Royce Keys just scored a hometown honor bigger than any championship belt—his own official day in East Palo Alto, California.
Mayor Webster Lincoln and the East Palo Alto City Council declared Thursday, July 23, 2026, as “Royce Keys Day,” honoring the WWE star for his wrestling career, community pride and continued connection to the city where he was raised.
Keys, whose real name is William Hobson, grew up in East Palo Alto’s Gardens neighborhood before launching the wrestling career that eventually took him to AEW and WWE. The city’s proclamation credited his hometown upbringing with helping shape the toughness and work ethic behind his success.
“William Hobson, known around the world as Royce Keys, was raised in the Gardens neighborhood of East Palo Alto, California, where he developed the resilience, determination and work ethic that have guided him throughout his life and career.”
Before joining WWE, Keys competed as Powerhouse Hobbs and became one of AEW’s most dominant stars. During his run with the company, he captured the AEW TNT Championship and the AEW World Trios Championship. East Palo Alto recognized those accomplishments while praising Keys for taking his career from local wrestling events to some of the biggest stages in the industry.
“Through his accomplishments as Powerhouse Hobbs, Keys earned international recognition, capturing the AEW TNT Championship and the AEW World Trios Championship, establishing himself as one of professional wrestling’s premier competitors.”
Keys then fulfilled his longtime goal of signing with WWE in 2026. He made his debut during the Royal Rumble and later won the 2026 André the Giant Memorial Battle Royal. The city pointed to that victory as another example of the athleticism and determination that carried him through his career.
“Royce Keys continued his impressive rise in WWE by winning the 2026 André the Giant Memorial Battle Royal, one of WWE’s most prestigious annual honors, demonstrating the determination, athletic excellence and perseverance that have defined his career.”
The honor was not only about what Keys accomplished inside the ring. East Palo Alto also praised him for returning home and encouraging young people to chase their own goals.
“Despite achieving international success, Royce Keys has remained proud of his hometown and has returned to East Palo Alto to encourage and inspire local youth, reminding them that with hard work, discipline and belief in themselves, they too can achieve extraordinary dreams.”
Mayor Lincoln officially closed the proclamation by declaring July 23 as Royce Keys Day and calling on residents to celebrate everything he has brought to the community.
“I, Webster Lincoln, Mayor of the City of East Palo Alto, together with the City Council, do hereby proclaim Thursday, July 23, 2026, as ‘Royce Keys Day’ in the City of East Palo Alto.”
Royce Keys has won championships, competed on major wrestling stages and reached WWE, but having his hometown permanently attach his name to a day on the calendar may be one of the most personal honors of his career.
What do you think about East Palo Alto declaring July 23 as Royce Keys Day? Leave your feedback in the comments.
