- Today
- Holidays
- Birthdays
- Reminders
- Cities
- Atlanta
- Austin
- Baltimore
- Berwyn
- Beverly Hills
- Birmingham
- Boston
- Brooklyn
- Buffalo
- Charlotte
- Chicago
- Cincinnati
- Cleveland
- Columbus
- Dallas
- Denver
- Detroit
- Fort Worth
- Houston
- Indianapolis
- Knoxville
- Las Vegas
- Los Angeles
- Louisville
- Madison
- Memphis
- Miami
- Milwaukee
- Minneapolis
- Nashville
- New Orleans
- New York
- Omaha
- Orlando
- Philadelphia
- Phoenix
- Pittsburgh
- Portland
- Raleigh
- Richmond
- Rutherford
- Sacramento
- Salt Lake City
- San Antonio
- San Diego
- San Francisco
- San Jose
- Seattle
- Tampa
- Tucson
- Washington
East Palo Alto Today
By the People, for the People
Royce Keys Set for WWE SmackDown Debut
The former Powerhouse Hobbs is scheduled to make his first appearance on the blue brand next week.
Apr. 10, 2026 at 2:21am
Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›
Royce Keys' debut on WWE SmackDown promises to bring an electrifying energy to the blue brand as he looks to make his mark on the road to WrestleMania.East Palo Alto TodayRoyce Keys, formerly known as Powerhouse Hobbs, is set to make his official debut on the WWE SmackDown brand on April 10, 2026, just over a week before WrestleMania 42. Keys, who hails from the East Palo Alto area of California, has shared details about his upbringing and how wrestling provided him with happiness and peace amidst the challenges of his neighborhood.
Why it matters
Keys' transition to the SmackDown roster marks his first consistent role with the brand since his initial appearance earlier in 2026. His arrival adds a new dynamic to the roster as the company prepares for its premier annual event, WrestleMania 42.
The details
The debut is set for the April 10 broadcast of SmackDown, which airs at 8 ET/7 CT on USA Network. WWE has promoted the arrival of Keys across social media and official platforms. The timing of the debut is notable as it occurs just over one week before WrestleMania 42, as WWE often utilizes the Raw and SmackDown episodes immediately following WrestleMania for major debuts and returns.
- Keys previously appeared in the 2026 WWE Royal Rumble more than two months ago.
- Royce Keys is scheduled to make his official SmackDown debut on April 10, 2026.
The players
Royce Keys
Formerly known as Powerhouse Hobbs, Royce Keys is a professional wrestler scheduled to make his official debut on the WWE SmackDown brand on April 10, 2026. Keys hails from East Palo Alto, California, and has shared details about his upbringing in a neighborhood heavily impacted by drugs and gang violence, crediting his grandparents for providing a stable environment and guiding him away from those challenges.
What they’re saying
“The main thing was love in that house. The Royal Rumbles we had here, we had to throw each other over this fence. We didn't have a lot, but we had each other. My grandma allowed us to dream big. She showed us a world beyond where we were from.”
— Royce Keys
“I refuse to be defined by where I'm from – but instead, by where I'm going.”
— Royce Keys
What’s next
Fans can view the April 10 episode of SmackDown on the USA Network. The event will also be available via the ESPN App, Netflix, CW Network, and Peacock.
The takeaway
Royce Keys' debut on SmackDown represents an opportunity for the wrestler to showcase his skills and inspire others from similar backgrounds, as he has expressed a desire to use his platform to help make a positive impact.
