Royce Keys, formerly known as Powerhouse Hobbs, recently opened up about the meaningful support he received from WWE’s Cody Rhodes and AEW star CM Punk following the passing of his mother in 2021. Speaking on Stephanie McMahon’s What’s Your Story? podcast after his WWE debut at the 2026 Royal Rumble on January 31, Keys credited Rhodes’ heartfelt gestures during a deeply difficult time in his life.
Personal Tragedies and the Role of Cody Rhodes
During the interview, Keys reflected on earlier trauma, including the loss of his brother in a shooting, before focusing on his mother’s declining health in 2021. He described calling Cody Rhodes to share the devastating news, which prompted immediate and compassionate responses despite Rhodes’ personal commitments.
Keys remembered,
“I guess maybe Cody thought I was talking about wrestling because I always bug him with wrestling, and I’m like ‘No, my mom is sick.’ He immediately dropped everything and called me. He called me, he checked on me. I believe his daughter might have been a month old and he still called me.”
Cody Rhodes’ willingness to pause his life and reach out during this painful moment illustrated the close bond between the two.
CM Punk’s Encouragement Before a Key Match
Keys also recounted a poignant interaction with CM Punk on the September 22, 2021, episode of AEW Rampage, which occurred about a month after his mother’s death. Punk offered reassurance before their match and dedicated his performance to Keys’ late mother, creating a moment that deeply affected Keys.
He shared,
“I remember having a match with CM Punk a month after my mom died and he goes, ‘None of this s**t matters, your mom is sitting front row there tonight.’ After the match he pins me and he taps me on the chest, my mom’s nickname was Nita and he goes this one’s for Nita and I just lost it.”
This gesture clearly resonated with Keys, offering comfort during a vulnerable time.
Significance of Support During WWE Debut
Keys highlighted how meaningful Rhodes’ support was in his video diary for WWE’s Royal Rumble 2026 event, captured during his official company debut. The footage also showed an emotional backstage embrace with CM Punk after Keys’ appearance in the men’s Royal Rumble match, reinforcing the sense of solidarity within the wrestling community amid personal hardship.
Impact and What Lies Ahead
The compassionate actions from Cody Rhodes and CM Punk during Royce Keys’ difficult moments reveal the profound personal connections within professional wrestling. Their genuine care not only provided emotional relief at a critical time but also underscored the importance of support networks beyond the ring. As Keys continues his journey in WWE, the memories of this heartfelt encouragement are likely to remain a source of strength.
