• Top WWE Star Defends The “Royce Keys” Name
World Heavyweight Champion CM Punk recently addressed fan criticism surrounding Royce Keys (fka Powerhouse Hobbs in AEW) and his name change, pushing back strongly against the negative reaction.
Speaking on the No-Contest Wrestling Podcast, Punk said wrestling fans often complain about new talent while simultaneously demanding something fresh. He argued that name changes are an inevitable part of giving performers a clean slate and allowing them to establish a new identity on a bigger stage.
Punk said he personally liked the name Royce Keys from the moment he heard it, calling it a strong and fitting name for a performer being positioned for a new chapter. He added that fans tend to reject anything unfamiliar at first, even when it represents growth or opportunity for a wrestler.
“I think Royce Keys is a pretty bada$$ name,” Punk said.
Using Keys as an example, Punk pointed out what he sees as a contradiction within the fanbase: calls for new stars are common, but patience for those stars is often nonexistent. According to Punk, performers like Keys are being set up to succeed, but constant negativity can undercut that process before it has a chance to play out.
Punk emphasized that change is part of wrestling’s cycle and that new names, presentations, and opportunities should be judged over time rather than dismissed immediately.
• Brie Bella Reveals What She Didn’t Want To Do At Royal Rumble 2026
Brie Bella’s Royal Rumble comeback almost looked very different in the ring. One of the most recognizable parts of her offense – the Yes! kicks – was nearly left out entirely.
On The Nikki & Brie Show, Brie revealed that she had no intention of doing the kicks leading into the match. She hadn’t performed them in years and hadn’t used the move since before the pandemic. Beyond the time away, she also felt unsure about revisiting a move so closely associated with her husband, Bryan Danielson. She didn’t want the moment to feel forced, nor did she want to risk doing it in a way that didn’t live up to expectations.
There were also practical concerns. Brie didn’t have her kick pads with her and hadn’t been practicing the move regularly. From a physical standpoint, it was the one thing she felt least confident about going into the match. Her focus was instead on sticking to the basics – her standard offense, team work with Nikki, and simply getting through the match strong.
Producers suggested bringing the Yes! kicks back, believing the crowd would respond instantly. Brie wasn’t convinced. For days, she pushed back on the idea and stayed firm in her decision to leave them out.
That changed only hours before the show.
With the match approaching, Brie reconsidered. She decided that if she was truly coming back, she should embrace everything that made her return meaningful to fans. She went off on her own and began practicing, kicking repeatedly just to get comfortable with the motion again. Even then, it was a calculated risk rather than a sure thing.
Once she was in the ring, the crowd removed any doubt. As soon as the chants started, the hesitation disappeared. Brie leaned into the moment, feeding off the reaction and letting the energy guide her. Instead of worrying about execution or comparison, she allowed the move to happen naturally. The response from fans in Saudi Arabia confirmed she made the right call.
• Potential WrestleMania 42 Plan For The Bella Twins
A potential Rhea Ripley and IYO SKY versus The Bella Twins match for the WWE Women’s Tag Team Championship has been discussed as a likely direction for WrestleMania 42, according to WrestleVotes Live on Fightful Select.
The idea was framed around WWE’s need for a marquee Women’s Tag Team Title match on the WrestleMania 42 card. With the women’s singles title matches expected to be locked into separate programs, the tag division was viewed as the most logical place for Ripley and IYO SKY heading into the event.
The discussion also noted that the Bellas’ involvement would not be limited to a one-off appearance, with Brie Bella in particular expected to remain active through WrestleMania season. That added to the belief that a high-profile tag title match featuring established stars and returning names could be part of WWE’s plans.
The Bella Twins reunited on this week’s RAW and announced their plans to go after the WWE Women’s Tag Team Championship because they are the original women’s tag team.
Also Read: Spoiler On WWE’s Plan For Major Heel Turn
