Former AEW star Powerhouse Hobbs made his WWE debut during Saturday’s Men’s Royal Rumble match, entering the field under the new ring name “Royce Keys.”
Keys entered the match at number 14. Upon his arrival, the commentary team acknowledged his past as Powerhouse Hobbs.
His AEW contract expired in mid-January, concluding a six-year tenure with the promotion.
Competing under his real name, William Hobson, and later as Powerhouse Hobbs, the 34-year-old was a homegrown talent for AEW. He debuted on AEW Dark in July 2020 before signing a full-time contract that September after impressing officials in a Casino Battle Royale at All Out.
During his time in AEW, Hobbs became a key member of factions such as Team Taz and The Don Callis Family. He captured the TNT Championship in March 2023 and later held the AEW World Trios Championship alongside Samoa Joe and Katsuyori Shibata.
His final AEW appearance occurred earlier this month when he dropped the Trios titles, signaling his departure.
