Powerhouse Hobbs is reportedly leaving All Elite Wrestling (AEW) for WWE following the expiration of his contract, marking a surprising development within the wrestling industry. The announcement came amid Hobbs’ reign as a champion in AEW, making his departure unexpected for many fans and insiders.
Fightful reports that AEW made considerable efforts to retain Hobbs, including offering a lucrative contract extension. Despite these attempts, Hobbs appears to have chosen not to re-sign with the Jacksonville-based promotion. He is believed to have completed his final match for AEW during the recent Collision tapings, with the episode scheduled to air shortly.
Fan Reaction: Spectators Walk Out During Dynamite Episode
Video footage has emerged showing a significant number of AEW fans leaving the Arizona Financial Theatre during this week’s Dynamite broadcast. The exodus reportedly occurred shortly after news broke about Powerhouse Hobbs’ potential move to WWE. The clip reveals a noticeable portion of the audience exiting the venue in response to these reports, underscoring the strong emotional response from viewers.
Following Dynamite, AEW recorded Collision, which featured a World Trios Championship match in which Hobbs teamed with Samoa Joe and Katsuyori Shibata. They lost the titles to Hangman Adam Page and JetSpeed, an event widely seen as Hobbs’ final appearance with AEW, although he retained the championship at the end of the Dynamite show.
The Blade and The Butcher Hint at AEW Return in 2026
Fans of AEW may soon see the return of The Butcher and The Blade, a tag team that has been out of the promotion’s spotlight since early 2024. The pair, active in AEW since 2019 but yet to secure any championship titles, have been mostly absent due to health issues, specifically concerning The Blade.
Recently, The Blade shared an update on Instagram indicating their plans to rejoin AEW’s wrestling roster in 2026. Although no official schedule for their return has been released, both wrestlers continue to perform individually on the independent circuit.
“The Butcher And The Blade 2026 Coming soon to professional wrestling near you,” The Blade wrote on Instagram
Kazuchika Okada Reflects on Tanahashi’s Retirement and Meets NJPW Leadership
Kazuchika Okada has been at the center of key developments between AEW and New Japan Pro Wrestling (NJPW) following Wrestle Kingdom 20, where he defeated Hiroshi Tanahashi in a match that marked Tanahashi’s retirement. Okada, who currently holds the AEW International Championship and is affiliated with the Don Callis Family, described the match as a
“retirement match with a happy ending,”
emphasizing the significance of the occasion.
“Yes, Tanahashi-san did his best. I think it was a retirement match with a happy ending that was very much like Tanahashi-san,” said the Rainmaker.
This statement has been interpreted by many as a subtle critique aimed at John Cena’s recent retirement bout, which ended in a defeat that some fans viewed as inconsistent with his legacy. However, Okada did not explicitly mention Cena by name.
In addition to his reflections, Okada held an extensive meeting with Takaaki Kidani, founder and CEO of Bushiroad, and majority owner of NJPW. Kidani expressed gratitude to Okada for his role in what he called the “biggest match of the century.”
“It was hectic at the Dome, but we were able to have a long talk. Thank you for your hard work in the biggest match of the century,” wrote Kidani.
Okada also revealed that challenging Tanahashi in his final match was a way to honor the veteran’s impact on his own career development.
Summary of AEW’s Current Wrestling Landscape and Potential Implications
The news of Powerhouse Hobbs’ impending departure from AEW to WWE represents a notable shift, potentially impacting AEW’s roster strength as they lose a reigning champion. This transition has already influenced fan sentiment, evidenced by the walkouts during Dynamite.
Meanwhile, the planned return of The Butcher and The Blade in 2026 could bolster AEW’s tag team division, giving fans a familiar duo to anticipate. Simultaneously, Kazuchika Okada’s ongoing involvement with both AEW and NJPW illustrates a continued blending of international wrestling talent across promotions, which may lead to further cross-promotional opportunities.
As AEW navigates these personnel changes and opportunities, the promotion’s strategies in contract negotiations and talent retention will remain critical. Fans and industry watchers alike will be watching closely to see how AEW responds to these challenges and what new narratives unfold in upcoming events.
ドームではドタバタしてましたが、じっくり話が出来ました。世紀の大一番、お疲れ様でした。 pic.twitter.com/6irN6BYcn2
— 木谷高明 (@kidanit) January 14, 2026
AEW fans STORMING OUT the arena after hearing Hobbs was leaving AEW
Wow Tony fumbled!!! pic.twitter.com/Npsssat43K
— JobberNationTV: THE REALITY CHECK FOR THE IWC (@JobberNationTV) January 15, 2026
