The 2026 Royal Rumble event will be remembered for years to come, marked by a shocking debut that sent shockwaves throughout the wrestling world: Powerhouse Hobbs, one of All Elite Wrestling’s (AEW) prized talents, made his WWE debut under the new ring name Royce Keys. However, behind the scenes, there was a fierce battle to retain the powerhouse, with AEW going to great lengths to keep him from joining the WWE. In this exclusive report, we delve into the drama that unfolded and explore the reasons why WWE always believed Powerhouse Hobbs would ultimately make the jump.
The WWE’s Long-Term Plan for Powerhouse Hobbs
According to sources close to the Royal Rumble event planning, WWE had been eyeing Powerhouse Hobbs for a potential signing for months, even before the 2026 event. Insiders claim that Vince McMahon and the WWE creative team had been discussing the possibility of luring Hobbs to the WWE for quite some time, recognizing his immense potential and the impact he could have on the roster.
“WWE saw something special in Powerhouse Hobbs,” revealed a WWE insider. “They knew he had the charisma and in-ring talent to be a top champion, and they were willing to do whatever it took to make it happen. It’s clear they were always confident that he would eventually make the jump.”
AEW’s Fierce Battle to Retain Powerhouse Hobbs
Meanwhile, AEW was working tirelessly to keep Powerhouse Hobbs from leaving. Tony Khan and his team presented Hobbs with a lucrative contract extension, complete with a hefty salary increase and a guaranteed main event spot. However, despite these efforts, Hobbs remained unconvinced, and it became clear that he was leaning towards joining the WWE.
“Tony Khan and the AEW team are devastated by Powerhouse Hobbs’ decision to leave,” said a source close to the matter. “They invested a lot of time and resources into trying to retain him, but ultimately, Hobbs felt that WWE offered more opportunities for growth and exposure.”
The Final Push: WWE’s All-Out Effort to Sign Powerhouse Hobbs
As the deadline for Hobbs’ decision approached, WWE went all out to convince him to join the company. Insiders claim that Vince McMahon himself made a phone call to Hobbs, assuring him that he would be a top priority for the WWE creative team and that he would be given every opportunity to succeed.
“The WWE made it clear to Powerhouse Hobbs that he would be a key player in their plans,” revealed another source. “They promised him a high-profile debut at the Royal Rumble and a guaranteed championship run. It’s no surprise that he ultimately decided to join the WWE.”
The Aftermath: AEW’s Response and Powerhouse Hobbs’ New Beginnings
The news of Powerhouse Hobbs’ departure from AEW sent shockwaves throughout the wrestling world, with fans and pundits alike left wondering what the future holds for the powerhouse. AEW officials have so far declined to comment on the situation, but insiders claim that they are already working on a plan to replace Hobbs and maintain their momentum.
As for Powerhouse Hobbs, he made his debut at the Royal Rumble under the new ring name Royce Keys, sending a shockwave through the WWE Universe. Insiders claim that he is already being groomed for a championship run, and it won’t be long before he is challenging for the WWE Championship.
The drama surrounding Powerhouse Hobbs’ departure from AEW is just the latest chapter in the ongoing battle for talent between WWE and AEW. As the wrestling world continues to evolve, one thing is clear: the competition for top talent will only get fiercer in the years to come.
In the words of a WWE insider, “Powerhouse Hobbs’ decision to join the WWE is a huge win for the company, and it’s clear that we will be seeing a lot more of him in the future.”