Tony Khan Wishes Powerhouse Hobbs Well After AEW Departure

The former AEW champion has joined WWE, but Khan has no hard feelings.

Published on Feb. 11, 2026

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Despite Powerhouse Hobbs' departure from AEW to join WWE, AEW President Tony Khan has publicly wished the former TNT and World Trios Champion well in his future endeavors. Khan acknowledged Hobbs' successful run in AEW and said he will always wish him the best, even though Hobbs opted to leave the company after his contract expired.

Why it matters

Hobbs' departure is a notable loss for AEW, as he was a rising star and champion within the company. However, Khan's gracious comments show a level of professionalism and respect, even for a wrestler who has joined a rival promotion.

The details

Hobbs, now known as Royce Keys in WWE, left AEW in January after his contract expired. Despite reportedly being offered a lucrative new deal to stay, Hobbs decided to try something new and join WWE. Since his debut in the Royal Rumble match in Saudi Arabia, Hobbs has not yet appeared on WWE's main roster shows, though he is expected to be part of the SmackDown brand going forward.

  • Hobbs' AEW contract expired in January 2026.
  • Hobbs made his WWE debut at the Royal Rumble in Saudi Arabia in January 2026.
  • Khan's comments about wishing Hobbs well came during a recent interview in February 2026.

The players

Tony Khan

The president and founder of All Elite Wrestling (AEW).

Powerhouse Hobbs

A former AEW TNT and World Trios Champion who has now joined WWE under the name Royce Keys.

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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. We were just talking about the TNT Champion, he's a former TNT Champion, a former World Trios Champion. He was absolutely incredible in his run here and I'll always wish him all the best.”

— Tony Khan, AEW President (Wrestling Inc.)

What’s next

Hobbs is expected to make his debut on the WWE SmackDown brand in the coming weeks as he begins his new chapter in WWE.

The takeaway

Despite the loss of a rising star like Powerhouse Hobbs, AEW's president Tony Khan has shown professionalism and respect by publicly wishing Hobbs well in his move to WWE. This demonstrates a level of class and sportsmanship that can help maintain positive relationships between rival promotions in the wrestling industry.