Powerhouse Hobbs, Now Royce Keys, Makes WWE Debut at Royal Rumble

Powerhouse Hobbs made his WWE debut today at the Royal Rumble in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia under his new name, Royce Keys. Keys was the #14 entrant in the Men’s Royal Rumble match. His entrance graphics included the name Powerhouse Hobbs, and the announcers also referred to him being “once known as Powerhouse Hobbs” before introducing him as Royce Keys.

Keys wasted no time in the match, quickly hitting Damian Priest with a running powerslam.

The former AEW star has been subject to intense reporting about his future, with all sources indicating that he was headed to WWE despite AEW making a big offer to keep him.

Keys is the latest surprise from the Royal Rumble, joining Brie Bella and Tiffany Stratton as surprise returns.

WELCOME, ROYCE KEYS!!! 🔥 pic.twitter.com/q1t9DD0t6Z

— WWE (@WWE) January 31, 2026