Back to today’s briefing

Story perspectives

Hobbs Set for WWE Debut at Royal Rumble?

1/22/2026

43 8 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

Powerhouse Hobbs is expected to join WWE after his AEW contract expires.
He may debut at the Royal Rumble in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
Chris Jericho's WWE return remains uncertain because he is scheduled to perform in California.
AEW's media rights will likely stay with Discovery after the Netflix-Warner Bros. merger, with programming on HBO Max through 2028.
Tommaso Ciampa is rumored to be heading to AEW, generating excitement among fans.

History

Historical Context

In 1993, WWE launched "Monday Night Raw," significantly boosting its audience and securing a deal with USA Network, which led to a 30% increase in viewership. This expansion marked a pivotal moment in wrestling history, setting the stage for ongoing competition with rival promotions like WCW. The recent debut of Powerhouse Hobbs in WWE reflects this legacy of talent movement and the industry's evolving landscape.

1 of 2

Story summary

Powerhouse Hobbs is expected to join WWE after his AEW contract expires.
He may debut at the Royal Rumble in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
Chris Jericho's WWE return remains uncertain because he is scheduled to perform in California.
AEW's media rights will likely stay with Discovery after the Netflix-Warner Bros. merger, with programming on HBO Max through 2028.
Tommaso Ciampa is rumored to be heading to AEW, generating excitement among fans.

1 / 2