In a shocking turn of events, WWE has erased the name of a former AEW champion who recently made his Royal Rumble 2026 debut.
The star in question is Royce Keys (fka Powerhouse Hobbs), who spent six years competing in All Elite Wrestling before jumping ship to rival WWE after his contract expired earlier this year. Hobbs, a former AEW Trios Champion and TNT Champion, made his thrilling debut in the Stamford-based promotion at the 2026 Royal Rumble in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Now going by his new ring name, Royce Keys, the 270-lb star entered the Rumble at No. 14 and lasted about 10 minutes.
Interestingly, WWE acknowledged Keys’ former name, Powerhouse Hobbs, during his entrance, and the name was then digitally transformed into Royce Keys. However, the promotion has since deleted all mention of that name. The repeat telecast of Royal Rumble 2026 is available on Netflix, and viewers will now notice that Powerhouse Hobbs’ displays have been edited out during Keys’ entrance. Many X users noted the same and posted about it on the platform.
Royce Keys may have subtly confirmed he won’t return to AEW in the future
In a recent conversation with Stephanie McMahon on her What’s Your Story podcast, Royce Keys discussed his future aspirations within World Wrestling Entertainment. However, the former AEW Trios Champion may have also subtly hinted during the conversation that he won’t return to the Jacksonville-based promotion.
“I’m not satisfied with this. I love it, it’s a great introduction. But I plan on rewriting things and being here until I say, you know what, I think I want to step away. I want to help this company out in a different way, whether it’s backstage or whatever,” Keys said. [H/T – Slam Wrestling]
Fans have not seen Royce Keys on WWE programming since the 2026 Royal Rumble. Time will tell when the 270-lb star will appear next and on which brand.
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Edited by Karan Raj