• WWE Has Planted Seeds For Ex-NJPW Star’s Debut Despite AEW Interest
The decade-long Japanese odyssey of David Finlay reached an emotional crossroads on February 11, 2026. Following a high-stakes singles match against Callum Newman at The New Beginning in Osaka, Finlay appeared to bid an unmistakable farewell to the promotion that has been his home since 2015.
With Finlay now positioned as one of the most coveted free agents in the industry, the battle for his signature is intensifying between the two biggest promotions in North America.
According to Bodyslam, Finlay has become a major topic of internal discussion within WWE. While a contract hasn’t been officially confirmed, the company has reportedly been planting seeds for his arrival. This includes recent on-screen developments in NXT involving his younger brother, Uriah Connors (Brogan Finlay), left Chase University, which many view as a strategic move to integrate the fourth-generation star into the family’s storied legacy.
Meanwhile, Self Made Pro reports that AEW is aggressively pursuing a unique dual contract for Finlay. This arrangement would allow him to be based primarily in the United States while maintaining the flexibility to return to NJPW for major events.
As David prepares to step away from the Lion Mark, the wrestling world is watching closely to see if he chooses the path of his father, Fit Finlay, in WWE or opts for the hybrid freedom offered by Tony Khan.
• Royce Keys’ Next Move In WWE Revealed
Royce Keys (fka Powerhouse Hobbs in AEW) made his WWE debut during the 2026 Men’s Royal Rumble match. He hasn’t appeared on WWE TV since that night.
According to Fightful Select, Keys was at the WWE HQ this week, where he filmed Stephanie McMahon’s “What’s Your Story?” podcast.
Keys was also backstage at the RAW after Royal Rumble, where he filmed content for WWE’s social media channels.
• Royce Keys’ Real Age Revealed
The mystery behind the age of Royce Keys (formerly known as Powerhouse Hobbs) has finally been solved, and it turns out the powerhouse is a bit more seasoned than the record books suggested.
While public data previously listed the former TNT Champion as 35 years old, a deep dive by Dave Meltzer in the Wrestling Observer has officially corrected the record.
The discrepancy came to light while looking into Keys’ real name, William Hobson. While records showed no one by that name born in California in 1991, researchers found a match for 1985. This discovery confirms that Keys is actually 41 years old, not 35.
It is important to note that this age correction is purely administrative and has no impact on his standing with WWE. Keys, who recently made a splash by jumping to the company and debuting at the Royal Rumble 2026 PLE under his new name, remains a high-priority signing for management.
Here’s how fans reacted to this development:
“So, Dave Meltzer is trying to attack Powerhouse Hobbs/Royce Keys because Hobbs is apparently in his 40s and not 35 like everyone was told? How long did Dave know this when Hobbs was a part of the Opps in AEW and AEW in general? Why does it matter if Hobbs is 40? That’s the dumbest thing to attack someone for. Dave himself is pushing 70.”
“It’s so WEIRD and COINCIDENTAL that these bad things keep coming to light about talent when they leave AEW, often in going to WWE 🙄🙄🙄”
“the delusional old fraud running a smear campaign against Keys just because he joined WWE is the only proof anyone should need that he is an AEW mouthpiece.”
“Powerhouse Hobbs being 41 makes a lot of sense considering he has a 20 year old son.”
“If Hobbs is actually 41, his odds of success in WWE have skyrocketed!”
“Powerhouse Hobbs is 41 years old?!?!?!? I could’ve swore he was in his mid 30s!”
“Honestly if Hobbs is 41 then letting him go isn’t the worst thing ever”
“See idk what the issue is cuz if you liked Hobbs yesterday at 34 how’s he any worse today at 41 lol”
“What a non-issue. Black don’t crack. Dude could be 23 for all we know. Who cares? He’s still an adult and still a damn good wrestler.”
“If he’s 41 then wanting to give WWE a shot now makes total sense. Another 3-5 year contract could’ve been his last as a power guy. Once that back and knees go, its over.”
“I thought he was like 27”
“Icl even mid 30s is way too old for a prospect”
Also Read: What Triple H Said To Royce Keys Backstage At Royal Rumble 2026
