Royce Keys, earlier known to fans as Powerhouse Hobbs, has officially stepped into a new phase of his wrestling career. After making a surprise appearance at the Royal Rumble, the buzz around his future in WWE has grown fast. Fans are now eager to know whether he will become a regular face on the main roster or start his journey in NXT. At 35, Keys is at a stage where experience meets power, and many believe WWE could use him straight away in a big role.
Royce Keys’ WWE debut creates buzz
Royce Keys made his WWE debut at the Royal Rumble, one of the company’s biggest annual events. The appearance confirmed weeks of rumours after he quietly left All Elite Wrestling. However, WWE has not yet officially confirmed whether he will be part of the main roster or begin in NXT.
According to a report from BodySlam, Keys was seen backstage at RAW earlier this week. The same report suggests that he is expected to join the SmackDown roster soon. If true, this would put him under the authority of SmackDown General Manager Nick Aldis, a move that could benefit both the brand and the wrestler.
Possible move to SmackDown
SmackDown is currently in need of strong, dominant personalities, and Royce Keys fits that role perfectly. His size, strength, and aggressive style make him a natural threat to top stars.
At the moment, only one match and an appearance by Women’s Royal Rumble winner Liv Morgan have been confirmed for this Friday’s show. WWE has not announced whether Keys will appear live from the Spectrum Center in Charlotte, North Carolina, but fans are hopeful.
If Keys does debut on SmackDown this week, it could instantly shake up ongoing rivalries and title scenes.
Exit from AEW and Tony Khan’s comments
Royce Keys allowed his AEW contract to expire last month. Less than a week later, he signed with WWE, making his decision clear. AEW President Tony Khan spoke about Keys’ departure for the first time during an interview with Josh Martinez on Z100 in New York.
Khan praised Keys’ time in AEW, mentioning his early days in Jacksonville, several strong matches, and his championship success. He also wished him well for the future. Reports suggest AEW made a strong offer to keep him, but Keys ultimately chose to move on.
AEW signs Tommaso Ciampa in return
While AEW lost Powerhouse Hobbs, the company quickly added a major name to its roster. Tommaso Ciampa let his WWE contract expire and signed with AEW just two days later.
Ciampa made an immediate impact by debuting on AEW Dynamite on January 28. Only three days later, he defeated Mark Briscoe on AEW Collision to win the TNT Championship. This quick title win shows AEW’s confidence in him as a top star.
What Royce Keys brings to WWE
Royce Keys is known for his powerhouse style, intense presence, and ability to look believable against main-event talent. Whether WWE places him on SmackDown, RAW, or NXT, he has the tools to become a major name quickly.
Key strengths include:
- Strong in-ring power and athleticism
- Experience working on live TV
- Ability to play a dominant heel or tough fan-favourite
- Natural main roster look and presence
Royce Keys’ move from AEW to WWE is one of the most interesting wrestling stories of the year. His Royal Rumble debut has already put him on the radar of fans worldwide, and a possible move to SmackDown could give WWE a fresh powerhouse star.
While AEW moves forward with Tommaso Ciampa, all eyes are now on Keys and where WWE decides to place him. Whether he appears this Friday or later, his arrival is sure to make an impact and add new excitement to WWE programming.
