Royce Keyes, known in AEW as Powerhouse Hobbs, is set to debut in WWE at the Royal Rumble 2026, sparking significant discussion about the lucrative deal he turned down to make this move. Tony Khan, AEW’s owner, made an extraordinary five-year financial offer that would have made Hobbs one of the highest-paid wrestlers in AEW’s history, reflecting the company’s strong desire to keep him on board.
Reports from the Wrestling Observer reveal that Khan’s offer was far beyond a typical raise, positioning Hobbs in the same salary category Bryan Danielson held after moving from WWE. This demonstrates AEW’s significant valuation of Hobbs, as the proposed pay exceeded what nearly all founding AEW members earned in their first year, with the exception of Chris Jericho.
Comparatively, the salary package also outpaced what Kevin Owens and Sami Zayn were reportedly making in WWE four years ago. Moreover, the offer approached figures akin to top-tier stars like Seth Rollins during the 2021-2022 timeframe, marking an elite level of compensation rarely offered to wrestlers at Hobbs’ career stage.
In 2019, many former WWE talents in AEW earned roughly one-third of what Khan was willing to invest in Hobbs. Despite this substantial financial commitment, Keyes ultimately chose to pursue his career in WWE, a decision highlighting his faith in building his brand as Royce Keyes beyond the sizeable AEW contract.
Factors Behind Ava’s Decision to Leave WWE, Despite Financial Incentives
Ava (Simone Johnson), WWE’s youngest General Manager and a fourth-generation wrestling figure, unexpectedly announced her departure from WWE, sparking widespread speculation. According to the Wrestling Observer, the choice originated entirely from her own feelings of no longer having a compelling reason to continue in the wrestling business, despite her prominent position.
The timing of Ava’s exit led to rumors linking it to personal circumstances, particularly the quiet release of her girlfriend, WWE LFG talent Tatyanna Dumas. While insiders acknowledge the connection between these events, it remains unclear whether Dumas’ departure was the primary catalyst or simply one factor among others.
Despite WWE reportedly offering Ava a more lucrative contract to remain with the company, she declined to sign a new deal, signaling a firm resolve to walk away. Before her role as General Manager, Ava had a brief wrestling career with six matches in NXT during 2023, debuting at NXT Stand & Deliver Kickoff and wrestling her last match at NXT Heatwave 2023, where she was defeated by Ivy Nile.
Industry Implications and What Lies Ahead
The cases of Royce Keyes and Ava reveal contrasting career trajectories influenced by personal priorities and professional opportunities within the wrestling world. Keyes’ decision to reject a historic AEW offer underscores his belief in growing his WWE profile, potentially altering roster dynamics between the two major promotions.
Meanwhile, Ava’s departure despite financial incentives reflects the complex pressures performers face beyond contract negotiations, suggesting deeper personal or professional challenges within WWE’s environment. Both stories demonstrate a period of tension and uncertainty in wrestling, as talent weighs money against career satisfaction and future prospects.
Fans and industry observers will be closely watching how these decisions impact AEW and WWE’s talent strategies and storylines. The upcoming Royal Rumble and NXT events may provide further insights into how these shifts shape wrestling’s evolving landscape.
“It wasn’t just a standard raise; it was a top-tier investment that would’ve put Hobbs in the same financial bracket as Bryan Danielson when he first made the jump from WWE.” – Wrestling Observer
“Despite Tony Khan being willing to pay triple the industry standard to keep his powerhouse, Keyes chose the WWE spotlight over the AEW check.” – Wrestling Observer
“The decision was entirely her own. Unlike most talent who fight to stay in the industry, the 24-year-old reportedly felt no compelling reason to continue.” – Wrestling Observer
“WWE even offered Ava more money to stay, but she turned it down and decided she won’t sign a new contract.” – Bodyslam
