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A graphic featuring Royce Keys, formerly Powerhouse Hobbs during his time in AEW, now a WWE star.
February 4, 2026 By  Pro Wrestling, WWE, WWE Universe

The Powerhouse has Arrived: 5 “Must-See” Matchups for Royce Keys in WWE

4. Bronson Reed 

Amongst all the names on this list, Bronson Reed feels like the most logical opponent to face Keys imminently. Reed was the one who eliminated Keys from the Royal Rumble this past weekend, cutting his WWE debut shorter than he would have liked.  

A match between these two would be a true “Battle of the Behemoths,” with the winner being crowned the company’s ultimate powerhouse. This would give Keys the perfect opportunity to exact his revenge, though WWE would need to be bold in its booking to make this match unforgettable for the fans. 

To make this matchup truly must-see, WWE could create a viral moment rarely seen in the ring. There have been only a few instances in WWE history where the ring has collapsed; having it happen again during a battle between these powerhouses would make a massive statement.

Brock Lesnar and Big Show were the first to stun fans and commentators with this feat, and recreating such a legendary spot would generate instant viral buzz and elevate both Reed and Keys to a new level of popularity.

3. Brock Lesnar 

Despite his recent run-in with Oba Femi, whom he eliminated in the Royal Rumble, Brock Lesnar remains an extremely intriguing opponent for Keys. With rumors suggesting Lesnar is nearing the end of his in-ring career, engaging in a feud with a high-profile legend like “The Beast” could do wonders for Keys’ trajectory. 

A clash between these two would be a battle of heavy hitters, carrying a “Godzilla vs. King Kong” atmosphere. If WWE views Keys as a future main-eventer, a feud with Lesnar would be the perfect way to solidify his status at the top of the card.  

WWE fans have a specific love for matches between two powerhouses who try to run through each other. Since both Keys and Lesnar utilize a “squash” style of offense to dominate their opponents, seeing what happens when two men who cannot be easily overpowered finally collide would create immediate, high-stakes drama. 

2. Oba Femi

Following his dominant performance this past Saturday, fans are incredibly excited about Oba Femi’s future. The WWE Universe is so sold on him that many hoped to see him go the distance in the Royal Rumble, with some even making a compelling case that he should have won the match. 

Despite that momentum, he was eliminated by Brock Lesnar, teasing what could potentially be a future WrestleMania clash between the two. Once that rivalry concludes, Royce Keys would be an ideal opponent for him for a number of reasons. 

The two share a rare combination of raw strength and explosive offense, making them ideal rivals. This matchup would also provide a perfect opportunity for WWE to showcase two superstars viewed as potential torchbearers for the future of the industry. 

This would be a rare matchup where neither man would have a clear physical advantage, creating a truly compelling dynamic. While Femi has the height and weight advantage, Keys’ experience and powerhouse style make him one of the few wrestlers capable of matching Femi’s raw strength. A clash between the two would be a high-intensity, physical encounter that would keep fans on the edge of their seats.

About Nicholas Paul

Nicholas is a graduate of Sheridan College's Journalism Program and has been an avid WWE fan since childhood. Nicholas offers analysis of WWE’s narratives and booking strategy, focusing on storytelling and character development. He'll also be offering his opinions on the creative direction and strategic decisions shaping the WWE landscape.

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