Backstage News On Powerhouse Hobbs Being Named Royce Keys In WWE

Upon the rumours that former AEW star Powerhouse Hobbs was signing with WWE, the promotion also trademarked the name “Royce Keys”, with many assuming that this was set to be his new moniker. As talk drummed up about his potential presence at the Royal Rumble 2026 PLE in Saudi Arabia, it emerged that there was some significance behind the first name Royce, as this is the name of his son. 

Fightful Select have revealed the significance behind the surname too, with it noted that “Keys” is the maiden name for his late mother, giving the entire name a lot of personal significance to WWE’s latest signing. 

On last night’s Royal Rumble PLE, Royce Keys made his official WWE debut inside the men’s Rumble match, entering at number 14. The tron initially read “Powerhouse Hobbs”, before being replaced with his name name of “Royce Keys”, with Michael Cole referencing his previous time wrestling under his old name. During the match, Keys eliminated one name in the match in Damian Priest, before eventually being dumped out of the match by Bronson Reed.