As confirmed by WWE on social media, Royce Keys (fka Powerhouse Hobbs) will make his long-awaited in-ring SmackDown debut on Friday, April 10.
While WWE announced that the former AEW star will be in action in San Diego, CA, his opponent has yet to be revealed.
Here are six potential opponents for on WWE SmackDown for Royce Keys’ debut.
6. Rey Fenix
Two weeks after debuting in WWE, Rey Fenix stepped in to replace Rey Mysterio in his match with El Grande Americano at WrestleMania 41
While there are plenty of new opponents for Royce Keys in WWE, it could be a former colleague from AEW that steps up to the plate first.
Already facing off in multiple dark matches against Keys ahead of the TV debut, Rey Fenix would be a safe choice for his opponent on SmackDown.
Able to pivot from a potential loss and segue into his next big program, Fenix may even be driven to reunite with Penta on WWE Raw if he were to fall to Royce Keys.
With Penta putting his Intercontinental Title on the line in a six-way Ladder Match at WrestleMania 42, his chances of successfully defending the gold are slimmer than usual. So a loss could make way for a Lucha Bros reunion in the near future.
5. Johnny Gargano
Johnny Gargano’s DIY tag team partner Tommaso Ciampa departed WWE for AEW in January 2026
A solid potential first opponent for Royce Keys on the April 10 edition of SmackDown is Johnny Gargano.
After weeks of being down and out, Johnny Gargano returned to NXT for a match with NXT North American Champion Myles Borne, but failed to reclaim his lost momentum and drive for competition.
While he will no doubt experience another loss, Gargano could try his hand against Royce Keys in his debut match on April 10.
Rather than Keys immediately dominating Gargano, “Johnny Wrestling” could put up a valiant effort that shifts him closer to a full babyface turn.
4. Kit Wilson
Kit Wilson has been competing as a singles star since May 2025, when his Pretty Deadly tag team partner Elton Prince suffered a serious neck injury
One option for a first opponent on WWE SmackDown for Royce Keys could certainly be Kit Wilson.
With Wilson continuing to rally against the toxicity in WWE, Keys could gain his attention through a backstage interaction or even answer an open challenge from Wilson.
Potentially serving as the catalyst for Kit Wilson to end up targeting both Jelly Roll and Royce Keys, the previously rumored tag team match at WrestleMania 42 could be back on.
With Keys and Jelly Roll potentially taking on Wilson and The Miz in a fun match to garner mainstream attention, Keys could be the perfect new star to showcase at WrestleMania 42.
3. Carmelo Hayes
CARMELO HAYES lost the United States Championship to Sami Zayn on the March 27 episode of SmackDown
A potential reason to debut Royce Keys on SmackDown ahead of WrestleMania 42 week would be to introduce him ahead of a big bout in Las Vegas.
Launching Royce Keys immediately against a prominent star, his first match on WWE TV could certainly be against former United States Champion Carmelo Hayes.
Winning the Andre the Giant Memorial Battle Royal 2025 on WWE SmackDown last year, Hayes last eliminated Andrade to secure the victory.
Potentially leading to a showdown in next week’s presumed Andre the Giant Memorial Battle Royal 2026 on SmackDown, this match could be a precursor for Keys to appear in the annual multi-man match.
2. Joe Gacy
Joe Gacy and Dexter Lumis held the WWE Tag Team Championships for 196 days
In another move that could cement Royce Keys on SmackDown with a major storyline would be him taking on the Wyatt Sicks.
With a number of intriguing performers in the group, Keys could face a crucible of the Sicks in order to eventually get a match against Uncle Howdy.
One fascinating element of the Wyatt Sicks has yet to be explored is their potential interest in a character by means to ‘test’ them, revealing their true nature throughout the program.
Able to reveal more about Keys’ character throughout the journey, the former AEW star’s background and upbringing could be spotlighted throughout the feud.
1. Ethan Page
Ethan Page has both the longest reign with the NXT North American Championship, as well as the most defences
One name that could appear on SmackDown to face Royce Keys in his debut match could be former NXT Champion, Ethan Page.
Showcasing Keys as a brand new babyface, Page’s heelish antics are the perfect balance for the introduction since the audience immediately knows which star to get behind.
Potentially leading to a call-up on SmackDown in the future, a match against Royce Keys ahead of WrestleMania 42 could provide the former NXT North American Champion the perfect launching pad.
Able to lead into a fun feud in the future, it could very well be that both former AEW stars find themselves at odds again in WWE.
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