Jim Ross Praises Powerhouse Hobbs’ WWE Debut as Royce Keys

Powerhouse Hobbs, now performing under the name Royce Keys, officially debuted in WWE during the Royal Rumble event on January 31, marking his transition from free agent status to WWE roster member. Earlier that month, Keys concluded his multi-year tenure with AEW, finishing with a pinfall loss in his final match.

Jim Ross Applauds Keys’ Performance and Presence

On the Grilling JR podcast, legendary wrestling commentator Jim Ross shared his positive impressions of Keys’ WWE introduction. Ross highlighted the benefits of reinventing oneself and praised Keys’ appearance and character qualities.

“It was quick. Look, it’s good for his career. You’ve got to move on and stay fresh and put a new coat of paint on it every now and then. I think that’s basically what he did. He looked great. His ring attire was spiffy. He’s a big strong son of a gun. A lot of character, he’s got integrity. I think the world of him, I wish him nothing but the very best. I gravitated to him early on in his AEW run and I’m glad that we got a chance to work with him. He’s a hell of a good guy. He’ll give credit to the locker room without question.”

– Jim Ross, Wrestling Commentator

Keys’ Match Details and Current Status

During his WWE debut match at the Royal Rumble, Keys lasted close to ten minutes before being eliminated by Bronson Reed. As of now, WWE has not announced when Royce Keys will return to competition or make his next appearance, leaving fans eager for updates on his future in the company.

The Impact of Keys’ Transition to WWE

Royce Keys’ move from AEW to WWE signifies an important step in his professional wrestling career, offering new opportunities to develop his persona and compete on a different stage. Jim Ross’s endorsement reinforces the potential seen in Keys, underlining the wrestler’s combination of strength, character, and professionalism. Observers are keen to see how Keys’ WWE journey unfolds and what role he will adopt within the organization’s dynamic roster.

Thomas Schultz
Thomas Schultz
Thomas Schultz is a journalist at CynicalTimes.org, covering the AEW Men’s Division. With one year of experience, he reports on match results, storyline developments, and the rising stars shaping All Elite Wrestling. Thomas brings a fresh perspective and a commitment to accurate, engaging coverage of AEW’s top talent and weekly action. His writing captures the energy, rivalries, and momentum behind one of wrestling’s fastest-growing promotions. From major title bouts to emerging contenders, Thomas keeps fans up to date on everything happening in the AEW men’s roster.