BREAKING: Powerhouse Hobbs Signs With WWE – Powerhouse Hobbs is officially WWE-bound, bringing an end to weeks of speculation surrounding his future following his departure from AEW.
Sean Ross Sapp confirmed on January 22, 2026, that Hobbs has signed a contract with WWE, putting to rest earlier reports that described the situation as still developing.
“Oh yeah, before I leave for a weekend off. No longer ‘believed.’ Powerhouse Hobbs is signed by WWE.”
The confirmation closes a brief but closely watched free agency period that began when Hobbs’ AEW contract expired at midnight on January 15. His final appearance for the company came in a trios title defense that aired on the January 17 episode of AEW Collision: Maximum Carnage. By the time that episode aired, Hobbs was already no longer under contract with AEW.
WWE had been widely viewed as the frontrunner throughout the process. Previous reporting from Fightful and Wrestling Observer Radio indicated that WWE had maintained long-term interest in Hobbs well before his AEW deal expired. According to Dave Meltzer, WWE officials were confident about their chances of signing him once he became available.
“WWE had expected that they had Hobbs for actually quite a while,” Meltzer said. “AEW made an offer. He turned down the AEW offer, wanted to go to WWE.”
At 35 years old, Hobbs arrives with a strong resume and a reputation as one of the most physically imposing performers of his generation. During his AEW run, he held multiple championships and was consistently presented as a dominant powerhouse, earning praise for both his presence and in-ring intensity.
There is no official word yet on which brand Hobbs will land on, whether RAW, SmackDown, or NXT. However, sources believe he is expected to be around during Royal Rumble weekend in Saudi Arabia, potentially setting the stage for his first WWE appearance.
With Hobbs now officially under contract, attention shifts to how WWE will introduce him and what role he will play moving forward. His signing adds another high-profile name to WWE’s roster as the company continues to reshape its lineup heading into WrestleMania season.
BREAKING: Powerhouse Hobbs Signs With WWE
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