WWE Booking Plans For Royal Rumble Debutant Revealed (WWE News)

Sports Illustrated are reporting (via Bodyslam.net) that fresh newcomer Royce Keys will end up working on the SmackDown brand sooner rather than later. They reported that the one time Powerhouse Hobbs over in AEW was in attendance for Monday's episode of Raw, but he obviously didn't appear on camera.

There was a reason for that: He's about to ink a deal with blue brand GM Nick Aldis on TV.

Sources within WWE didn't reveal whether or not Keys will be there for this coming Friday's edition of SmackDown. However, he is expected to become part of that roster, not Raw or NXT's. It appears that Triple H will rush Royce to the main touring crew rather than putting him on the developmental brand. That makes sense - Keys is 35 and has years of in-ring experience at this point.

He made a memorable debut during last weekend's 2026 Royal Rumble match. Initially, graphics for Powerhouse Hobbs flashed up on the big screens, but those quickly gave way to his new WWE name. It's the beginning of a bold new adventure for Royce after departing All Elite Wrestling.

AEW boss Tony Khan has publicly wished his ex-employee well. During an interview with Josh Martinez on Z100, Khan noted that Hobbs "had a great run here in AEW". Then, he added: "I'll always wish him all the best".

So, SmackDown looks set to be the most likely destination for Royce Keys. WWE don't stick religiously to their brand split, but that lines up immediate matches against everyone from Damian Priest and Sami Zayn to even top stars such as Drew McIntyre, Cody Rhodes and Randy Orton.