The 2026 Royal Rumble delivered all the thrilling chaos fans expect—surprise returns, unexpected debuts, and moments that instantly sparked speculation. But amid all the big names, one debut stole the spotlight: former AEW star Powerhouse Hobbs, now going by the name Royce Keys in WWE.
Royce Keys Makes a Powerful WWE Debut
Fans who tuned into the Royal Rumble saw Royce Keys enter the match in the #14 spot, and he wasted no time making an impact. In one of the biggest surprise eliminations of the night, Keys tossed out Damian Priest, a former WWE World Heavyweight Champion.
The move sent shockwaves across the WWE Universe and signaled that Keys wasn’t coming in quietly—he was here to dominate.
From AEW’s Powerhouse Hobbs to WWE’s Royce Keys
Before becoming Royce Keys in WWE, the 33-year-old powerhouse was known as Will Hobbs in AEW. He debuted in 2020 during the pandemic era and quickly turned heads with his raw power and explosive style.
Here’s a quick look at his AEW run:
| Accomplishment | Details |
|---|---|
| TNT Champion | Defeated Wardlow in 2023 |
| Face of the Revolution Winner | Ladder Match win in 2023 |
| World Trios Champion | With The Opps (2025) |
| Notable Faction | Team Taz (2020–2022) |
After losing the Trios Championships to Adam Page, Kevin Knight, and Mike Bailey, rumors circulated that Keys declined a new AEW contract—fueling speculation that he was heading to WWE. The Royal Rumble confirmed it.
Tony Khan Reacts to Keys’ WWE Debut
In a recent interview with Josh Martinez, AEW President Tony Khan addressed Keys’ departure. Despite the buzz, there seems to be no bad blood.
“I think Powerhouse Hobbs had a great run here in AEW… He became a champion and had great matches. I’ll always wish him all the best.”
Khan’s comments show a level of respect for Keys’ decision and career—a rare sight in today’s competitive wrestling landscape.
What’s Next for Royce Keys in WWE?
WWE has yet to confirm whether Keys will join Raw or SmackDown, but either brand presents huge opportunities.
If Royce Keys Lands on SmackDown, Possible Feuds Include:
- Damian Priest (already teased at Royal Rumble)
- Cody Rhodes
- Drew McIntyre
- Jacob Fatu
- Randy Orton
If Royce Keys Heads to Raw, Dream Matches Could Be:
- CM Punk
- Seth Rollins
- Gunther
- Bron Breakker
- Bronson Reed
With his mix of size, strength, and speed, Keys has all the tools to become a main-event player in WWE, much like he was beginning to be positioned in AEW.
Why Royce Keys Could Be WWE’s Next Big Star
Royce Keys enters WWE with momentum, experience, and a hunger to prove himself on a bigger stage. WWE has a strong track record of building dominant powerhouse characters, and Keys fits the mold perfectly.
What makes him stand out is his ability to evolve. In AEW, we saw him go from Team Taz’s muscle to a more confident and polished performer. Now, with WWE’s massive production and storytelling engine behind him, the sky’s the limit.
