Person Who Advised Powerhouse Hobbs to Leave AEW for WWE Revealed

The surprise WWE arrival of Powerhouse Hobbs—now known as Royce Keys—didn’t just happen overnight. According to Rikishi, the move was advised long before Hobbs ever walked through the curtain at the Royal Rumble.

Speaking on his Off The Top podcast, Rikishi revealed that he was the one who encouraged Hobbs to leave AEW and take his shot with WWE. Hobbs, whose AEW contract expired months before his Rumble appearance, entered the match to a massive reaction, instantly confirming that a major career shift had taken place.

Rikishi explained that he’s had a long-standing relationship with Hobbs, dating back to training sessions and independent shows. He said Hobbs regularly leaned on him for guidance while navigating the ups and downs of the business.

“When he came to train with me down here, we used to run shows together… he went through all the independence, all the ups and downs, the bullshit of certain independent promoters. He was always asking questions. He would pick up the phone and call me, ‘Coach, how do I deal with this?’”

According to Rikishi, those conversations continued even while Hobbs was signed to AEW. He said Hobbs stayed in touch out of respect and often checked in just to see how he was doing.

“Even when he was in AEW at the time, he would always just out of the random blue text me, how am I doing. So we had a little chat. I kind of knew he was going to jump ship.”

That conversation reportedly took place around WrestleCon in Las Vegas last year, where Rikishi says it became clear Hobbs needed a fresh start. While AEW provided security, Rikishi didn’t believe Hobbs was being used to his full potential.

“It was easy over there for him in AEW, but he wasn’t being used the right way.”

Rikishi then laid out his advice plainly—bet on yourself and go where the biggest opportunity exists. He told Hobbs to take the risk and trust his own ability.

“You can always leave and go to WWE if you’re not happy. It’s not about the money anymore. WWE is where it’s at. Every single wrestler on the planet that’s out here on the independent circuit is gunning to be seen or go to WWE.”

“Take a chance. If you don’t take a chance, take a chance on yourself.”

That was the last major conversation they had—until Rikishi saw Hobbs make his WWE debut on one of the biggest stages possible.

“When he came out, man, I was so happy for him.”

With Royce Keys now officially part of WWE, Rikishi’s advice looks like it paid off in a big way.

Do you think Rikishi was right to push Hobbs toward WWE? Could Royce Keys become a major player on the main roster, or did AEW drop the ball by letting him walk? Let us know what you think and leave your feedback below.