At WWE Royal Rumble 2026, Royce Keys, formerly known as Powerhouse Hobbs, made an impressive appearance in the Men’s Royal Rumble Match as the number 14 entrant. The former AEW star displayed his strength and agility, quickly catching the attention of fans and WWE officials alike. Following this, Keys is poised to officially join the main roster with a highly anticipated debut on Friday Night SmackDown scheduled for February 6, signaling a major step in his WWE career.
Anticipated Opportunities for Royce Keys on SmackDown
Royce Keys’ introduction to SmackDown is expected to be impactful, designed to showcase his talents and build momentum for his new chapter in WWE. His physical prowess and rising popularity position him well to make a strong impression on the blue brand. There are several promising storylines and rivalries that Keys could be involved in to quickly establish himself as a key player.
Potential Rivalry with Damian Priest
One of the most talked-about possibilities for Keys’ debut is a feud with Damian Priest. During the Royal Rumble, Keys made an immediate mark by eliminating Priest, highlighting the potential for an intense rivalry. Priest, a former World Heavyweight Champion, recently concluded a feud with Aleister Black and stands as a worthy adversary for Keys. Their similar backgrounds as ex-AEW stars add an intriguing layer to any upcoming matches. This confrontation could help cement Keys’ status as a significant new contender on Friday Night SmackDown.
