More than a month has passed since Powerhouse Hobbs wrestled his final match in All Elite Wrestling (AEW) before officially joining WWE as a new Superstar. WWE Hall of Famer Rikishi revealed that the idea of Hobbs making this transition had been discussed between them for almost a year.
Early Conversations Highlighting Hobbs’ Decision
On a recent episode of the Off The Top podcast, Rikishi described a significant talk he had with Hobbs during WrestleCon last year in Las Vegas. The two have maintained a mentor-mentee relationship, and Rikishi noticed Hobbs’s growing dissatisfaction with his role in AEW.
I believe it was WrestleCon last year in Las Vegas, he stopped by,
Rikishi recalled.
He’s always been respectful, even when he was in AEW at the time. He would always, just out of the random blue, text me how am I doing and so forth. We had a little chat. I kind of knew he was going to jump ship. It was easy over there for him in AEW, but he wasn’t being used the right way. It’s like, well, listen, you can always leave and go to WWE. If you’re not happy and it’s not about the money anymore, WWE is where it’s at. Every single wrestler on the planet that’s out here in the independent circuit is gunning to be able to be seen or go to WWE. So I said ‘Take a chance. If you’re gonna take a chance, take a chance on yourself.’
?Rikishi, WWE Hall of Famer
Hobbs’ WWE Debut and Future Prospects
Following Rikishi’s encouragement, Hobbs made his WWE debut as Royce Keys at the Royal Rumble event on January 31, 2026. In his first match, he managed to eliminate former WWE World Heavyweight Champion Damian Priest before being eliminated by Bronson Reed. However, it remains unclear whether Hobbs will be assigned to WWE NXT, WWE Raw, or WWE SmackDown moving forward.
Significance of Hobbs’ Transition to WWE
Hobbs’ move underscores the ongoing competition between major wrestling organizations for top talent, particularly those seeking greater opportunities and visibility. Rikishi’s endorsement highlights the appeal WWE holds for many wrestlers who desire a platform that matches their ambitions. Fans and industry insiders alike are watching closely to see how Hobbs will develop within WWE’s ranks and the impact he may have on its programming.
