Matt Hardy on Royce Isaacs’ WWE Debut & Potential Future

Royce Keys, formerly known as Powerhouse Hobbs, made a highly anticipated debut at the 2026 Royal Rumble, marking his first major appearance following his departure from AEW. The debut was met with a strong reaction from the crowd, signaling a potentially significant moment in his career.

A Promising Start for Royce Keys

Matt Hardy, who previously worked alongside Keys in AEW, expressed considerable enthusiasm for the newcomer’s prospects in WWE. Hardy revealed he contacted Keys immediately after the Royal Rumble debut to offer his congratulations, indicating a continued positive relationship between the two.

Did You Know? The Royal Rumble is described as a “landmark event” by Matt Hardy, highlighting its importance in the professional wrestling calendar.

Hardy’s Assessment of Keys’ Potential

Hardy believes Keys possesses the physical attributes and stage presence to quickly become a prominent figure in WWE. He specifically noted Keys’ potential to compete for championships, including the US and Intercontinental titles, “right from the jump,” and even challenge for the world title in the future.

Expert Insight: A strong debut at the Royal Rumble, coupled with the endorsement of a veteran like Matt Hardy, can provide significant momentum for a wrestler entering a new promotion. The immediate discussion of championship contention suggests WWE sees potential in Royce Keys as a key player.

Hardy stated, “I think he has such a massive potential to be a big star, and hopefully he realizes that.” He further emphasized Keys’ “high ceiling” and ability to be “a player” in the competitive landscape of professional wrestling.

What Could Be Next for Royce Keys

Following a successful debut, Royce Keys could be positioned for a series of high-profile matches against established WWE stars. A possible next step might involve a feud with a mid-card champion, allowing Keys to showcase his skills and build a following. It is also likely that WWE will continue to highlight his power and presence, potentially leading to a main event storyline down the line.

Frequently Asked Questions

What was Royce Keys’ previous wrestling affiliation?

Royce Keys, formerly known as Powerhouse Hobbs, previously wrestled in All Elite Wrestling (AEW).

How did Matt Hardy react to Royce Keys’ WWE debut?

Matt Hardy expressed excitement and congratulated Royce Keys following his debut at the Royal Rumble.

What does Matt Hardy believe is Royce Keys’ potential in WWE?

Matt Hardy believes Royce Keys has “massive potential” to become a “big star” and challenge for major championships in WWE.

What are your initial impressions of Royce Keys’ transition to WWE?