A major power shift in the wrestling world appears imminent as Powerhouse Hobbs prepares to move on from AEW.
According to Fightful Select, Hobbs’ current contract with All Elite Wrestling has expired as of today, January 15. While Tony Khan and AEW leadership reportedly made a “huge” and “substantial” financial offer to keep the former TNT Champion, Hobbs has chosen to test the free-agent market.
The departure seems to be amicable, with Hobbs leaving AEW on good terms after months of negotiations. Hobbs reportedly finished his final obligations for the company at the AEW Collision tapings last night. While he stayed loyal to AEW during previous contract talks a few years ago, sources close to the situation indicate that the 34-year-old powerhouse is now ready for a change in scenery.
Internal sources within WWE are already expressing high confidence that Hobbs is headed to their promotion, according to Fightful. WWE has maintained a strong interest in Hobbs for several years. They believe he is officially joining the company as soon as his contractual eligibility begins this week.
Hobbs was the AEW Trios Champion along with Samoa Joe and Katsuyori Shibata, but they lost the titles at last night’s Collision tapings.
Below are the complete spoilers for this Saturday’s episode of AEW Collision: Maximum Carnage:
– AEW Trios Championship Match: “Hangman” Adam Page and JetSpeed (Kevin Knight and “Speedball” Mike Bailey) def. The Opps (Samoa Joe, Powerhouse Hobbs, and Katsuyori Shibata) (c) to win the titles
– Andrade El Idolo def. Angelico
– Eddie Kingston and Ortiz def. Grizzled Young Veterans (James Drake and Zack Gibson)
– Marina Shafir def. Zayda Steel
– AEW Continental Champion Jon Moxley was attacked by The Don Callis Family, which led to The Death Riders making the save.
– Kyle Fletcher, Josh Alexander, and El Clon def. Scorpio Sky, Dante Martin, and Darius Martin
– Konosuke Takeshita wasn’t happy with Don Callis and blew him off.
– Megan Bayne and Penelope Ford def. Viva Van and Danielle Kamela
After the match, Megan and Penelope were confronted by “Timeless” Toni Storm and Mina Shirakawa.
– “Jungle” Jack Perry def. Anthony Bowens
After the match, AEW National Champion Ricochet was attacked by Perry.
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