Key Highlights
- AEW offered Powerhouse Hobbs a ‘much higher than expected’ deal to remain in the company.
- Dave Meltzer compared AEW’s offer to those of top stars like Chris Jericho, Kevin Owens, and Sami Zayn.
- Hobbs will use the name Royce Keys in WWE, with a son also named Royce.
- WWE filed to trademark the name ‘Royce Keys’ on January 20, 2026.
A Wrestling Star’s High-Stakes Decision: Powerhouse Hobbs’ Future Revealed
AEW’s decision to offer Powerhouse Hobbs a much higher than expected deal to stay in the company is causing quite a stir. The move highlights AEW’s commitment to retaining its top talent and keeping fans on edge with unpredictable career twists.
A High-Ticket Offer
According to Dave Meltzer, who addressed Hobbs’ departure from AEW in his latest edition of The Wrestling Observer, the offer was “much higher than I would have expected.” This revelation comes as a surprise given the competitive landscape and previous deals signed by top stars.
Comparing Deals: AEW vs. WWE
Meltzer drew parallels between AEW’s offer to Hobbs and those of other prominent wrestlers, stating that it “would be in line with what Bryan Danielson got to jump from WWE to AEW, maybe slightly less but in line.” He continued, “It would be more than guys the level Kevin Owens and Sami Zayn were making four years ago (less than they are making now) and in the range of what a guy the level of Rollins was making around the same time and nearly triple of what many significantly high WWE stars were making in the first year or so of AEW after the first round of increases had taken place.”
The Transition to WWE
Hobbs’ decision to move to WWE marks a significant shift for both him and the promotion. He will be using the name Royce Keys, which has already been trademarked by WWE on January 20, 2026. Given that Hobbs had been with AEW since 2020, this move represents a major career change.
Personal Touches
Adding an intriguing personal touch to the story is Hobbs’ son named Royce as well. This detail adds a layer of complexity and emotional connection to his decision-making process. It’s clear that leaving AEW was not just about financial gain but also about family commitments and future opportunities.
You might think this is new, but it’s part of the ever-changing landscape in professional wrestling where deals, names, and faces are constantly being reshuffled. As Hobbs prepares to take on his new role with WWE, fans will be eagerly watching to see how his career evolves under a different banner.
