At the 2026 WWE Royal Rumble Premium Live Event, Royce Keys, formerly known as Powerhouse Hobbs in AEW, officially made his WWE debut in the men’s Royal Rumble match. This milestone marks a significant transition for Keys, who has expressed mixed emotions about his journey into WWE.
Insights from Former WWE Producer on Keys’ Career Transition
On the Duke Loves Rasslin podcast, ex-WWE producer D-Von Dudley discussed Keys’ potential within WWE, highlighting the importance of structure in his development. Dudley recalled their past collaborations when Keys worked as an extra in WWE, emphasizing that Keys had appreciated the guidance offered. He noted that WWE’s environment could finally provide the support Keys sought but didn’t fully experience in AEW.
“I believe that with the right structure, he’ll come along great. I had his matches when he used to come to WWE as an extra, and I worked with him and helped him. He’s always given me credit for that. And the great thing about it is now that he’s under WWE’s umbrella, he’ll be able to get that structure that he needs. He was very frustrated and very angry at times, I remember talking with him because he didn’t feel like he got that with AEW. And now that he’s in WWE, it might be a different story.”
?D-Von Dudley, Former WWE Producer
New Opportunities and Challenges Ahead for Keys in WWE
Dudley further explained that wrestlers coming from AEW to WWE often feel more settled and ready to advance their careers with WWE’s resources. According to Dudley, Keys is on track to leverage this opportunity for the next phase of his professional growth.
“There are certain people that come from AEW and go to WWE that feel more content, and they feel like they’re in a place where they should be to learn what they need to do to take their careers to the next level. And he’s done that—and he’s going to do that.”
?D-Von Dudley, Former WWE Producer
As Keys begins this new chapter in WWE, fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see how the Powerhouse Hobbs WWE debut unfolds and whether the anticipated structure and support translate into long-term success.
