Royce Keys’ Major Condition To Leave AEW For WWE Revealed

Royce Keys joined WWE in early 2026 and even took part in the men’s Royal Rumble match.

However, he has yet to be featured on television again. His only other media appearance has been on Stephanie McMahon’s What’s Your Story? podcast.

Meanwhile, he has been on the road with WWE, competing in dark matches before SmackDown tapings.

While there has been no official reason provided for his delayed main roster debut, it could be attributed to a major precondition that he made before leaving AEW to join the Stamford promotion.

Fightful Select has reported that Keys wanted to debut on the main roster and not NXT, which he had made clear before signing the deal. With the Raw and SmackDown rosters stacked, Triple H & Co. may be looking for a way to fit him into a storyline.

We haven’t been told of specific plans creatively, but when negotiating his WWE deal, he was adamant he be on the main roster as opposed to NXT.

The report also referenced Penta and Rey Fenix, who opted for a similar road.

There are other talent that has happened with, including Penta and Rey Fenix.

In addition to filming Stephanie McMahon’s podcast, Keys got scanned for WWE 2K and announced for that, and has been traveling to TV weekly and working dark matches.

Royce Keys Filmed Additional Projects With WWE

Despite not having made his main roster debut on either the flagship show or SmackDown, Royce Keys has kept himself busy.

The Fightful report also revealed that the company has filmed additional projects with him, although their details have yet to be revealed.

We’re told that they’ve also filmed additional projects with him, though we haven’t heard what they are.

Keys signed a multi-year deal with WWE immediately upon leaving AEW. [H/T: Ringside News]

Also read: WWE’s Alleged WrestleMania 42 Plans For Royce Keys