From California wrestling schools to the global stage: the evolution of Royce Keys
In short: Before he became a powerhouse in the world of professional wrestling, William Hobson honed his craft in the independent circuits of the San Francisco Bay Area. Today, known as Royce Keys in WWE, his journey reflects a decade of grit, personal tragedy, and a relentless climb through the industry's most prominent promotions.
Born in East Palo Alto, California, William Hobson’s path to the ring began in his youth, watching events at the Cow Palace with his grandparents. His early training took place at the All Pro Wrestling school in Hayward, where he debuted in 2009. During his formative years, he competed across various independent promotions, securing multiple titles including the APW Worldwide Internet Championship and the GRPW Dynamite Division Championship. These years were marked by significant personal hardship, including a shooting incident that claimed the life of his older brother and left Hobson injured, yet he persisted in his dream of professional success.
Hobson’s career reached a turning point in 2020 when he signed with All Elite Wrestling. Initially appearing on AEW Dark, he quickly gained traction, aligning with Team Taz and adopting the moniker Powerhouse Hobbs. His tenure in AEW was defined by high-profile feuds and championship pursuits, including a 2023 victory in the Face of the Revolution ladder match and a reign as the AEW TNT Champion. He also captured the AEW World Trios Championship alongside Katsuyori Shibata and Samoa Joe in 2025 before his contract expired in January 2026.
Transitioning to WWE in 2026, Hobson rebranded as Royce Keys, a name honoring his youngest son and his mother’s maiden name. His immediate impact was felt at the Royal Rumble and through his victory in the André the Giant Memorial Battle Royal. Now leading The 946 stable on the Raw brand, Keys continues to employ his signature powerhouse style, utilizing moves like the spinebuster and falling powerslam. His career remains a testament to the endurance required to navigate the shifting landscapes of modern professional wrestling.
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Sources
- Summary by Intellect · source: Powerhouse Hobbs
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