WWE Made Horrible Mistake With Royce Keys: “I Felt Bad For This Dude”

Royce Keys, formerly known as Powerhouse Hobbs, is now a WWE star.

He officially left AEW after his contract expired in mid-January 2026. According to reports, AEW made him a much higher-than-expected offer to retain him, but he still chose to leave the company and begin a new chapter in WWE.

The former AEW star made his WWE debut at the 2026 Royal Rumble during the Men’s Royal Rumble match, entering at No. 14 under the new ring name, Royce Keys.

Royce Keys’ WWE Debut At Saudi Arabian Royal Rumble Was A Huge Flop

On the latest edition of The Stevie Richards Show, former WWE star Stevie Richards discussed Royce Keys’ WWE debut. Richards stated that WWE made a mistake by debuting Keys at the Royal Rumble in Saudi Arabia.

Richards believes Keys would have received a massive crowd reaction had he debuted at a Royal Rumble held in the United States. It was explained that Keys did not get the expected pop in Saudi Arabia because fans there generally have less awareness of AEW compared to WWE.

Stevie Richards: The one person for I can’t wait to get to it that should have been over if he debuted at the Rumble in the States or maybe should not have debuted in the Rumble at all and that is Powerhouse Hobbs. I felt bad for this dude. Royce Keys.

James Romero: Number 14. Powerhouse Hobbs comes up on the screen to deafening silence ’cause they do not get AEW in Saudi Arabia. (From 0:09)

If you use any quotes from this article, please credit the original source and h/t with a link back to TJR Wrestling for the transcription.

Make TJR Wrestling your choice for news by clicking here.