Bully Ray is urging TNA Impact to make a play for Powerhouse Hobbs, even as WWE appears positioned to sign the former AEW star, according to comments made on Busted Open Radio.
With Hobbs' AEW contract having expired earlier this month, the 35-year-old heavyweight has become one of the most sought-after free agents in professional wrestling.
WWE sources reportedly believe Hobbs has already agreed to terms with the company, with expectations for his presence during Royal Rumble weekend in Saudi Arabia at the end of January.
However, Ray believes TNA shouldn't sit idle in pursuit of available talent, pointing to the company's improved financial standing.
If I'm TNA, I'm making a play for Powerhouse Hobbs. Forget about WWE. TNA should be making a play for Powerhouse Hobbs also. TNA should be making a play for anybody that's out there. They're in the game now. They got some money from AMC. They need to step up to the plate too.
The WWE and TNA Hall of Famer expressed his support for Hobbs regardless of where he lands, with one notable exception—he doesn't want to see him remain in AEW.
I would love to see Hobbs in TNA. I would love to see Hobbs in WWE. The only place I don't want to see Powerhouse Hobbs is in AEW.
TNA has remained in the spotlight throughout January 2026 with a new media rights deal, fresh talent acquisitions, and significant re-signings. With some talents moving elsewhere this month, the promotion now has roster spots to fill, making Hobbs an even more desirable option from Ray's perspective.
Bully Ray's 'Clubber Lang' Blueprint for Hobbs in WWE
If given creative authority to book Hobbs in WWE, Ray revealed he would model the debut after Mr. T's intimidating character James "Clubber" Lang from Rocky III—building anticipation through a slow-burn presence.
How you always saw T in the audience scouting Rocky. You saw little clips of T. He would watch the fight and then he would leave. I would see Hobbs in the audience for months as a big, menacing, intimidating presence that was always around. Who is this guy? What is he doing here? You can't miss him. He's always on camera.
Ray compared the approach to recognizable front-row fans who become identifiable through repeated appearances, but with Hobbs' imposing physical presence making the impact far more dramatic.
There is a six-foot-four, 300-pound jacked to the gills Black man sitting in the hard camera shot every freaking show. Then we find out when he jumps the guardrail, he destroys everybody, and he gets arrested and taken out. I would use Hobbs as an absolute killer monster. This guy looks the part. He's credible.
NXT Could Use a New Big Man
With Oba Femi's imminent move to WWE's main roster following his dominant NXT Championship reign, Ray pointed out that the developmental brand now needs another imposing presence. Hobbs' extensive in-ring experience could make him a valuable asset for NXT while filling that void.
Should Hobbs make a surprise move to TNA instead, it would mark his first appearance with the company. However, he already has working history with current TNA World Champion Mike Santana and former champion Frankie Kazarian from their time together in AEW.
Hobbs spent nearly six years with AEW, holding the TNT and World Trios Championships before his recent departure. His next destination remains officially unconfirmed, though industry sources increasingly view his WWE signing as inevitable.
