Royce Keys’ honeymoon phase is over in WWE, and he is ‘not satisfied’

WWE" data-has-syndication-rights="1" src="https://platform.cagesideseats.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/54/2026/02/roycekeys1.jpg?quality=90&strip=all&crop=0,0,100,100">

Former AEW star Powerhouse Hobbs made his WWE debut on Jan. 31 at Royal Rumble in Saudi Arabia, under his new ring name of Royce Keys. He has yet to appear on WWE programming since eliminating Damian Priest in that match, but Royce did wrestle against Nathan Frazer in a dark match prior to the start of last week’s (Feb. 13) episode of SmackDown.

In a new interview on What’s Your Story? With Steph McMahon, Royce laid out his goals for his WWE career. The honeymoon phase is over, and now it’s time to put in the work to turn these dreams into reality.

“Yeah I made it, but it’s not gonna stop, just ’cause I did this. I got so many goals I want to do here. I want to become a champion. I want to become a legend. I want to be in the Hall of Fame. I want to be remembered as one of the most dominant and feared competitors. Like, what I’ve dreamed of.

And the moment I had talks about coming here and signing here, this isn’t a one-off. This isn’t me [saying] hey, I’m a WWE superstar now, let me gloat. No, I still have to work. It took me years to get here…okay, 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. So if I fail, they don’t eat. And I’m not about to have that on my conscience and shoulders. There’s no excuse.”

Keys thought his WWE debut at Royal Rumble was “better than I imagined,” but it’s only the beginning. Interestingly enough, the big man already has plans in mind for helping WWE after he’s done wrestling.

“I’m making my dreams come true. And I tell people…I’m not satisfied with this. I love it. It’s a great introduction. I love it, but I plan on rewriting things and being here until I say, you know what, I think I want to step away. I want to help this company out in a different way, whether it’s backstage or whatever. I have goals and plans.”

How far do you think Royce Keys will go in WWE? Should Damian Priest be his first feud on the main roster? Give me your thoughts in the comments below, Cagesiders.