• Hall Of Famer Advised Powerhouse Hobbs / Royce Keys To Leave AEW For WWE
On his Off The Top podcast, Rikishi revealed that he advised Powerhouse Hobbs aka Royce Keys to leave All Elite Wrestling and go to WWE. Here’s what the WWE Hall of Famer said:
“He’s always looked amazing. You know this kid here, Hobbs. I’m gonna stick with Hobbs, right? Because that’s what I know him as. When he came to train with me down here, we used to run shows together. He went through the system. He did all the independents.
He went through all the ups and downs, the bullsh*t of, you know, certain independent promoters, and you know how to survive in the game, but he was always, never far away from me, like he would just pick up the phone and he would call me, ‘coach, how do I deal with this?’ He was always asking questions.
I just seen him recently. I believe it was a WrestleCon last year in Las Vegas. And he stopped by. He’s always been respectful, even when he was in AEW at the time. He would always just out of the random blue, just text me, how am I doing? And so forth. So we had a little chat. I kind of knew he was going to jump ship. It was easy over there for him in AEW, but he wasn’t being used the right way.
It’s like, you can always leave and go to WWE if you’re not happy, and it’s not about the money anymore. You know WWE is where it’s at. I mean, every single wrestler on the planet that’s out here in the independent circuit is gunning to be able to be seen or go to WWE.
So I said, take a chance. If you don’t take a chance, take a chance on yourself. And so for me, that was the end of our conversation, until I seen the highlights. And when he came out, man, I was so happy for him.”
Also Read: Possible Brand For Royce Keys After WWE Debut
Must Read: Top WWE Star Defends The “Royce Keys” Name
• WWE Referee Daphanie LaShaunn Loses 4 Family Members In House Fire
WWE referee Daphanie LaShaunn (aka Aja Smith) shared the following heart-breaking update:
“My heart aches. Last night I lost my grandma, grandpa, uncle, and cousin in a house fire. We were at the scene til the very end.. My soul is hollow right now. Please pray for my family as we navigate this unbelievable nightmare.
Planning 4 funerals and rebuilding is gonna be tough. My cousin, A family of 7 with 5 kids, are now displaced with nothing to their name.
Anything helps even a repost. I’ve posted the gofundme link in my bio and I’ll also add it to my story. Thank you all so much.”
Below are the photos that she shared:
As of this writing, over $110,000 have been raised on her GoFundMe page, with the goal being $160,000. Many wrestlers donated, including Kevin Owens ($10,000) and Alexa Bliss ($5,000).
Here’s how the wrestling world reacted:
Rhea Ripley: I’m so sorry fam ❤️ my heart is with you and your loved ones!
Adam Pearce: I have no words, Aja. I send all my love to you and yours. 🙏
Natalya: I’m so sorry, @ajasmithwwe. This is so heartbreaking.💔 Donated and shared ❤️
Bayley: Sending you and your family so much love and strength. We’re all with you ❤️❤️
Raquel Rodriguez: I’m sorry for your loss sis 💔 praying for you and your family and sending my deepest condolences 🙏🏼
Maxxine Dupri: I’m so sorry. Praying so hard for you and your family. Sending you love.
Byron Saxton: You and your family are in my heart. What a horrific tragedy. I will pray for your emotional strength as you navigate this situation.
Chelsea Green: Oh my god. I’m so sorry. Sending you so much love.
Alicia Taylor: Omg. 🙏🏽❤️🙏🏽❤️🙏🏽
Eddie Orengo: So sorry for your loss ❤️
Jaida Parker: Sending love ❤️
Ivy Nile: Im so sorry for your loss… sending you love and prayers 💜
Kit Wilson: ❤️
Cathy Kelley: sending so much love your way!!! ❤️
Indi Hartwell: I’m so incredibly sorry. My heart is with you. Sending you so much love ❤️
Nia Jax: Praying for you and your family 🙏
Renee Paquette: I am so sorry for your loss ❤️
Scarlett Bordeaux: Babe I’m so so sorry, miss you so much and sending you all my love ❤️😢
Karmen Petrovic: i’m so sorry for your loss 😢❤️
B-Fab: Omg Aja! I am so sorry! My heart breaks for you.💔😢 Sending love and a donation
Kacy Catanzaro: I am so sorry. 💔 I’m sending all of my love to you and your family. 🙏🏼
Lola Vice: Praying for you 🙏
Julius Creed: 🙏🙏
Jacy Jayne: I’m so sorry, praying for your entire family❤️
Thunder Rosa: Aja that is devastating, my heart goes to you 💔🕊️🕊️
Carlito: 🙏
Santos Escobar: Praying for you sister 🙏 sending love and strength your way
Sharmell: Praying for you 🙏🏽
RELATED: Daphanie LaShaunn & Ex-NXT Wrestler Were Involved in a Serious Car Accident Recently (Photos)
