Federation/Entertainment (1995–2006)
Finlay made his World Wrestling Federation (WWF, now WWE) debut in 1995, wrestling jobbers such as Barry Horowitz and Bob “Spark Plugg” Holly. In 1996, he defeated Justin “Hawk” Bradshaw to win the WWF European Championship. He held the title for two months before losing it to Marc Mero.
Finlay continued to wrestle on the midcard throughout 1997 and 1998. In 1999, he won the WWF Hardcore Championship from Al Snow. He held the title for two days before losing it to Big Boss Man. In 2000, he defeated Kurt Angle to win the WWF Intercontinental Championship. He held the title for one day before losing it to Chris Jericho.
@THEdavidfinlay and Juice, it’s maybe time to open this one! Congratulations, Champs!!! pic.twitter.com/DDrgif35TH
— Fit Finlay (@ringfox1) March 14, 2021
In 2001, Finlay formed a tag team with William Regal and they won the WWF World Tag Team Championship from The Dudley Boyz at Survivor Series. They held the title for two months before losing it to The Rock and Undertaker. In 2002, Finlay won the Hardcore Championship for a second time, defeating Maven at WrestleMania X8. He held the title for one day before losing it to Goldust.
In 2003, Finlay began wrestling on Velocity and SmackDown!. In 2004, he won the United States Heavyweight Championship from John Cena at No Way Out. He held the title for two months before losing it to Booker T at Judgment Day. In 2005, he won the Hardcore Championship for a third time, defeating René Duprée at Taboo Tuesday. He held the title for one day before losing it to Matt Hardy.
In 2006, Finlay wrestled his final match against Fit Finlay at Velocity. He retired from professional wrestling shortly afterwards due to injuries sustained during his career.
In 2012, Finlay was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame by his son David Jr..
General Info
Full Name | Dave Finlay |
Height | 1.78 m |
Weight | 104.3 kg |
Profession | Actor, Professional Wrestler |
Nationality | British |
Family
Spouse | Melanie Duffin, Paula O Doyle', Lisa Moretti, Mel Finlay |
Children | David |
Parents | Dave Finlay Sr. |
Accomplishments
Movies | WWE: Armageddon 2007, WWE: Survivor Series 2006 |
TV Shows | ECW, Saturday Night's Main Event |
Social profile links
Facts
# | Fact |
---|---|
1 | Lost his debut match on Smackdown to Matt Hardy by disqualification. [January 2006] |
2 | Beat Bobby Lashley in a Lumberjack Match and won for the qualification of the Money in the Bank Match at Wrestlemania 22 on April 2. [March 2006] |
3 | Drafted to ECW brand along with Hornswoggle. [June 2008] |
4 | Beats Bobby Lashley for the WWE United States Championship. [July 2006] |
5 | Works as a road agent for World Wrestling Entertainment. [2002] |
6 | Finlay will make his in-ring debut on Friday Night SmackDown 20th January 2006 [January 2006] |
7 | "Adopted" Dylan (Hornswoggle) Postl when the two crossed over from "WWE Raw" to ECW, after "disowned" by Vince McMahon. |
8 | Some sources claim that he became the first WCW Hardcore Champion after winning a "Junkyard Invitational" match at Bash at the Beach 1999. Though he did win a "hardcore trophy", he wasn't officially considered champion. The official Hardcore title was won by Norman Smiley after beating Brian Knobbs in the tournament final at WCW Mayhem 1999. WWE, however, recognizes him as a former champion. |
9 | In 1993, he captured the CWA Intercontinental title. |
10 | Won The Junkyard Invitional At Bash at The Beach 1999. |
11 | Held 16 major titles in Great Britain and Germany. |
12 | In 1995, he made his debut with World Championship Wrestling as the "Belfast Brawler". |
13 | On July 25, 1999 at a WCW House Show, Brian Knobs (Brian Yandrisovitz) threw Fit through a table, slicing his leg open badly lacerating a nerve in his knee. Doctors immediately operated, but only gave him a 50% chance of walking again. In late 1999, he proved to the world that he was not through yet, returning during a WCW card to viciously assault Brian Knobs (Brian Yandrisovitz). Fit & Knobs feuded with each other for a while before joining forces in mutual respect. |
14 | Signed with the WWF as a Road Agent after WCW was purchased. He is also responsible for working with WWE Divas and training them for their matches. |
15 | British Heavy Middleweight Champion (5); British Light Heavyweight Champion (3); World Mid-Heavyweight (2); World Mid-Heavyweight Champion (3); British Heavyweight Champion; CWA (Catch Wrestling Association) World Tag-Team Champion w/ Marty Jones; CWA (Catch Wrestling Association) World Middleweight Champion (3); CWA (Catch Wrestling Association) Intercontinental Heavyweight Champion; WCW World Television Champion |
16 | Former WCW TV & Hardcore Champion |
17 | Professional wrestler |
Movies
Actor
Title | Year | Status | Character |
---|---|---|---|
WWE 2k15 | 2014 | Video Game | Fit Finlay (voice) |
WWE SmackDown vs. RAW 2011 | 2010 | Video Game | Finlay (voice) |
WWE Superstars | 2009-2010 | TV Series | Finlay |
E.C.W. | 2007-2009 | TV Series | Finlay |
WWE SmackDown vs. RAW 2010 | 2009 | Video Game | Finlay (voice) |
WWE Live in the UK: April 2009 | 2009 | Video | Finlay |
WWE Live in the UK: November 2008 | 2009 | Video | Finlay |
WWE SmackDown vs. RAW 2009 | 2008 | Video Game | Finlay (voice) |
WWE Live in the UK: October 2007 | 2008 | Video | Finlay |
WWE SmackDown vs. RAW 2008 | 2007 | Video Game short | Finlay |
WCW Millennium Final | 2000 | TV Movie | Fit Finlay |
WCW Uncensored | 2000 | TV Movie | Fit Finlay |
WCW SuperBrawl 2000 | 2000 | TV Movie | Fit Finlay |
WCW Souled Out | 2000 | TV Movie | Fit Finlay |
WCW Thunder | 1998-1999 | TV Series | Fit Finlay |
WCW Monday Nitro | 1996-1999 | TV Series | Fit Finlay Belfast Bruiser |
WCW Bash at the Beach | 1999 | TV Movie | Fit Finlay |
WCW Souled Out | 1999 | TV Movie | Fit Finlay |
WCW/NWO Halloween Havoc | 1998 | TV Movie | Fit Finlay |
WCW/NWO The Great American Bash | 1998 | TV Movie | Fit Finlay |
WCW/NWO Slamboree | 1998 | TV Movie | Fit Finlay |
WCW World Championship Wrestling | 1996-1998 | TV Series | Fit Finlay |
WCW World War 3 | 1997 | TV Movie | Fit Finlay |
WCW Uncensored | 1996 | TV Movie | Fit Finlay |
The Boxer | 1979 |
Producer
Title | Year | Status | Character |
---|---|---|---|
WWE Raw | 2014 | TV Series producer - 1 episode | |
WWE Smackdown! | 2008-2010 | TV Series producer - 10 episodes |
Miscellaneous
Title | Year | Status | Character |
---|---|---|---|
WWE Raw | 1993 | TV Series road agent - 2001- |
Self
Title | Year | Status | Character |
---|---|---|---|
WWE Raw | 2002-2016 | TV Series | Finlay Fit Finlay Sir Finlay ... |
WWE Money in the Bank | 2015 | TV Special | Finlay |
WWE Night of Champions | 2014 | TV Special | Fit Finlay |
WWE: OMG! Volume 2 - The Top 50 Incidents in WCW | 2014 | Video | Himself |
WWE Battleground | 2013 | TV Special | Finlay |
WWE Hall of Fame 2013 | 2013 | TV Special | Himself |
WWE Hall of Fame 2012 | 2012 | TV Special | Himself |
The Fit Finlays | 2010 | TV Movie documentary | Himself |
WWE Smackdown! | 2006-2010 | TV Series | Finlay Fit Finlay Sir Finlay |
Survivor Series | 2009 | TV Special | Finlay |
WWE Bragging Rights | 2009 | TV Special | Finlay |
WWE: The Bash | 2009 | TV Special | Finlay |
WWE Backlash | 2009 | TV Special | Finlay |
The 25th Anniversary of WrestleMania | 2009 | TV Special | Finlay |
WWE Hall of Fame 2009 | 2009 | TV Special | Himself (as Fit Finlay) |
WWE No Way Out | 2009 | TV Special | Finlay |
WWE Royal Rumble | 2009 | TV Special | Finlay |
WWE Armageddon | 2008 | TV Special | Finlay |
WWE Cyber Sunday | 2008 | TV Special | Finlay |
WWE Unforgiven | 2008 | TV Special | Finlay |
WWE Great American Bash | 2008 | TV Special | Finlay |
WWE Night of Champions | 2008 | TV Special | Finlay |
WrestleMania XXIV | 2008 | TV Special | Finlay |
WWE No Way Out | 2008 | TV Special | Finlay |
WWE Royal Rumble | 2008 | TV Special | Fit Finlay |
WWE Armageddon | 2007 | TV Special | Finlay |
Survivor Series | 2007 | TV Special | Finlay |
WWE Cyber Sunday | 2007 | TV Special | Finlay |
WWE No Mercy | 2007 | TV Special | Finlay |
Summerslam | 2007 | TV Special | Fit Finlay |
WWE Saturday Night's Main Event | 2006-2007 | TV Series | Fit Finlay Finlay |
WWE Draft Special | 2007 | TV Special | Fit Finlay |
WrestleMania 23 | 2007 | TV Special | Finlay |
WWE Hall of Fame 2007 | 2007 | TV Special | Himself (as Fit Finlay) |
WWE No Way Out | 2007 | TV Special | Fit Finlay |
Royal Rumble | 2007 | TV Special | Fit Finlay |
WWE Armageddon | 2006 | TV Special | Fit Finlay |
Survivor Series | 2006 | TV Special | Finlay |
WWE No Mercy | 2006 | TV Special | Fit Finlay |
Summerslam | 2006 | TV Special | Fit Finlay |
WWE Great American Bash | 2006 | TV Special | Finlay |
WWE vs. ECW: Head to Head | 2006 | TV Special | Fit Finlay |
WWE Judgment Day | 2006 | TV Special | Fit Finlay |
WWE Velocity | 2006 | TV Series | Finlay |
WrestleMania 22 | 2006 | TV Special | Fit Finlay |
WWE Hall of Fame 2006 | 2006 | TV Special | Himself (as Fit Finlay) |
WWE No Way Out | 2006 | TV Special | Fit Finlay |
WWE Sunday Night Heat | 2006 | TV Series | Finlay |
WWE Royal Rumble | 2006 | TV Special | Finlay |
WWE Vengeance | 2005 | TV Special | Fit Finlay, Road Agent |
WWE Royal Rumble | 2005 | TV Special | Fit Finlay |
Survivor Series | 2004 | TV Special | Fit Finlay |
WWE Judgment Day | 2004 | TV Special | Finlay |
WWE: Trish Stratus - 100% Stratusfaction | 2003 | Video documentary | Himself (as Dave 'Fit' Finley) |
WWE Divas: Undressed | 2002 | TV Special documentary | Fit Finlay |
WCW/NWO Starrcade | 1998 | TV Special | Fit Finlay |
World of Sport | 1964 | TV Series | Wrestler (1978-1985) |
Archive Footage
Title | Year | Status | Character |
---|---|---|---|
WWE Batista: The Animal Unleashed | 2014 | Video | Finlay |
WWE the Ladder Match 2: Crash & Burn | 2011 | Video | Finlay |
WWE: Rey Mysterio - The Life of a Masked Man | 2011 | Video | Finaly |
WWE: The Very Best of WCW Monday Nitro | 2011 | Video | The Belfast Bruiser |
Smackdown: The Best of 2009-2010 | 2010 | Video | Finlay |
WWE: Satan's Prison - The Anthology of the Elimination Chamber | 2010 | Video | Finlay |
The Best Pay Per View Matches of the Year 2009-2010 | 2010 | Video | Finlay |
WWE Raw | 2006-2010 | TV Series | Finlay |
WWE Summerslam: The Complete Anthology, Vol. 4 | 2008 | Finlay | |
Nature Boy Ric Flair: The Definitive Collection | 2008 | Video | Finlay |
WWE: Twist of Fate - The Matt and Jeff Hardy Story | 2008 | Video | Himself |
WWE Royal Rumble: The Complete Anthology, Vol. 4 | 2008 | Video | Finlay |
WWE Smackdown! | 2006-2007 | TV Series | Finlay |
WWE: The New & Improved DX | 2007 | Video | Finaly |
Best of ITV Wrestling: A to Z | 2006 | Video | Himself |
Source: IMDb, Wikipedia