Former AEW standout secures WWE deal following free agency
Summary
– Powerhouse Hobbs has signed a contract with WWE after his AEW deal expired
– WWE had long-standing interest and moved quickly once he became available
– Hobbs is expected to be present during Royal Rumble weekend
Powerhouse Hobbs has finalized his move to WWE, closing the door on his run with AEW and ending a brief period of free agency. Confirmation came on January 22, 2026, when Fightful Select reported that Hobbs is now officially under contract with WWE.
Hobbs became available after his AEW contract expired on January 15. Although his final AEW match aired days later on Collision, he was no longer contractually tied to the company at that point.
Multiple reports indicated WWE had been monitoring Hobbs well before his AEW deal ended. Sources noted that AEW attempted to retain him. Still, Hobbs ultimately chose to pursue the WWE opportunity.
At 35, Hobbs enters WWE with a reputation built on size, power, and presence. There has been no confirmation on whether he will debut on Raw, SmackDown, or NXT, but internal expectations suggest he will be around during Royal Rumble weekend in Saudi Arabia.
With the signing now complete, attention shifts to how WWE will introduce Hobbs and where he will fit within the company’s plans moving forward.
