After weeks of rumours and speculation, it’s now confirmed: Will “Powerhouse” Hobbs has signed with WWE. The news broke late Thursday night via Sean Ross Sapp of Fightful Select, who posted the update on his X (formerly Twitter) account.
This ends Hobbs’ nearly four-year run with AEW and kicks off what could be a career-defining new chapter on the WWE stage.
Hobbs Finishes Up in AEW
Hobbs’ AEW departure became clear after the January 14th episode of AEW Dynamite: Maximum Carnage, where he wrestled his final match — although the match itself didn’t air until January 17th on Maximum Carnage Collision.
In that match, The Opps (Hobbs’ trio) dropped the AEW World Trios Championships to Hangman Adam Page, Speedball Mike Bailey, and Kevin Knight. Hobbs took the final pinfall in classic wrestling fashion, putting over his opponents on his way out.
What’s Next for Hobbs in WWE?
As of now, WWE has not officially announced Hobbs’ debut date or the brand he’ll be assigned to — Raw, SmackDown, or NXT. But early signs suggest that WWE might be considering a main roster debut for the powerhouse, even though many believe NXT needs someone like him right now.
There is also speculation around a potential name change. WWE has filed to trademark the name “Royce Keys,” which many believe could be intended for Hobbs, though nothing is confirmed yet.
This wouldn’t be unusual — several former AEW talents have adopted new names in WWE:
| Former AEW Name | WWE Name |
|---|---|
| Ricky Starks | Ricky Saints |
| Mariah May | Blake Monroe |
| Brian Pillman Jr. | Lexis King |
| Powerhouse Hobbs | Possibly Royce Keys? |
However, WWE has also allowed some AEW stars like Jade Cargill, Ethan Page, and Shawn Spears to retain their names — so we’ll have to wait and see how WWE handles Hobbs’ presentation.
Why WWE Wants Hobbs
At 34 years old, Hobbs is entering his prime and brings a mix of size, strength, and agility that fits perfectly with WWE’s current focus on building a younger, athletic roster. His explosive power and physical charisma made him a standout in AEW, where he held the TNT Championship and competed in high-profile matches against names like Wardlow, Samoa Joe, and Ricky Starks.
WWE sees big potential in Hobbs, whether he keeps the “Powerhouse” name or not. His intimidating presence, crisp in-ring style, and rising popularity make him a perfect candidate for a major push in either NXT or the main roster.
Could Hobbs Debut on SmackDown?
With SmackDown airing live tonight in Montreal, fans are already speculating that Hobbs could show up as soon as tonight’s show. WWE has a history of debuting new signings during big episodes — and with the Royal Rumble and WrestleMania season heating up, the timing couldn’t be better.
Whether he appears tonight or holds off for a surprise moment later, one thing is certain: WWE now has a true powerhouse ready to shake things up.
