Powerhouse Hobbs: AEW Highlights and WWE Debut as Royce Keys

Introduction — Why Powerhouse Hobbs matters

William Hobson (born 23 January 1991), better known by his ring name Powerhouse Hobbs, has been a prominent figure on the US professional wrestling scene. His transition from All Elite Wrestling (AEW) to making a WWE debut under the name Royce Keys has drawn attention from fans and industry observers. Hobbs’ career highlights — key intervention moments, high‑profile matches and a recent trios title — make his move between promotions particularly relevant to followers of both AEW and WWE.

Main body — Career highlights and recent developments

Hobbs first gained wider recognition in AEW with several memorable moments. On 16 September 2020 he saved then‑AEW World Champion Jon Moxley from an attack by Brian Cage and Ricky Starks, a segment that elevated his profile. On 15 September 2021, an altercation involving Team Taz and commentator CM Punk led to a televised match at the Grand Slam special between Hobbs and Punk; that match marked Punk’s first televised bout in over seven years and was won by Punk.

Hobbs continued to pursue top‑level opportunities. On 8 January 2025 he won a Casino Gauntlet match, earning a subsequent 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, at Spring BreakThru, Hobbs substituted for the injured Hook and teamed with The Opps (Katsuyori Shibata and Samoa Joe) to defeat the Death Riders for the AEW World Trios Championship — a notable championship achievement in his AEW run.

More recently, sources indicate Hobbs signed with WWE in January and made his WWE debut under the ring name Royce Keys. Coverage around the WWE Royal Rumble discussed the identity and background of Royce Keys, noting fans recognise the performer from his work as Powerhouse Hobbs in AEW.

Conclusion — Significance and what to watch next

Hobbs’ body of work — impactful segments, main‑event opportunities and a trios title — provides context for his transition to WWE. For readers and fans, the move signals fresh creative directions: a repackaged persona in WWE, potential new rivalries, and the broader trend of talent movement between major promotions. In the near term, audiences should watch upcoming WWE programmes to see how Royce Keys is positioned and whether Hobbs’ in‑ring role and character continue to build on his AEW accomplishments.