Powerhouse Hobbs is reportedly set to depart All Elite Wrestling and is expected to join WWE. According to a report by Fightful Select, the former TNT Champion’s contract is “set to expire at midnight,” and he has likely wrestled his final match for the promotion.
Contract Status and Departure
Sean Ross Sapp of Fightful Select reports that Hobbs “finished up tonight at the AEW Collision tapings after Dynamite.” This marks the conclusion of his tenure with the company he joined in 2020. The report states that Hobbs is “contractually eligible” to join WWE “as of this week.”
Negotiations between Hobbs and AEW had reportedly been ongoing for “the last number of months.” Sources indicate that AEW made a “huge” and “substantial” offer to retain him. However, despite the offer and the fact that he is “leaving on good terms,” Hobbs reportedly “wanted to test the waters.”
WWE Interest and Expectations
WWE has reportedly maintained interest in Hobbs “for quite some time.” Sources within WWE told Fightful Select that “he is expected to join the company” and that they “believe he is headed there, barring some huge unforeseen change.”
While there were “rumors bubbling under a few months ago” regarding a potential move to WWE, the report clarifies that “there had not been contact at that point.” Interest from WWE dates back several years, specifically “when Dan Ventrelle was heading up talent relations,” though Hobbs remained with AEW at that time.
Context: Powerhouse Hobbs in AEW
Hobbs, whose real name is Will Hobson, rose to prominence in AEW as a member of Team Taz alongside Ricky Starks, Brian Cage, and Hook. His tenure included a significant run as the AEW TNT Champion, a title he won in a Falls Count Anywhere match on the March 8, 2023 episode of Dynamite.
Known for his “powerhouse” wrestling style, Hobbs utilized finishing moves such as the “World’s Most Dangerous Slam” and a spinebuster. In addition to his singles success, he was recently involved in the trios division, holding the AEW World Trios Championship. His career in AEW also saw him align with the Don Callis Family faction in the latter stages of his run.
If Hobbs joins WWE, he would join a list of former AEW talent who have made the jump, including Cody Rhodes, Jade Cargill, Shawn Spears, and Ethan Page.
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