Report: Royce Keys Worked A Dark Match Ahead Of Friday’s WWE SmackDown

Submitted by Tom Araya on

According to Fightful.com, Royce Keys competed in his first match since the 2026 WWE Royal Rumble premium live event last Friday night. He participated in a dark match against Nathan Frazer before SmackDown. The report noted that this match does not appear to have been filmed for WWE Main Event, although this has not been confirmed.

Keys made his WWE debut in the Men's Royal Rumble Match on January 31st. He entered the match at number 14 and lasted about 10 minutes, during which he eliminated Damian Priest before being eliminated by The Vision's Bronson Reed.

Previously known as Powerhouse Hobbs, Keys signed with WWE in late January after his contract with AEW expired. Although AEW made a significant effort to retain him by offering a reported five-year deal, he decided to leave for WWE and turned down the offer. He is said to have parted ways with AEW on good terms.

Since his debut at the Royal Rumble, Keys has not appeared on WWE television. There is currently no information on when he might next appear on WWE TV or which brand he may join, but updates will be provided as they become available.