Powerhouse Hobbs, formerly known as Royce Keys in WWE, made his debut at the 2026 Royal Rumble held in Saudi Arabia, entering at number 14 in the Men’s Royal Rumble match. During the event, he eliminated Damian Priest before being ousted by Bronson Reed. However, since that appearance, Hobbs has remained absent from WWE’s flagship shows including RAW, NXT, and SmackDown, sparking rumors about his status with the company.
Speculation circulated that Hobbs had been released over allegations he falsified his age. Despite the rumors, reports confirmed seeing him at WWE headquarters recently, suggesting ongoing involvement with the company. This led to further clarity from sources familiar with the situation.
Official Confirmation Denies Reports of Firing
Cory Hays of Bodyslam.net publicly dismissed claims that Powerhouse Hobbs, performing as Royce Keys, had been dismissed from WWE. On February 10, 2026, Hays tweeted,
“In case there was any doubt, no Royce Keys/Will Hobbs hasn’t been fired from WWE and the age story shouldn’t even be a story.” Cory of Bodyslam.net, Journalist
This statement was intended to put to rest any confusion regarding the wrestler’s contract status and the rumors about his age controversy.
Upcoming SmackDown Appearance in Dallas Confirmed
Insider reports from WrestleVotes revealed that Powerhouse Hobbs is scheduled to make his official WWE SmackDown debut on the February 13, 2026 episode. The event will take place at the American Airlines Center in Dallas, Texas, marking Hobbs’ formal integration into the wrestling roster beyond the Royal Rumble showcase.
Wrestling Veteran Rikishi Comments on Hobbs’ Transition to WWE
On his podcast Off The Top, WWE Hall of Famer Rikishi discussed Hobbs’ move from AEW to WWE. He recalled a recent encounter at WrestleCon in Las Vegas, where Hobbs expressed his intentions. Rikishi shared,
“I just seen him recently. I believe it was a WrestleCon last year in Las Vegas. And, you know, he stopped by. It’s always been respectful. So we had a little chat. I kind of knew he was going to jump ship. You know, it was easy over there for him in AEW, but he wasn’t being used the right way.” Rikishi, WWE Hall of Famer
“It’s like, well, listen, you know, you can always leave and go to WWE if you’re not happy, and it’s not about the money anymore. You know WWE is where it’s at. I mean, every single wrestler on the planet that’s out here in the independent circuit is gunning to be able to be seen or go to WWE. So I said, take a chance. If you’re going to take a chance, take a chance on yourself. And so for me, that was the end of our conversation, until I seen the highlights. And when he came out, man, I was so happy for him.” Rikishi, WWE Hall of Famer
Rikishi’s insight highlights the professional challenges Hobbs faced in AEW and underscores the significance of his WWE opportunity.
Background on Powerhouse Hobbs and His AEW Tenure
Before his WWE debut, Powerhouse Hobbs spent several years in All Elite Wrestling, where he gained recognition and was the inaugural AEW All-Atlantic Champion. His move to WWE follows a period of growing frustration reportedly due to limited creative utilization within AEW, prompting the transition to a new platform.
Wider Context of Hobbs’ WWE Arrival
With WWE’s SmackDown event in Dallas approaching, Hobbs’ debut is anticipated to inject fresh momentum into his career. The company’s decision to integrate a former AEW standout aligns with WWE’s ongoing strategy to expand and diversify its roster. This move not only demonstrates WWE’s scouting reach but also represents a potential shift in the competitive landscape of professional wrestling.
Looking ahead, Hobbs’ performance on SmackDown will likely determine how WWE positions him moving forward, both in storylines and rankings. Fans and analysts will be watching closely to see how Powerhouse Hobbs establishes himself within WWE’s evolving environment and whether this fresh start reignites his wrestling trajectory on a larger scale.
In case there was any doubt, no Royce Keys/Will Hobbs hasn’t been fired from WWE and the age story shouldn’t even be a story pic.twitter.com/VVDh2hrmad
— Cory of Bodyslam.net (@Cory_Hays407) February 10, 2026
