It doesn’t sound like there was ever any chance of Royce Keys being sent to NXT upon joining WWE.
A new Fightful Select report states that WWE was “adamant” on Keys, formerly known as Powerhouse Hobbs in AEW, being positioned on the main roster directly without an NXT run. This decision was one WWE made “very early” in its talks with Keys about signing with the company.
Typically most wrestlers, even those who already have extensive experience, spend some time in NXT before arriving on the main roster. However, there have been some exceptions like Jade Cargill, Penta, Dominik Mysterio, and more who were placed on the main roster instead of going to NXT.
Before arriving in WWE, Keys had a nearly six-year stint with AEW and was a Trios Champion as part of The Opps. He debuted at the Royal Rumble but has not made a televised Raw or SmackDown appearance since, instead competing in dark matches against the likes of Chris Sabin, Alex Shelley, Rey Fenix, and Nathan Frazer over the past two months.
Keys also made an appearance on Stephanie McMahon’s “What’s Your Story?” podcast following his WWE debut. Whether he’ll be involved in WrestleMania 42 remains to be seen, though BodySlam+ reports that WWE has considered the possibility of him teaming with country music star Jelly Roll at the event.
