Veteran star Matt Hardy believes Powerhouse Hobbs is poised to thrive in WWE, offering timely perspective on the powerhouse’s future just as a new report indicates Hobbs has joined the company.
Fightful Select reported on Thursday, January 22, that Hobbs has signed with WWE. The report surfaced one week after Hobbs wrapped up his commitments with AEW. A couple of days before the news broke, Hardy and co-host Jon Alba recorded their latest podcast episode, in which Hardy discussed Hobbs’ trajectory, praised his upside, and reflected on the way Hobbs was utilized in AEW.
The timing is notable. Hardy’s comments were captured prior to the signing report, giving his take an added layer of objectivity rather than a reaction to the headline. While details of Hobbs’ WWE arrival, brand assignment, or debut timetable have not been announced, the combination of Hardy’s endorsement and the Fightful Select report puts fresh focus on how WWE might position one of the most physically imposing free agents to hit the market in recent years.
Hobbs carved out a reputation in AEW with explosive power, athleticism uncommon for a heavyweight, and a presentation that matched his ring name. His run featured stretches of significant television presence, including a breakout stint alongside Team Taz, a move into singles contention, and a mid-card championship reign that showcased his ability to carry segments. There were also uneven stretches, where momentum stalled amid resets and alignments, the kind of ebb and flow that often fuels debate among fans about the best way to deploy a rising big man.
Hardy’s perspective carries weight because he has navigated virtually every major U.S. promotion and understands the stylistic and creative differences that shape careers. When he points to Hobbs’ potential in WWE, it speaks to how that system values clear character framing, set-piece moments, and consistent match layouts that highlight strengths. For a talent like Hobbs, that likely means short, impactful TV showings early, a defined finishing sequence, and a steady build against increasingly credible opponents.
The wider industry context matters here. Movement between AEW and WWE has accelerated in recent years. High-profile jumps have reshaped both rosters and sharpened each company’s talent strategies. WWE has been intentional about adding proven TV-ready performers who bring a distinct look or skill set, and Hobbs checks those boxes. He offers a classic big-man presence with an explosive burst—attributes WWE’s production can amplify through framing, camera work, and tightly produced squash-to-showcase matches.
In practical terms, Hobbs slots neatly into a few lanes. As a heel, he can function as an enforcer for a top act, a roadblock who tests ambitious babyfaces, or a standalone threat with a crisp, destructive move set. As a babyface, the visual of a power athlete overwhelming opposition has perennial appeal, especially if framed around brief, high-impact sprints that leave crowds wanting more. WWE’s recent emphasis on reintroducing power wrestlers with strong package vignettes and decisive TV wins could be a natural on-ramp for Hobbs.
AEW’s usage of Hobbs provides some instructive lessons for his next chapter. When he was positioned with simple, direct objectives—crush opponents, lean on his power, and speak with economy—he connected. When creative zig-zagged, the stop-start rhythm diluted some of that aura. In WWE, the key will be continuity: consistent presentation, protected finishers, and a character identity that does not oscillate from week to week. That’s where a talent with Hobbs’ physical presence can rapidly become a reliable mid-to-upper card piece.
The brand question—NXT versus a main roster debut—will be closely watched. NXT has become a viable launchpad for experienced names, offering a runway of character polish and production reps without the scrutiny of immediate prime-time stakes. Conversely, a main roster introduction can capitalize on Hobbs’ look right away, especially if aligned with an established act or positioned in a short, impactful program to establish credibility. Neither path is inherently better; the decision will hinge on the cadence WWE wants for his rollout and how quickly creative sees him slotting into ongoing stories.
For AEW, Hobbs’ departure is another reminder of the promotion’s evolving roster dynamics. The company has developed, featured, and at times reset numerous power-centric acts. Losing a performer with Hobbs’ upside does create a gap in that specific archetype, though AEW’s depth typically allows for quick reshuffling. The broader takeaway is the continued fluidity of the talent market and how each promotion must balance long-term development with week-to-week storytelling demands.
Hardy’s endorsement ties the conversation together. Coming from someone who has experienced WWE’s system, contributed to AEW’s growth, and navigated reinventions across decades, his belief in Hobbs’ ceiling signals that the tools are there—if the booking follows. That doesn’t guarantee a fast track. It does, however, underscore that the raw materials for a compelling WWE run exist: a distinct look, a power-first style that plays on television, and a skill set that can be refined into reliable big-match beats.
As always with reported signings, the next step is official confirmation and the first on-screen chapter. Whether that’s a surprise appearance, teaser vignettes, or a measured NXT introduction, the launch will set expectations. Given Hardy’s remarks and the Fightful Select report, the industry will be watching to see how quickly WWE turns potential into momentum—and whether Hobbs becomes the next heavyweight to break through in a landscape hungry for fresh, credible power players.
For now, the facts are straightforward: Fightful Select reports that Powerhouse Hobbs has signed with WWE after finishing up with AEW the prior week, and Matt Hardy—speaking days before that news surfaced—spoke highly of Hobbs’ potential and offered context on his AEW tenure. The rest will come down to timing, presentation, and the kind of consistent creative runway that turns a promising signing into a sustained push.
