Powerhouse Hobbs is reportedly on the verge of signing with WWE as his current contract with All Elite Wrestling (AEW) approaches expiration. The former AEW World Trios Champion has been an essential part of AEW since his debut in 2020, but ongoing negotiations for a new deal have been challenging.
Contract Status
Hobbs’s AEW contract is set to expire at midnight on January 15. According to Sean Ross Sapp of Fightful Select, negotiations for a new contract have taken place over several months, with AEW owner Tony Khan making a substantial offer. However, Hobbs is expected to pursue free agency soon.
Interest from WWE
WWE has shown consistent interest in Hobbs, with insiders suggesting he may join the company. If he signs with WWE, he could potentially start as early as this week. Both parties are expected to part on good terms, highlighting a professional relationship throughout the negotiation process.
Career Background
Powerhouse Hobbs, who initially debuted in AEW as Will Hobbs, achieved notable success within the promotion. He started his career as a babyface during the pandemic era but quickly transitioned to a heel character. Hobbs was a key contributor in his early days with Team Taz, serving as the group’s enforcer.
In addition to being a former TNT Champion, Hobbs is currently part of the faction known as The Opps, alongside Katsuyori Shibata and Samoa Joe. This group recently secured the AEW World Trios Championship.
Future Prospects
The big question now is whether Hobbs may spend time in WWE’s NXT division. With recent roster changes bringing Je’Von Evans, Oba Femi, and Trick Williams to the main roster, Hobbs could fill a notable role in NXT’s men’s division.
Given his size and prior exposure, Hobbs stands as a strong candidate for a main roster position, making him a potential player on WWE’s flagship programs, Raw and SmackDown.
Upcoming Matches
This week’s AEW Dynamite announced that Hobbs and The Opps will defend their AEW World Trios Championship against “Hangman” Adam Page and Jet Speed. This match follows an escalating feud between Page and The Opps, stemming from a prior interference that cost Page the AEW World Championship.
