Former AEW talent Powerhouse Hobbs made his official debut for WWE as a surprise entrant in the Men’s Royal Rumble event at this Saturday’s Royal Rumble 2026 event in Saudi Arabia. Hobbs came out under his new ring name of Royce Keys for his career in WWE.
WWE recently released a new behind-the-scenes vlog featuring Keys. Royce opened up about him making his official WWE debut at the Royal Rumble.
“This is wild. This is like something out of a movie, man. This whole setup. Walking down this aisle and into the ring and background. It’s pretty amazing, man. I’m getting goosebumps under this sweatshirt. It’s crazy. It feels real. Looking at the ring, the seats, the stage setup — it’s real. Never thought I would be part of something this big. This is huge. Leading to the Grandaddy of Them All, you know? WrestleMania. This starts tonight.”
Keys also crossed paths with Cody Rhodes and gave his thoughts about how much Cody Rhodes means to him as a friend and for his wrestling career.
“He’s probably going to get mad, but this dude doesn’t know how special he is to me. Thank you for everything. That dude’s been there for me, like, toughest time of my life when my mom passed away. But if I gotta kick his ass, then I gotta kick his ass [laughs]. This is special, man. It’s just like, seeing familiar faces. It’s real. You know, I’m home, I’m moved in. So it’s time to collect.”
The video also showed Keys receiving words of encouragement from Triple H before heading out to the ring.
“We’re going to get rolling and get some good sht started. We’ll be in a good place.”*
Hobbs also talks about him eliminating Damian Priest during his time in the Men’s Royal Rumble match.
“Eliminating a former World Champion. Ah, I’m here, I’m here, I’m here, I’m here. I’m going to take everything I want. Everything.”
