Royce Keys, FKA Powerhouse Hobbs, has been absent from WWE television since making his debut on the Royal Rumble, but a recent update should reassure fans of the previous AEW star.
As per “PWInsider Elite,” WWE has held off on introducing him on “WWE Raw” or “WWE SmackDown” to assist him familiarize yourself with WWE production runs. The report claimed that each WWE star has to undergo this process before they make it on to WWE television. The AEW TNT Champion has reportedly been training on the WWE Performance Center, while he has also featured in WWE events in recent weeks, wrestling in dark matches on “SmackDown.” As per reports, Keys has had three singles matches ahead of “SmackDown” shows over the previous couple of weeks, against the likes of Chris Sabin, Alex Shelley, and Nathan Frazer. His recent day without work WWE programming has puzzled many, but it surely appears the corporate is positioning him rigorously before introducing him to its audience.
Keys was a surprise entrant within the 2026 men’s Royal Rumble match in Saudi Arabia, where he entered the match at #14 and lasted for just below 10 minutes before being eliminated by Bronson Reed. He had only one elimination within the match, eliminating former WWE World Heavyweight Champion Damian Priest.
Keys recently detailed his Royal Rumble debut, explaining the nerves he had prior to his WWE debut and the way he was cooped up in his room ahead of his surprise appearance.