One AEW Star Is Drawing WWE Attention And It’s Not Chris Jericho
Chris Jericho officially became a free agent at the turn of the year as his AEW contract expired on December 31, 2025. He is widely expected to make his return to WWE soon enough.
Many fans were expecting him to show up on the January 5 episode of RAW, but he didn’t appear on the show, leading to increased speculation that he is going to make his return during the Royal Rumble later this month.
It seems like Jericho is not the only former AEW champion who is on WWE’s radar, as reports claim that the Stamford-based promotion is interested in another AEW star.
Powerhouse Hobbs might be on his way to WWE
Sean Ross Sapp of Fightful.com stated on his X account that Hobbs’ AEW contract is set to expire tonight at midnight and WWE sources believe that the former TNT champion might be headed to the promotion.
Powerhouse Hobbs' deal with AEW is up at midnight, and WWE sources believe he's headed there, @FightfulSelect has learned.
MANY more details for subscribers pic.twitter.com/LgaluTrGDN
— Sean Ross Sapp of Fightful.com (@SeanRossSapp) January 15, 2026
Hobbs has been on WWE’s radar in the past as well, but the move never materialized. However, given his contract situation now, and with the Royal Rumble just around the corner, it won’t be a surprise if he makes his debut in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
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