AEW Offers Powerhouse Hobbs Substantially Higher Contract to Retain Talent
All Elite Wrestling (AEW) has made a significant offer to Powerhouse Hobbs in an effort to retain him within the organization. The proposal was notably higher than anticipated, hinting at AEW’s commitment to its talent.
Details of AEW’s Contract Offer
According to wrestling reporter Dave Meltzer, AEW’s offer may surpass the contracts of many established stars. Meltzer elaborated in the latest edition of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter, stating that the financial terms were unexpected.
- Hobbs’ AEW contract is speculated to be higher than any contract Chris Jericho earned in AEW’s inaugural year, 2019.
- The offer aligns closely with the deals of Bryan Danielson when he transitioned from WWE to AEW.
- It is also more substantial compared to contracts made by wrestlers like Kevin Owens and Sami Zayn four years ago.
- The financial terms may even approach those of Seth Rollins during the same timeframe.
WWE Considerations
While Hobbs is weighing AEW’s lucrative offer, there are rumors regarding a potential WWE deal. Meltzer speculated that if WWE made a competitive offer, Hobbs could receive a notable push within the company.
- Hobbs is set to compete under the ring name Royce Keys in WWE.
- The name choice is personal, as he has a son named Royce.
- WWE has filed to trademark the name Royce Keys, with the request submitted on January 20, 2026.
Background on Powerhouse Hobbs
Powerhouse Hobbs, who recently celebrated his 35th birthday, has been a vital part of AEW since 2020. During his tenure, he captured both the TNT Championship and the World Trios Championship, establishing himself as a formidable competitor in the promotion.
As of now, the wrestling world is keenly watching Hobbs’ next move, as AEW strives to keep its talent amidst increasing competition from WWE.
