One of AEW’s most physically imposing stars is officially on the move.

Powerhouse Hobbs has signed with WWE following the expiration of his AEW contract, making his long-rumored jump to Stamford official. According to Fightful, Hobbs put pen to paper with WWE shortly after his deal with AEW ran out last week, confirming speculation that had been building for months.

As previously reported, AEW made a significant effort to retain Hobbs, with discussions continuing all the way up to the final days of his contract. The offer on the table was reportedly substantial, but by that point, Hobbs had already decided his future lay elsewhere. Despite leaving, sources indicate he handled the situation professionally, maintaining good relationships and fulfilling all remaining obligations.

That professionalism was evident on last week’s episode of AEW Collision, where Hobbs and The Opps dropped the AEW World Tag Team Championships to Hangman Page and JetSpeed. The loss now looks like a clear passing-of-the-torch moment as Hobbs prepared for his next chapter.

As of now, there’s no word on when Hobbs will make his WWE television debut. The timing is interesting, however, with SmackDown airing tonight, Saturday Night’s Main Event taking place this weekend, and the 2026 Royal Rumble looming next weekend. Any of those stages could serve as a launchpad, depending on how WWE chooses to roll him out.

Another unanswered question is what name Hobbs will use in WWE. While a change from his AEW presentation is expected, “Hobbs” itself is reportedly still on the table in some form.

At just 30 years old and boasting a rare mix of size, power, and intensity, Hobbs could be a major addition to WWE’s roster. How he’s positioned — and when fans finally see him — will be worth watching closely as the road to the Royal Rumble heats up.

In yet another report on Friday, this one from BodySlam+, Hobbs’ new ring name was also revealed. According to the outlet, Hobbs will be known as “Royce Keys” in WWE. The company filed a trademark for the name on Tuesday.