Powerhouse Hobbs may be on the move — and it’s looking more and more like WWE will be his next destination. With his AEW contract reportedly expiring at midnight on January 15, the powerhouse performer could officially become a free agent and sign with WWE as early as this week.
Powerhouse Hobbs Reportedly WWE-Bound
According to a new report from Sean Ross Sapp of Fightful Select, Hobbs has been in serious contract talks with AEW for several months. AEW made a strong offer to keep him, but Hobbs has opted to test free agency. WWE, on the other hand, has had their eye on Hobbs for a while — and sources believe it’s just a matter of time before he signs.
The split between Hobbs and AEW is said to be respectful. Both sides reportedly worked hard to find a deal, but Hobbs is now looking for a new chapter in his career — possibly one that includes a spotlight on WWE’s biggest stages.
From AEW Star to Free Agent
Hobbs made his AEW debut in 2020 during the company’s pandemic era. Back then, he was introduced as Will Hobbs, a babyface who quickly won over fans with his intensity and physical style. But not long after, he turned heel and joined Team Taz, where he served as the group’s enforcer. That role helped him gain consistent TV time and establish his presence in AEW.
Since then, Hobbs has climbed the ranks:
- Former TNT Champion
- Current AEW World Trios Champion with The Opps (alongside Samoa Joe and Katsuyori Shibata)
- In a major storyline with “Hangman” Adam Page
Even in his final week with the company, Hobbs is featured in a title defence on AEW Dynamite against Page and Jet Speed. This match could be one of his last appearances before heading to WWE.
Is NXT the Next Stop for Hobbs?
The big question now is — where does Hobbs fit into WWE’s plans?
Some expect Hobbs to debut in NXT, especially since the brand is in need of fresh main-event talent. With stars like Trick Williams, Oba Femi, and Je’Von Evans being promoted to Raw and SmackDown, there’s now room at the top of the NXT men’s division.
Hobbs would be a perfect fit:
- He brings power, intensity, and experience.
- His TV exposure in AEW makes him a recognizable face.
- His size and strength match WWE’s traditional style.
A stint in NXT could help Hobbs adjust to WWE’s system while building him as a dominant force for a future main roster run.
Could Hobbs Skip NXT and Go Straight to Raw or SmackDown?
While NXT seems like the most logical starting point, don’t count out the possibility of Hobbs heading straight to Raw or SmackDown.
WWE has a history of pushing physically dominant stars straight to the main roster, and Hobbs fits that mould perfectly. His size, intensity, and improved in-ring ability could earn him a major role quickly, especially with WWE always on the lookout for powerhouse performers.
WWE may view Hobbs as a long-term project with main-event potential — similar to how they handled Bobby Lashley or Braun Strowman in their early runs.
AEW Exit, WWE Future
Even as Hobbs prepares to exit AEW, his presence is still being felt. On the latest AEW Dynamite, it was announced that The Opps would defend their Trios Titles against Hangman Page and Jet Speed. The storyline between Hobbs and Page has been heating up, with The Opps costing Page his shot at the AEW World Title.
This feud may serve as Hobbs’ farewell program — a final high-stakes match before he transitions to WWE.
