Update on AEW’s Offer to Re-Sign Powerhouse Hobbs Prior to His Decision to Leave for WWE
Former AEW Star Powerhouse Hobbs made his WWE debut on Saturday night as a surprise entrant in the 2026 Men’s Royal Rumble match under his new ring-name Royce Keys.
Hobbs’ decision to leave AEW when his contract was up and sign with WWE was discussed on the latest episode of Wrestling Observer Radio. Dave Meltzer noted that AEW had offered Hobbs a five year deal, worth what was believed to be a “good offer.” It was added that the belief was that Hobbs was not interested in the AEW offer, and that he had already made his mind up to sign with WWE.
“He got a 5 year offer from AEW, the offer was a very good offer. Not a top 10 offer in the company or anything like that, but a good offer.”
“I don’t really know much more, I don’t know what the WWE offer was, I don’t think he was very interested in the AEW offer, I think he already made up his mind.”
“In WWE for a long time, their belief was as soon his contract’s over, he’s gone.”
Keys debuted as the #14 entrant in the 2026 WWE Men’s Royal Rumble match. He had a strong showing, and would eventually eliminate top WWE Superstar Damian Priest from the match, before ultimately being eliminated by Bronson Reed.
Hobbs originally signed with AEW back in September 2020, spending over five years with the company before opting not to renew his contract last month.
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