Report: Powerhouse Hobbs WWE Signing Now Considered a “Foregone Conclusion”
The free agent market has shifted dramatically. Following his departure from AEW, new reports indicate that WWE officials are operating under the belief that the powerhouse has already put pen to paper.
Backstage Intel: The Hobbs Watch
A new exclusive from Fightful Select has provided the most definitive update yet on the status of former AEW star Powerhouse Hobbs.
Key Takeaways:
- Status: WWE views signing as a “foregone conclusion.”
- Timeline: Expected to join immediately post-AEW.
- Interest: WWE has tracked him for years.
- Debut Watch: Expected at Royal Rumble weekend.
Full Source Report: Fightful Select Patreon
For months, the wrestling world has speculated on the future of Powerhouse Hobbs. With his contract status in All Elite Wrestling officially resolved as of mid-January 2026, the question has shifted from “if” he will leave to “when” he will debut for the competition. According to a new report, the Powerhouse Hobbs WWE signing is all but official.
“Operating on the Belief He Is Signed”
According to Sean Ross Sapp of Fightful Select, the sentiment within WWE is that the acquisition of Hobbs is effectively a done deal. Sources indicate that key figures in the company are “operating on the belief that Hobbs is signed to WWE.”
The report notes that Hobbs was expected to head to WWE “immediately upon leaving AEW.” While he has not yet been spotted backstage at a WWE television taping, Fightful confirms that WWE’s interest in the California native is not a recent development; the company has reportedly had their eye on him for years, viewing his size and athleticism as a perfect fit for their production style. Although Hobbs was negotiating with AEW recently, he had reportedly been “looking to make a move” in the final weeks of his previous deal.
Royal Rumble Weekend Implications
With the Royal Rumble set to take place in Saudi Arabia on January 31, the timing of this Powerhouse Hobbs WWE signing update is critical. Fightful’s sources noted that they “expected Hobbs to be at Royal Rumble weekend,” though they stopped short of confirming specific creative plans for his debut.
Historically, the Royal Rumble match serves as the premier vehicle for debuting high-impact free agents. A surprise entry for Hobbs would allow him to showcase his strength immediately, potentially eliminating multiple superstars to establish his dominance before settling into a brand roster on the road to WrestleMania 42.
PWS Analysis: The “Meat” Division
If the Powerhouse Hobbs WWE signing is finalized, he enters a landscape currently thriving on heavyweight warfare. The “Meat” division—unofficially headlined by Bronson Reed, Gunther, and Bron Breakker—is arguably the hottest part of the card.
Hobbs fits seamlessly into this dynamic. A potential feud with Bronson Reed would be a spectacle of agility and power, while a clash with Bron Breakker could determine the future of the upper mid-card. WWE has prioritized “monsters” in 2026, and Hobbs brings a unique charisma and menacing aura that differentiates him from the rest of the pack.
Context: The AEW Exit
Hobbs’ departure from AEW marks the end of a significant run where he held the TNT Championship. His contract reportedly expired in mid-January, making him a true free agent eligible to sign without a non-compete clause. This contractual freedom is what makes a Royal Rumble appearance legally possible, unlike releases which often carry 90-day waiting periods.
For continuing coverage on surprise Rumble entrants and contract news, stay tuned to our WWE News Hub.