Former AEW Star Powerhouse Hobbs Debuts As Royce Keys During 2026 Royal Rumble

The 2026 Royal Rumble took place at Riyadh Season Stadium in the King Abdullah Financial District in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Fans were locked in to see who would win and earn a guaranteed title match at WrestleMania 42.

The Royal Rumble is also known for surprises, and WWE often uses the match to introduce new names and set the tone for what’s next. In Saudi Arabia, it was finally time for the former Powerhouse Hobbs to make his moment happen.

Powerhouse Hobbs came out during the Royal Rumble match in the 14th spot. They showed his old name on the big screens before transitioning into his new Royce Keys name.

AEW tried to keep Powerhouse Hobbs around. He rejected a massive deal with the company to take WWE up on their offer. The former TNT Champion also reached out to Jim Ross prior to the big event in Saudi Arabia.

What’s your take on Powerhouse Hobbs leaving AEW to become Royce Keyes in WWE? Do you think that he made the right move? Let us know what you think in the comments section!