Royce Keys, formerly known as Powerhouse Hobbs in AEW, made a striking entrance at the WWE Royal Rumble last Saturday, capturing the attention of wrestling fans worldwide. The 35-year-old, who never appeared on Monday Night RAW, is now preparing to launch his WWE main roster career on SmackDown, marking a direct transition without the usual stop at NXT.
Keys was among the most unexpected competitors in the men’s Royal Rumble, lasting nearly 10 minutes before being eliminated by Bronson Reed. WWE’s decision to position Keys immediately on SmackDown reunites him with former AEW stars Cody Rhodes and Aleister Black, who are featured on Friday night programming. This move could define the early trajectory of Keys’s WWE journey, especially as the brand looks to fill a gap for a genuine babyface presence.
Keys’s Role Amid WWE’s Wrestling Landscape and Current Storylines
As WWE enters its buildup to WrestleMania 42, the arrival of Keys offers fresh possibilities on SmackDown. His powerful in-ring style and fan appeal have prompted some to suggest he might have been underutilized in AEW, where he once held the TNT Championship. While Cody Rhodes, also a part of the SmackDown roster, is experimenting with a character that leans toward a tweener role, he has faced mixed fan reactions, including boos from Saudi Arabian crowds.
With Keys ready to become a pivotal figure, WWE’s creative team faces the challenge of establishing him as a key player during this critical period. The brand’s need for a strong, approachable hero makes Keys an ideal candidate to energize storylines and draw audience support.
Separating Royce Keys and Oba Femi Onto Different WWE Brands
Keys is not the only new powerhouse to debut recently; Oba Femi also made a notable entrance during the Royal Rumble as the very first participant, dominating early before elimination by Brock Lesnar. Femi, a two-time NXT Champion, has since been assigned to the RAW brand, contrasting with Keys’s placement on SmackDown.
This deliberate brand split may be strategic, as the two share similar physicality, in-ring style, and presence, making them natural rivals or counterparts. Presenting them on separate shows allows WWE to develop each athlete’s storyline without overlap, potentially culminating in a future high-profile showdown once both have secured their footing on the main roster.
This approach highlights WWE’s investment in developing fresh talent as major powerhouses for the company’s top brands, with Keys and Femi positioned to become central figures in the evolving landscape.
“It will be interesting to see how WWE books Keys, given he’s arrived at the very start of the Road to WrestleMania 42. But they have got it spot on choosing SmackDown for their new powerhouse.” ?Bodyslam.net
“Oba threw five men over the top rope before he was eliminated by Brock Lesnar. He appeared on RAW the following night and destroyed the Viking Raiders.” ?Event Commentary
