Royce Keys Was Frustrated and Angry in AEW Before WWE Jump

Royce Keys may have made a surprise debut at the Royal Rumble, but behind the scenes, his WWE debut was the end result of serious frustration during his time in AEW.

Speaking on the DukeLovesRasslin podcast on February 7, 2026, D-Von Dudley opened up about Keys’ journey—and revealed just how unhappy the powerhouse formerly known as Hobbs had become before making the jump.

“He was very frustrated and very angry at times, I remember talking with him about that, because he didn’t feel like he got that structure in AEW.”

D-Von, who previously worked with Keys when he was appearing as an extra in WWE, said the difference now is clear: under WWE’s system, Keys finally has the environment he needs to thrive.

“He’s just getting started after a big debut. I also believe that with the right structure, he’ll come along great. I had his matches when he used to come to WWE as an extra. I worked with him and helped him, and he’s always given me credit for that. The great thing now is that he’s under WWE’s umbrella, so he’ll be able to get the structure that he needs.”

He added that WWE offers a level of mentorship and growth that can’t always be replicated elsewhere—and that it’s already made a difference for others who’ve jumped from AEW.

“There are certain people who come from AEW to WWE and feel more content. They feel like they’re in a place where they should be, where they can learn what they need to do to take their career to the next level. And he’s going to do that.”

This comes after Rikishi recently revealed on his Off The Top podcast that he was the one who advised Keys to leave AEW in the first place. Rikishi said the two had a long-standing relationship and shared that Keys had reached out to him during his time in AEW for guidance.

“It was easy over there for him in AEW, but he wasn’t being used the right way… Take a chance. If you don’t take a chance, take a chance on yourself.”

Now, with Royce Keys officially in WWE and already making an impact, both D-Von and Rikishi believe the gamble is already paying off.

Do you think Royce Keys will reach the next level in WWE? Or did AEW miss the mark in letting him walk? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.

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