WWE continues to make significant moves in the lead-up to the 2026 WrestleMania season, with the latest development surrounding the highly touted Powerhouse Hobbs. Despite being introduced to the WWE universe under the moniker Royce Keys at the 2026 Royal Rumble, the powerhouse athlete was reportedly on the radar of All Elite Wrestling (AEW).
According to a well-placed source within AEW, the promotion extended a ‘nine-figure’ offer to Hobbs, a move that has sent shockwaves throughout the wrestling world. However, sources close to Powerhouse Hobbs have revealed that the wrestler ultimately decided to sign a multi-year deal with WWE, leaving AEW to wonder what could have been.
The reported offer from AEW was touted as a ‘game-changer,’ with insiders suggesting that the figure could have potentially changed the course of Hobbs’ career. However, sources close to the wrestler have revealed that the lure of WWE’s global reach, combined with the prospect of competing in front of massive crowds, ultimately proved too enticing to resist.
“AEW thought they had a slam dunk with Powerhouse Hobbs, but in the end, their offer just wasn’t enough,” said a WWE insider. “Hobbs wants to be seen as a global superstar, and WWE’s platform offers him the best chance to achieve that goal.”
Powerhouse Hobbs’ decision to sign with WWE is a significant coup for the company, which continues to invest heavily in its roster. The signing of the powerhouse athlete is seen as a major statement of intent, with many within the industry expecting him to make an immediate impact on the company’s flagship show, Monday Night Raw.
The question now is what impact Hobbs’ signing will have on the WWE universe. Will he be paired with established stars, or will he be used to spearhead a new generation of talent? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain: Powerhouse Hobbs is set to become one of the most dominant forces in WWE.
As for AEW, the promotion is said to be reeling from Hobbs’ decision. The company had high hopes for the powerhouse athlete, and his departure will undoubtedly be felt throughout the roster.
“Powerhouse Hobbs was a key part of our plans for the future, and his decision to sign with WWE is a major blow,” said a source close to AEW. “We had hoped to build him into a top star, but it seems that WWE has beaten us to the punch.”
The signing of Powerhouse Hobbs is just the latest development in a busy period for WWE. With WrestleMania season fast approaching, the company is expected to make a number of high-profile announcements in the coming weeks.
As WWE continues to build towards its biggest event of the year, one thing is certain: Powerhouse Hobbs is set to be a major player in the company’s plans. Whether he will be a hero or a villain remains to be seen, but one thing is for sure: his signing with WWE has sent shockwaves throughout the wrestling world.
WWE’s Global Reach a Major Factor in Hobbs’ Decision
Sources close to Powerhouse Hobbs have revealed that the wrestler’s decision to sign with WWE was influenced by the company’s global reach. With a presence in over 180 countries, WWE offers Hobbs a platform that few other promotions can match.
“AEW may have offered Powerhouse Hobbs a significant amount of money, but WWE’s global reach is unparalleled,” said a WWE insider. “Hobbs wants to be seen as a global superstar, and WWE’s platform offers him the best chance to achieve that goal.”
AEW Left to Wonder What Could Have Been
The departure of Powerhouse Hobbs is a significant blow to AEW, which had high hopes for the powerhouse athlete. The company had planned to build him into a top star, but his decision to sign with WWE has left them reeling.
“We had hoped to build Powerhouse Hobbs into a top star, but it seems that WWE has beaten us to the punch,” said a source close to AEW. “We will continue to move forward, but the loss of Hobbs is a significant blow to our plans.”
WrestleMania Season Fast Approaching
With WrestleMania season fast approaching, WWE is expected to make a number of high-profile announcements in the coming weeks. The signing of Powerhouse Hobbs is just the latest development in a busy period for the company.
As WWE continues to build towards its biggest event of the year, one thing is certain: Powerhouse Hobbs is set to be a major player in the company’s plans. Whether he will be a hero or a villain remains to be seen, but one thing is for sure: his signing with WWE has sent shockwaves throughout the wrestling world.