Powerhouse Hobbs’ tenure with All Elite Wrestling (AEW) concluded when his contract expired in January 2026, leading to his transition to WWE. During his over five years with AEW, Hobbs captured both the AEW TNT Championship and the World Trios Championships. One defining moment of his AEW career was his intense clash with Miro at AEW All Out 2023, a match that showcased his physical prowess and hinted at greater opportunities ahead. This match, featuring Hobbs’ raw power and Miro’s resilience, has since become memorable among AEW fans for its electrifying atmosphere and the iconic chants it inspired.
AEW All Out 2023: A Moment Amidst Turmoil
The All Out 2023 pay-per-view event took place in Chicago less than a day after AEW fired CM Punk due to his backstage altercation with Jack Perry at AEW All In London a week earlier. The event unfolded against a backdrop of tension; All Out occurred shortly after the record-breaking All In London show at Wembley Stadium, which overshadowed it in terms of hype. Compounded by Chicago being CM Punk’s hometown, the crowd was charged with conflicting emotions, as fans vocally expressed their feelings about the recent developments involving Punk.
Despite these challenges, the wrestlers approached All Out 2023 with renewed determination, performing as if their futures depended on it. This energy transformed what was initially perceived as a lower-profile event into one of AEW’s standout shows of the year. Fans frequently cite All Out 2023 among their favorite AEW pay-per-views, largely due to the exceptional matches on the card.
Where Hobbs Stood Before Facing Miro
Heading into the event, Powerhouse Hobbs was navigating a complex phase in his AEW storyline. After his elimination by former ally Ricky Starks in July’s Owen Hart Foundation Tournament and his departure from the QTV stable, Hobbs focused on progressing his in-story arc through The Book of Hobbs. The latest chapter centered on redemption, setting the stage for his face-off with Miro, known as The Redeemer. Miro had only recently returned to AEW following a nine-month absence caused by various issues, making All Out 2023 his first major pay-per-view since coming back. This made the encounter pivotal for both wrestlers, particularly in advancing Hobbs’ redemption narrative.
The Beginning of the ‘Meat’ Phenomenon
This match is etched in AEW history due to the fervent fan chants of MEAT, which originated during this bout and quickly became a staple for heavyweight confrontations. Positioned immediately after the AEW TNT Championship bout between Darby Allin and Luchasaurus, Hobbs and Miro faced the challenge of winning over a crowd that had limited time to embrace their storyline with only weeks of build-up.
The contest itself unfolded in two distinct halves. The opening segment was a brutal exchange of power moves, which announcer Jim Ross aptly dubbed a Super Heavyweight Slugfest. Both competitors launched punishing strikes, slams, and throws, crafting the impression that the ring might not withstand their combined force. Although Miro enjoyed the crowd’s support, much of the early spotlight was on Hobbs, with cameras even capturing their in-ring communication as Miro led certain exchanges. The action was explosive but initially failed to ignite the audience fully, who regarded it as a solid TV match rather than a standout live spectacle — until the turning point arrived.
Transformation Through Fan Energy
As Miro began to rally, the momentum shifted during a strike exchange that traditionally would have elicited the expected boos and cheers aligned with the heroes and villains. Instead, the crowd responded with relentless chants of MEAT each time a blow landed. This spontaneous fan response fundamentally altered the dynamic of the match. Whether this shift was improvised by the wrestlers or planned remains unconfirmed, but the decision to embrace the crowd’s energy unquestionably elevated the bout’s intensity.
With Miro actively encouraging the chants, the entire arena became caught up in the excitement, chanting variations like meat forever, that was meaty, and holy meat. The rhythm of the match quickened as the strikes appeared harder and the impactful moves more devastating. The contest culminated with Hobbs tapping out to Miro’s Game Over submission—a finish that felt both earned and fitting after a suspenseful near escape earlier in the match. Although later events of the night overshadowed this encounter, it earned a standing ovation and carved a permanent place in AEW folklore as one of the most physically intense matchups between big men.
What Followed for Miro and Hobbs After All Out
This match marked the beginning of an end for Miro’s AEW career. After All Out 2023, the wrestler known as The Redeemer competed only three more times in AEW. His storyline focus shifted towards his wife, CJ Perry, who debuted post-match while attempting to rescue Miro from a post-fight assault by Hobbs. Perry later managed Andrade El Idolo during AEW’s Continental Classic tournament and was involved with significant storylines leading to the match between Miro and Andrade at the Worlds End pay-per-view on December 30, 2023.
Following these storylines, Andrade’s contract expired on January 1, 2024, leading to his return to WWE. Perry also left AEW in 2024, and Miro remained inactive for over a year before his contract was terminated, enabling his transition to WWE under the ring name Rusev after WrestleMania 41.
Meanwhile, Hobbs’ path within AEW evolved separately. Continuing The Book of Hobbs with twists in its narrative, he joined The Don Callis Family in October 2023, becoming a prominent figure on AEW programming. His momentum included being featured in a Meat Madness match scheduled for AEW Revolution 2024, which eventually morphed into an All-Star Scramble match. Unfortunately, a severe knee injury sidelined him for seven months starting April 2024. Yet, his return was impactful: Hobbs quickly engaged in high-profile feuds involving Chris Jericho, the Don Callis Family (who turned on him during his absence), and later Jon Moxley and the Death Riders after joining The Opps faction alongside Samoa Joe and Katsuyori Shibata.
Legacy and Prospects of Hobbs and Miro Together in WWE
Powerhouse Hobbs and Miro have reunited on the WWE roster, now performing under the names Royce Keys and Rusev, respectively. Although it remains uncertain whether their paths will cross in WWE, the legacy of their All Out 2023 match looms large. Hobbs has lauded this encounter as AEW’s best big man match, and considering its intense physicality and crowd connection, both performers would likely welcome a rematch to replicate that energy on WWE’s stage. Their shared history and accomplishments suggest that a renewal of their rivalry could be a truly compelling storyline in their new environment.
