Royce Keys, known in AEW as Powerhouse Hobbs, made his WWE debut last month during the Royal Rumble Premium Live Event in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, but has not appeared on WWE television since. After leaving All Elite Wrestling in mid-January by declining a contract renewal, Keys signed with WWE and entered the Men’s Royal Rumble Match at No. 14. Despite this high-profile introduction, he has yet to be featured on weekly WWE shows, and his brand assignment remains unclear.
Questions Raised About His WWE Television Inactivity
Industry insider Dave Meltzer expressed confusion regarding Keys’ continued absence on WWE TV during a recent episode of Wrestling Observer Radio. Meltzer noted that it is unusual for a performer to participate in a major event like the Royal Rumble and then not appear on subsequent programming.
“I don’t have a good reason. You know what? I’ll ask tomorrow night after the show, see if I can find anything out on that, but I have pointed it out that it is kind of weird. You know, the Rumble was weeks ago now and after the Rumble he should have been on TV somewhere. He should have been on the next week and as far as like why not? I mean, I have theories but the reality is I don’t know and it doesn’t really make a lot of sense,”
Meltzer said.
Uncertainty Surrounding Keys’ Role Following Royal Rumble
Meltzer further questioned the logic of Keys’ inclusion in the Royal Rumble if WWE had no immediate plans to utilize him on television. The debut, rather than shining a spotlight on Keys, instead seemed overshadowed by another competitor.
“Why was he in the Rumble then? Because in the Rumble, instead of being this big spotlight debut in the Rumble, it was Oba Femi’s night, and he was just there.”
This observation raises doubts about WWE’s strategy in introducing Keys during such a premier event without clear follow-up booking.
Royce Keys Shares His Ambitions on Steph McMahon’s Podcast
Recently, Royce Keys appeared on the podcast What’s Your Story? with Steph McMahon, where he spoke openly about his goals within WWE. While specific plans have yet to be revealed on weekly shows, Keys appears determined to make an impact once his WWE television presence begins.
Implications of Keys’ Television Delay
Royce Keys’ absence from WWE’s weekly shows following his Royal Rumble debut highlights a curious gap in WWE’s booking approach. Given his reputation and the excitement surrounding his signing, fans and analysts alike are eager to see how WWE will integrate him into their storylines. The delay might affect his momentum, but a strategic introduction could yet capitalize on his strong debut to generate interest and elevate his position within the company.
