Powerhouse Hobbs’ WWE debut had both positive and confusing reactions backstage.
Former AEW star Powerhouse Hobbs made his WWE debut as the 14th entrant in the 2026 men’s Royal Rumble match under his new ring name Royce Keys. He spent almost 10 minutes in the contest and eliminated Damian Priest before getting thrown over the top rope by Bronson Reed.
Wrestling fans praised his performance in the Royal Rumble match, and now, Fightful (via Fightful Select) is reporting that they’ve heard positive things about Powerhouse Hobbs’ debut, the reaction backstage, and his overall introduction to many on the WWE staff.
However, they noted that some were confused about how WWE used the Powerhouse Hobbs name during his entrance before changing it to Royce Keys, since the name originated in AEW.
“Powerhouse Hobbs” was written on the entrance graphics, but they quickly faded away as the new name, Royce Keys, was flashed on screen.
Booker T thinks Powerhouse Hobbs will be a good addition to WWE
Speaking in a recent episode of his Hall of Fame podcast, Booker T looked back at an early conversation he had with Powerhouse Hobbs. He recalled Hobbs asking him for advice about getting into WWE and noted that he would be a great addition to the company’s roster.
“I say, bro. You know, it’s just not like that. I say, but trust me, just keep doing what you’re doing, and don’t stop. And trust me, it’s gonna happen for you. And then, boom, he shows up in AEW and becomes Powerhouse Hobbs, and the rest is history.
“I look at the growth of Will Hobbs, as far as just the evolution of Hobbs, you know, from that kid I was talking to, to this grown man that’s out there, that’s beast as most that’s out there right now, talking about no bread, no water, just meat, that this dude Will Hobbs. So no, I’m looking forward to if he does make that step over to the WWE, I think he’ll be a fitting addition. I think he’ll fit right in, and I think he’ll make money moves right off the bat,” Booker T said about Powerhouse Hobbs.
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