I got people that depend on me

Royce Keys, fka Powerhouse Hobbs, made his WWE debut at the Royal Rumble 2026. His contract with AEW expired in January, paving the way for his WWE talks. Now, a few days removed from the debut, Keys has broken the silence on why he came to the Stamford-based promotion.

While speaking on Whats Your Story? With Stephanie McMahon, Royce recalled the moment he had signed with WWE. He knew then and there that it was not for a one-off thing where he would be remembered as a WWE Superstar. The former TNT Champion claims the honeymoon phase is over. Thus, he needs to work every day to not let down the people who depend on him.

“The moment I had talks about coming here and signing here, this isn’t a one-off. This isn’t me, like, ‘Hey, I’m a WWE Superstar now. Let me gloat.’ No. I still have to work. It took me years to get here. Honeymoon phase is over. Let’s get with it. Let’s do work. I got people that depend on me. I got people that I can’t let down. I got people I take care of. If I fail, they don’t eat, and I’m not about to have that on my conscience,” said Royce Keys.

The former Powerhouse Hobbs stated his major goals in WWE, too. That included being a champion, a legend, and even a Hall of Famer. All in all, he wants to be remembered as one of the most dominant and feared competitors.

Royce Keys wants to contribute more than just as a wrestler in WWE

On the same podcast, Royce Keys stated that his Royal Rumble debut was a great introduction. However, he will be satisfied being just that. He plans to help WWE in a different way, maybe even handle backstage.

The former Opps member specifically stated that he wishes to rewrite things. Being in the company so long that he leaves when he wishes to step down. As of now, Keys has not begun wrestling on the main roster and has a long way to go in his wrestling journey, as well as in potential backstage management roles.