Add as a preferred source on Google Royce Keys remains focused on his WWE run just over six months after making his official debut for the company.
Keys, formerly known as Powerhouse Hobbs in AEW, first appeared in WWE during the 2026 Royal Rumble, which took place on January 31 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. He entered the men’s match at No. 14 and eliminated Damian Priest.
In a recent interview with Josh Hennig, Keys said he has moved past the stage of simply living out a dream and now understands that the focus is on working even harder.
“Every week is rewarding for me. I figured we’re past the dream part. I just hit six months here [in WWE], so we’re past the dream now and it’s time to just keep working even 10 times harder. Just put the same effort in things that got me here. Putting everything into overdrive.”
Since arriving, Keys has been treated as a name with major potential in WWE. In addition to his Royal Rumble debut, he also won the Andre the Giant Memorial Battle Royal on the April 17 episode of SmackDown, outlasting names such as Talla Tonga, Otis, Joe Hendry, and Aleister Black.
Before that, Keys had already made it clear that he does not see his arrival in WWE as a one-off accomplishment. During an appearance on Stephanie McMahon’s What’s Your Story?, he said he wants to become a champion, a legend, and a future WWE Hall of Famer.