WWE’s Royce Keys sidelined indefinitely following Raw angle, Meltzer reports no injury
Despite reports from the Wrestling Observer Newsletter that the former All Elite Wrestling star is physically fit, his indefinite hiatus raises questions about behind-the-scenes developments within the promotion.
WWE commentator Michael Cole confirmed on the August 10 episode of Raw that wrestler Royce Keys is out indefinitely. The announcement follows a post-match angle on the August 3 edition of the show, where Jacob Fatu brutalised Keys, causing him to bleed from the mouth as he applied the Tongan Death Grip.
The indefinite status has sparked speculation regarding potential behind-the-scenes reasons for the kayfabe angle. However, Dave Meltzer of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter has reported that Keys is not injured, although his specific return date to WWE programming remains unclear.
Keys, formerly known as Powerhouse Hobbs in All Elite Wrestling, debuted for WWE at the 2026 Royal Rumble in January. After competing in a number of dark matches, he made his televised return and most recently wrestled at SummerSlam. At that event, he and the team of LA Knight and Solo Sikoa were victorious against The Bloodline.
The dynamics of that faction have shifted since SummerSlam. LA Knight is now targeting World Heavyweight Champion Roman Reigns, though the timeline for that match is unconfirmed. Meanwhile, Solo Sikoa was forced to rejoin The Bloodline following a loss to Jey Uso on the August 10 episode of Raw.
Keys’ absence leaves a gap in the ongoing narrative involving The Bloodline. It remains uncertain when the former AEW star will return to continue his debut year in WWE.
