Before departing from All Elite Wrestling (AEW) earlier this month, Powerhouse Hobbs was reportedly offered a lucrative contract to stay with the company. However, sources indicate that he declined the offer, choosing instead to explore opportunities elsewhere, particularly within WWE. WWE Hall of Famer Eric Bischoff shared his thoughts on Hobbs’ prospects in WWE, noting that Hobbs’ driven mindset positions him very well for success in the organization, which has been a dominant force in professional wrestling for years.
Bischoff stated on the podcast “83 Weeks,” “I’ve heard that with this kind of attitude, he stands a great chance at thriving in WWE. Hobbs has enough self-confidence to potentially walk away from big money for a shot at becoming a major star. It’s going to require a lot of hard work, but if he’s heading to WWE with this mentality, he’s clearly motivated by more than just the paycheck. That’s why I’d definitely want him on my team.”
Although the exact timeline for Hobbs’ WWE debut remains unconfirmed, reports suggest that WWE officials anticipate his presence in Saudi Arabia this weekend during the events celebrating the 2026 Royal Rumble. Meanwhile, the former AEW World Trios Champion has rebranded himself under the new ring name “Royce Keyes.”
Hobbs’ last AEW appearance was on January 17 at “AEW Collision,” where he, along with Samoa Joe and Katsuyori Shibata, lost the Trios Championship to “Speedball” Mike Bailey, Kevin Knight, and “Hangman” Adam Page.
If quoting from this article, please credit Wrestling Inc. for the transcription sourced from “83 Weeks.”
Fan Take:
This development is exciting for WWE fans because Powerhouse Hobbs brings a fresh, driven energy that promises to shake up WWE’s roster. His decision to prioritize growth and star potential over immediate financial gain signals his commitment to the sport, potentially leading to some thrilling new storylines and unforgettable matches.
