Powerhouse Hobbs Reject Huge Offer From AEW, Change Expected With WWE Arrival

The free agency frenzy of 2026 continues to reshape the professional wrestling industry, and the latest name to switch sides is a significant one. After five years as a cornerstone of All Elite Wrestling, Powerhouse Hobbs is reportedly WWE-bound. According to a report from Fightful Select on January 14, Hobbs’ contract with AEW has officially expired, making him a free agent effective immediately. Unlike standard releases which often come with a 90-day non-compete clause, the natural expiration of his deal means Hobbs is free to appear on WWE television as soon as a contract is signed.

Immediate Main Roster Plans and Name Changes

The most intriguing aspect of this move is the speed at which it could materialize. Because there are no legal barriers preventing him from working, a debut as early as this Friday’s episode of SmackDown is being discussed as a real possibility. Furthermore, reports from WrestleVotes Radio indicate that WWE does not plan to send the 34-year-old to the NXT developmental system. The current pitch involves Hobbs bypassing the brand entirely and slotting directly onto the main roster, a testament to the experience and polish he gained during his time in AEW.

However, fans should expect a slightly different presentation. The report notes that a name change is expected upon his arrival. While a complete overhaul is on the table, the company is also considering simply shortening his moniker to “Hobbs,” fitting WWE’s historical preference for single-name superstars. This rebranding aligns with the company’s long-standing interest in the talent; reports suggest WWE had attempted to make contact with him years ago during the “Dan Ventrelle era” of talent relations, signaling that he has been on their radar for quite some time.

Turning Down “Huge” Offers To Stay

Hobbs’ departure was not for a lack of effort on AEW’s part. Sean Ross Sapp of Fightful Select reported that negotiations had been ongoing for months, with AEW making “huge” financial offers to retain the homegrown star right up until his final week. Despite the lucrative terms, Hobbs reportedly made the decision to test the waters of free agency, feeling it was time for a change in scenery. Crucially, the split is described as professional, with Hobbs taking care not to burn bridges on his way out of the promotion that gave him his first national break.

The Road to the Royal Rumble

The timing of Hobbs’ free agency could not be more perfect for WWE. The company is currently building toward a historic Royal Rumble event in Saudi Arabia on January 31. With the roster looking to stack the card for the stadium show, a surprise debut by a powerhouse of Hobbs’ caliber would add immediate intrigue to the 30-man match. If he does not appear on SmackDown this week, the Rumble match itself serves as the ideal vehicle to introduce him to the WWE Universe, potentially allowing him to showcase his dominance against established main eventers like CM Punk and Drew McIntyre right out of the gate.

Credit Source: Fightful Select. Thanks for checking out this article.