wrestling / News

WWE Reportedly Happy With Royce Keys’ Debut At Royal Rumble

February 1, 2026 | Posted by Jeremy Thomas
Royce Keys Powerhouse Hobbs Image Credit: WWE

Royce Keys made his official debut at the WWE Royal Rumble, and a new report has a note on the backstage reaction to his debut. As noted, the former Powerhouse Hobbs made his debut at Saturday’s WWE PLE in Saudi Arabia. Keys entered the men’s Rumble at #11 and lasted about 10 minutes, eliminating Damian Priest during his time in the bout.

Fightful Select reports that the reaction backstage was very positive to Keys’ debut. In addition, the outlet reports that people were very positive to his overall introduction to many on the company’s staff and being backstage.

Keys signed with WWE a little over a week ago after his AEW contract expired. AEW was keen to keep him, but Hobbs turned down the offer. He is said to have left on good terms.

The report notes that some people in WWE were confused as to how they could use the “Powerhouse Hobbs” name on the TitanTron before it flashed to his new WWE ring name, as the name originated in AEW. No word on how that came to pass.

There is no word as of yet on what brand Keys will end up on now that he has made his official debut for the company.