Here’s the latest scoop on this AEW star’s potential WWE move.
On Wednesday, Fightful Select reported that Powerhouse Hobbs’ contract with All Elite Wrestling will expire at midnight. The outlet also noted that the two sides had engaged in negotiations, with Hobbs having received a “substantial” offer to remain with the company.
According to WWE sources, however, Powerhouse Hobbs is expected to sign with the Stamford-based promotion. Barring any unforeseen changes, the company reportedly expects to finalize the deal sooner rather than later.
Speaking on the latest edition of Wrestling Observer Radio (via F4Wonline.com), Dave Meltzer noted that WWE had been anticipating signing Powerhouse Hobbs for some time, adding that he turned down AEW’s offer.
“With Hobbs, WWE had expected that they had Hobbs for actually quite a while. I know that they thought that the match last Wednesday was going to be his last one, but he actually did a match I believe on Collision. That will air on Saturday, so that will be his last match,” Meltzer said. “His contract actually expires today. But, yeah, [WWE] expected him to go there. AEW made an offer. He turned down the AEW offer, wanted to go to WWE. We’ll see. For some people it’s the right move, and for some people it isn’t.”
Meltzer also mentioned that Hobbs remained on AEW TV until the very last moment, which he linked to Tony Khan possibly being unsure if Hobbs would leave the promotion.
“Tony liked him and everything. And he was professional,” Meltzer said. “Tony didn’t take him off TV, so that tells me he didn’t know he was going. But, like I said, WWE — they were pretty confident they’ve had him for months, really.”
Initial reports indicated that WWE is very high on Powerhouse Hobbs. The big man joined AEW in 2020 following a stint on the independent circuit. In AEW, Hobbs is a former TNT Champion. He most recently defended the Trios Titles alongside Samoa Joe and Katsuyori Shibata. The match will air on Collision this Saturday.
Fans can check out spoiler results for the show here.
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