Royce Keys, who previously gained recognition as Powerhouse Hobbs in All Elite Wrestling (AEW), has yet to make his anticipated main roster debut on WWE SmackDown, despite being featured in the 2026 Royal Rumble. The delay comes as Triple H and his creative team decide to hold back Keys’ full-time SmackDown introduction, keeping fans in suspense about his next steps in WWE.
Keys, who is 41 years old, made a notable impact in Riyadh by eliminating Damian Priest, a former world champion, during his early WWE appearances. Although he demonstrated his capabilities on a significant platform, Keys was recently assigned to a dark match facing Nathan Frazer prior to a SmackDown episode. Frazer himself has not been showcased on WWE television since the January 23, 2026, SmackDown broadcast.
Uncertainty Surrounding Keys’ WWE Brand Placement
The decision to delay Royce Keys’ main roster push raises questions about whether he will soon receive a breakthrough on SmackDown or possibly be shifted to WWE Raw. Since his in-ring exposure so far has been limited outside of the Royal Rumble and dark matches, many observers are eager to see how WWE positions this former AEW standout moving forward.
Oba Femi’s Developing Role on SmackDown
While Royce Keys awaits his main roster introduction, Oba Femi, also unsigned to a specific WWE brand, is already active on SmackDown. In a recent episode, Femi was engaged in a confrontation involving General Manager Nick Aldis and fellow wrestler Kit Wilson. The situation escalated when Aldis discovered a notebook of poems written by Wilson that disparaged Femi, targeting him as an insecure individual.
Femi confronted Wilson about the contents, showing resolve despite Wilson’s visible apprehension. Subsequently, Femi requested Aldis to set up a one-on-one match against Wilson on the upcoming SmackDown episode. This upcoming match follows a previous squash victory by Femi over Wilson, adding tension to their storyline.
Implications for WWE’s Roster Dynamics
The ongoing uncertainty around Royce Keys’ official WWE brand debut highlights the complex decision-making behind talent integration, especially for former AEW stars transitioning to WWE. Meanwhile, Oba Femi’s storyline with Kit Wilson underscores WWE’s gradual buildup of emerging rivalries on SmackDown, providing fresh narratives for viewers. Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see when Keys will finally join the main roster in a prominent role and how the feud between Femi and Wilson unfolds in the coming weeks.
“I eliminated Damian Priest at Riyadh, which was a huge moment for me, but now I just want my real chance on SmackDown.” ?Royce Keys, Wrestler
“Oba Femi stood his ground despite the shots fired; it’s clear there’s more to this feud than meets the eye.” ?Nick Aldis, WWE General Manager
Royce Keys competed in a dark match before #SmackDown against Nathan Frazer
(📸: @ItzBossTiime) pic.twitter.com/rEW0Yfo5TZ
— WrestlePurists (@WrestlePurists) February 14, 2026
