AEW President Reflects on Powerhouse Hobbs and AJ Styles' Careers

Tony Khan discusses the former AEW stars' accomplishments and impact on the industry.

Feb. 4, 2026 at 7:23pm

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In a recent interview, AEW President Tony Khan shared his thoughts on the careers of Powerhouse Hobbs and AJ Styles. Khan praised Hobbs' accomplishments as a former TNT and Trios Champion in AEW, wishing him the best in his future endeavors. Regarding Styles, Khan highlighted the Phenomenal One's decorated career, including his standout matches in New Japan Pro Wrestling, and considered him one of the all-time greats of the sport.

Why it matters

This interview provides insight into how AEW's leadership views two prominent wrestlers who have recently departed the company. It showcases Khan's appreciation for their contributions and the respect he has for their careers, even as they move on to new opportunities.

The details

During an appearance on the Yo Josh Martinez Show, Tony Khan was asked about his thoughts on Powerhouse Hobbs and AJ Styles. Regarding Hobbs, who recently debuted in WWE under the name Royce Keys, Khan praised his run in AEW, where he became a TNT and Trios Champion. Khan said he will always wish Hobbs the best. As for Styles, whose in-ring career with WWE appears to have ended after his loss to Gunther at the Royal Rumble, Khan reflected on the Phenomenal One's decorated career, highlighting his fantastic matches in New Japan Pro Wrestling, including his alliance with the Bullet Club. Khan considered Styles to be one of the all-time greats of the sport.

  • Powerhouse Hobbs debuted in WWE at the 2023 Royal Rumble event.
  • AJ Styles' reported in-ring career with WWE ended after his loss to Gunther at the 2023 Royal Rumble.

The players

Tony Khan

The President of All Elite Wrestling (AEW).

Powerhouse Hobbs

A former TNT and Trios Champion in AEW who recently debuted in WWE under the name Royce Keys.

AJ Styles

A decorated professional wrestler who has had a successful career in various promotions, including WWE, where his in-ring career appears to have ended after his loss to Gunther at the 2023 Royal Rumble.

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What they’re saying

“I think Powerhouse Hobbs had a great run here in AEW. He started wrestling here in Jacksonville, where I am now, and had some great matches and became a champion in AEW.”

— Tony Khan, AEW President

“I think that AJ Styles is absolutely a fantastic wrestler. He's one of my favorites, and I think he's had an amazing career all over the world. He's never been in AEW before, but he has wrestled in Ring of Honor, and in Ring of Honor he had some fantastic matches.”

— Tony Khan, AEW President

“As a fan, some of my favorite stuff is when AJ Styles was in New Japan Pro Wrestling. He had fantastic matches there. His match with Minoru Suzuki is one of my personal favorites, and he had a great alliance with the Bullet Club at that time.”

— Tony Khan, AEW President

The takeaway

This interview showcases Tony Khan's respect and appreciation for the careers of Powerhouse Hobbs and AJ Styles, two wrestlers who have made significant impacts in the industry. It highlights Khan's recognition of their accomplishments and the positive relationships they have maintained, even as they move on to new opportunities.