Powerhouse Hobbs: From AEW Standout to WWE’s Royce Keys

Introduction

Powerhouse Hobbs has emerged as a notable figure in professional wrestling, and his transition to WWE under the persona Royce Keys is a development of interest to fans and industry observers. The story matters because it marks a potential shift in the career of William Hobson, born 23 January 1991, who built recognition under the ring name Powerhouse Hobbs during a series of high-profile appearances in All Elite Wrestling (AEW).

Main body

AEW career highlights

Hobson, widely known as Powerhouse Hobbs, gained prominence in AEW through several memorable moments. On 16 September 2020 he intervened to save then-AEW World Champion Jon Moxley from an attack by Brian Cage and Ricky Starks, an early moment that positioned him as a physical presence in the promotion. A year later, on 15 September 2021, Hobbs was involved in a storyline that led to a televised match with CM Punk at the Grand Slam special; that bout marked Punk’s first televised match in more than seven years and was won by Punk.

Title pursuits and trios success

Hobbs continued to be featured in significant matches. On 8 January 2025 he won a Casino Gauntlet match, earning a shot at the AEW World Championship against Jon Moxley, though he did not capture the title the following week at the event Maximum Carnage. In April 2025, substituting for the injured Hook, Hobbs teamed with The Opps — Katsuyori Shibata and Samoa Joe — to defeat the Death Riders and claim the AEW World Trios Championship at Spring BreakThru, adding a notable championship to his résumé.

WWE debut as Royce Keys

Most recently, sources report that Hobson has signed with WWE and made his debut under the name Royce Keys. The move, reported as occurring in January, represents a new chapter after his tenure in AEW. The debut of a performer who had been billed prominently in AEW will draw attention from both promotions’ audiences.

Conclusion

The arrival of Powerhouse Hobbs in WWE as Royce Keys signals a fresh phase in William Hobson’s career. For fans, the switch offers new matchups and storytelling possibilities; for the industry, it illustrates the ongoing movement of talent between major promotions. Observers should watch how WWE positions Royce Keys and whether his AEW momentum translates into a long-term role on the roster.