Powerhouse Hobbs has officially crossed over to WWE, debuting as “Royce Keys” in the Men’s Royal Rumble match. Following his appearance, new details regarding his departure from AEW have emerged. It was reported on Wrestling Observer Radio that AEW made a significant attempt to retain him. Dave Meltzer noted that Hobbs received a five-year deal that was a “very good offer,” though not among the company’s top 10 contracts.
However, Hobbs reportedly “[wasn’t] that interested in the AEW offer.” WWE was confident he would sign, though the specifics of their financial package remain unknown. Hobbs, now performing as Royce Keys—a name honoring his son Royce and his late mother’s maiden name Keys—entered the Rumble at #11 and scored a major elimination on Damian Priest before being tossed by Bronson Reed.