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Clarification about what is going on with Royce Keys following his WWE debut at the 2026 Royal Rumble PLE

Aaron Rift

As seen during the 2026 WWE Royal Rumble PLE, Royce Keys (formerly Powerhouse Hobbs in AEW) made his debut with the company in the men’s Rumble match. Since then, Keys has wrestled in dark matches but has not appeared on television, other than clips being shown from his interview with Stephanie McMahon.

BodySlam.net reported this week that WWE is currently using Keys in dark matches to give him additional in-ring reps while the company finalizes his creative direction. It was also noted that him and WWE have filmed vignettes that are expected to start airing soon, with SmackDown still viewed as his likely landing spot.

According to PWInsider.com, one person noted that Keys is getting “acclimated” to how WWE production runs, and not appearing on television yet shouldn’t be seen as anything but the company prepping him. It was stated to the outlet that “99% of talents who are hired go through that process.”

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