Royce Keys made an impactful debut in WWE, but viewers watching the event on Netflix noticed notable changes to his appearance. Previously known as Powerhouse Hobbs during his tenure in All Elite Wrestling (AEW), Keys’ entrance graphics and commentary references were altered for the streaming release of the Royal Rumble.
Keys, who had built a strong reputation on the AEW roster since joining in 2020, held the TNT Championship and the World Trios Championship while competing in the Jacksonville-based promotion. After departing AEW in January 2026, he appeared at the Royal Rumble event, where he managed to eliminate Damian Priest before being ousted by Bronson Reed.
During his entrance at the Saudi Arabia premium live event (PLE), WWE commentators mentioned Keys’ former ring name, Powerhouse Hobbs, along with his nickname “Monstar.” While fans attending the live show saw his previous name briefly displayed on the entrance ramp screen before it switched to Royce Keys, Netflix audiences viewed a version with all references to Powerhouse Hobbs removed.
The WWE reportedly decided to edit out any ties to Keys’ AEW career, focusing solely on his current persona. Among the removed elements were phrases like “FKA Powerhouse Hobbs,” “Monstar,” and descriptive terms emphasizing his strength. These adjustments highlighted WWE’s intent to present a fresh identity for Keys, distinct from his past affiliation.
Rikishi’s Insights on Royce Keys’ Transition from AEW to WWE
Veteran wrestler Rikishi shared details about his conversations with Royce Keys prior to Keys’ move to WWE, revealing that the transition was motivated by career advancement. Rikishi noted that while Keys had an easier experience in AEW, he was not being utilized to his full potential there.
On the Rikishi Fatu Off the Top podcast, Rikishi said Keys regularly reached out to him during his AEW days, indicating a desire to explore new opportunities. Rikishi emphasized the advantages WWE offered to talents seeking greater exposure and better use of their skills, suggesting that monetary factors were no longer the primary incentive.
“He’s always been respectful, even when he was in AEW at the time. He would always just out of the random blue, just text me how am I doing and so forth. So we had a little chat, I kind of knew he was going to jump ship. It was easy over there for him in AEW, but he wasn’t being used the right way. You follow me? And it’s like, well listen, you can always leave and go to WWE if you’re not happy, and it’s not about the money anymore, WWE is where it’s at.” ?Rikishi, Veteran Wrestler
This perspective highlights WWE’s ongoing strategy to attract talent dissatisfied with their roles elsewhere, using Royce Keys as a prominent example of this trend.
Recent Appearances and Future Prospects for Royce Keys in WWE
Since his Royal Rumble debut, Royce Keys has continued to build momentum within WWE. He recently appeared on WWE Main Event, securing a victory against Nathan Frazer in a singles competition. Despite this progress, Keys has yet to make an official television debut on one of WWE’s primary broadcast shows.
The edited presentation of Keys’ entrance on Netflix signals WWE’s intent to establish him firmly under his new identity, distancing him from his AEW past. This approach may influence how future talents transitioning from rival promotions are presented on WWE platforms.
As Keys’ WWE career develops, fans and analysts will be watching closely to see how the company capitalizes on his potential while managing the branding surrounding former AEW stars. His trajectory could also impact broader talent acquisition and presentation strategies within the professional wrestling industry.
“FKA Powerhouse Hobbs”
“Monstar”
“he is a powerhouse”Removed from Royce Keys debut pic.twitter.com/sBiri8RTor
— Promo Joe (@PromoJoeYT) March 3, 2026
