Backstage News On Why Royce Keys Didn’t Go To WWE NXT

Royce Keys has been a part of WWE since his Royal Rumble debut, but a main roster television appearance has yet to materialize — and a new report explains why he bypassed NXT entirely to get here.

According to Fightful Select, WWE was “adamant” that Keys go directly to the main roster rather than being placed in NXT when he arrived with the company. The report notes this is not an isolated approach — Penta and Rey Fenix were among others who had similar situations upon their WWE arrivals.

Keys Traveling to TV Weekly and Filming Content Despite No On-Air Role Yet

While Keys hasn’t appeared on Raw or SmackDown since the Royal Rumble, he hasn’t been idle. Fightful reports that he has been traveling to television tapings each week and working dark matches to stay sharp. He has also appeared on Stephanie McMahon’s podcast, been scanned for WWE 2K, and filmed additional content — though the nature of that content has not been disclosed.

Keys is signed to a multi-year deal with WWE, and there is currently no word on when his main roster television debut will take place. With WrestleMania 42 weeks away and reports already circulating about a possible tag team match involving Keys, the timing of his introduction to the broader WWE audience could be significant.