A major AEW star - one who is technically currently holding a title - is on his way out of the promotion effective immediately.
Fightful Select reports that Will "Powerhouse" Hobbs has wrapped up with AEW after his contract with the company expired at midnight. Contract negotiations between the two sides had been ongoing for months as AEW was eager to retain his services and made him a "substantial offer" to stay but the wrestler was looking to test free agency instead. Despite the departure, Hobbs is said to be leaving AEW on good terms.
Sources with knowledge of the situation expect Hobbs to join WWE in the near future and he is eligible to sign a contract as early as today. The Fightful report mentioned that WWE has had interest in Hobbs for quite some time dating back to a couple of years ago but he ended up staying with AEW. WWE sources believe he will land in WWE barring "some huge unforeseen change."
PWInsider added further details that strengthen the report that Hobbs won't be back with AEW- following tonight's AEW Dynamite and Collision tapings, Hobbs was seen "saying his goodbyes" to the locker room with his final appearance for AEW scheduled for this weekend. This report also confirmed that Hobbs has been a name of interest for WWE for a while and with him being a free agent as of today, could sign and appear in WWE immediately.
