A former top name from AEW recently concluded his time in the company and is now reportedly signed with WWE. Wrestling veteran Dutch Mantell has now shared his thoughts on Tony Khan featuring the star in question, Powerhouse Hobbs, on his promotion’s programming right until his departure.
Around a week ago, it was reported that The Embodiment of Willpower’s contract with All Elite Wrestling was set to expire, and that he was expected to jump ship to WWE subsequently. On Collision: Maximum Carnage, Hobbs wrestled what turned out to be his last match in the company, defending the AEW World Trios Titles alongside his stable-mates Samoa Joe and Katsuyori Shibata. The bout ended with the challengers, Hangman Page and JetSpeed, dethroning the champs after Kevin Knight pinned “The Monstar” in a shocking upset.
Soon afterwards, Hobbs’ profile was removed from AEW’s official roster page, and later, news broke that he had inked a deal with WWE. The former TNT Champion’s All Elite exit still has fans buzzing, with many noting how unlike other former talent like Blake Monroe and Ricky Saints, Hobbs was not kept off of the promotion’s television programming prior to his departure. On the latest edition of his Story Time podcast, veteran Dutch Mantell was asked by his co-host to share his thoughts on how Will Hobbs may have managed to stay on TV during contract negotiations.
Mantell responded by speculating that Hobbs was being featured on AEW programming right until his exit because Tony Khan liked him and his work, stating:
“I think it just happened. I think Will Hobbs, I don’t think he’s been around the business. I’ve never met him. I don’t think he did anything. I think Tony just kept him on there, he must like him, or he wouldn’t have been on TV.”
It remains to be seen what lies next for the California native in his WWE journey.
Bully Ray thinks another AEW star should follow Powerhouse Hobbs to WWE
While viewers of AEW are still discussing the circumstances and implications of the departure of Powerhouse Hobbs, WWE veteran Bully Ray believes that another All Elite name, Wardlow, should follow in the same footsteps as his rival and sign with the sports entertainment juggernaut. In a recent edition of the Busted Open podcast, the WWE and ECW veteran heaped praise on Hobbs, and also voiced his hope that Mr. Mayhem himself will be WWE bound soon.
“I hope Powerhouse Hobbs is running, and running fast. And I hope Wardlow is right behind him. Powerhouse Hobbs looks the part. There’s so much upside to Powerhouse Hobbs, and maybe he can’t talk, I don’t know. I haven’t heard enough from Powerhouse Hobbs. But even if he can’t, you put him with a manager. You do something. That guy can be such a player for you.”- [H/T Wrestling Inc]
Despite returning last year at AEW x NJPW Forbidden Door, Wardlow is currently on the shelf, reportedly recovering from a torn pectoral muscle.
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Edited by Anurag Mukherjee
