AEW World Trios Champion Powerhouse Hobbs has publicly expressed his desire for a Paul Wight AEW dream match before the veteran WWE icon retires, bringing renewed attention to Wight’s wrestling future. Wight, who is also known as The Big Show, has not competed in the ring since January 2024 and his in-ring career appears to be winding down.
Powerhouse Hobbs Issues Challenge to Paul Wight
Recently, Powerhouse Hobbs, a current AEW champion, called out Paul Wight for a potential showdown, hoping to face the legend before Wight’s anticipated retirement. Since joining All Elite Wrestling in 2021 following his storied tenure in WWE, Wight has appeared infrequently in matches and has not been involved in the AEW commentary team since the 2024 Full Gear event. The wrestling veteran has openly discussed his plans to end his in-ring career, which has created mounting speculation about a final match.
During a conversation with MuscleManMalcolm, Hobbs highlighted his intentions, referencing his strong connection with Wight and making it clear a match is on his radar.
“Oh yeah, it’s gotta happen [a match between him and Wight]. I know Paul pretty well, I know, [he] ain’t gonna go out like that. So, you know, I gotta always look front, back, side to side,”
Hobbs said. —Powerhouse Hobbs, AEW World Trios Champion
The last noteworthy interaction between these two AEW stars took place in 2023, when Hobbs delivered a powerful move by slamming Wight onto a car, adding fuel to speculation about a heated rivalry. This dramatic encounter continues to build anticipation for a possible career-defining match.
Paul Wight’s Respect for the AEW Champion
Paul Wight has previously spoken highly of Powerhouse Hobbs, listing him as a favorite among AEW talent. In an interview with Bill Apter for Sportskeeda Wrestling, Wight shared his thoughts on Hobbs’ presence both on and off the screen. He emphasized the difference between Hobbs’ intimidating television persona and his real-life demeanor.
“Big running favorite of mine is Will Hobbs, believe it or not. Will Hobbs is one of the few characters I see on TV that [sic] presents himself as a man in a tough guy kind of situation. You would believe in an alley, Will Hobbs would beat the snot out of you. It’s believable. Now, if you’ve ever met Will Hobbs, he’s one of the kindest, nicest gentlemen you’ve ever met, but he has that presence on TV like he doesn’t care if you live or breathe.”
—Paul Wight, AEW wrestler
Wight’s respect for Hobbs adds another layer of interest to the growing speculation about the dream match. Both men hold each other in high regard, yet the tension for a final showdown remains palpable within the AEW community.
Anticipation Builds for Possible Dream Match
As Paul Wight approaches the twilight of his wrestling career, the call from Powerhouse Hobbs for a high-profile match is gaining momentum among AEW fans. The possibility of seeing Wight step into the ring for one last legendary bout against Hobbs has become a major talking point in professional wrestling circles. The outcome remains uncertain, but the anticipation for the Paul Wight AEW dream match continues to grow, with fans and experts alike waiting to see if this highly anticipated battle will become a reality before Wight’s retirement is finalized.
