And the Winner is…
Following his SmackDown debut last Friday, many fans now believe Royce Keys is poised to win this year’s Andre the Giant Memorial Battle Royal. After first appearing at the Royal Rumble, Keys had been kept on the shelf until his return last week.
His match was against Berto, one-half of the tag team Los Garza. Keys looked impressive as he showcased his raw physical power, delivering a running Powerslam followed by his signature Spinebuster for the win. While it was already a special night marking his main roster debut, it was made even more significant by taking place in San Jose, California, just miles from his hometown of East Palo Alto.
Looking ahead, having Keys win the Andre the Giant Memorial Battle Royal could signal that WWE envisions him as a major, dominant force on SmackDown. If that is the goal, they should have him command the match by racking up multiple eliminations.
While some fans argue the match lacks purpose, it served as a vital springboard for Carmelo Hayes last year, leading directly to his United States Championship win on December 26, 2025. Perhaps a victory for Keys could signal a similar trajectory?
While fans are rightfully focused on this year’s event, there is a broader conversation to be had about how WWE can improve the event in the coming years. There are clear opportunities to give this annual match more elevation and prestige than it currently holds.
