Royce Keys’ rumored WrestleMania 42 direction just took a major hit — because the plan everyone was talking about may not even be happening.
After reports suggested Keys could team with Jelly Roll in a tag match at WrestleMania 42, a new report has shut that idea down — at least for now. Speaking during a Q&A session on March 23, 2026, WrestleVotes addressed the speculation directly and made it clear the rumored match isn’t locked in.
“The rumor was Jelly Roll and Royce Keys taking on Kit Wilson and The Miz. That rumor’s been debunked. Maybe it was discussed, but it’s certainly not the plan.”
That immediately changes the narrative around Keys’ WrestleMania future, especially after weeks of speculation about how he might be brought back to TV. WrestleVotes then pointed out just how unusual Keys’ situation has become — particularly after his Royal Rumble appearance.
“You’re really living in a world now where you bring in Royce Keys for a surprise debut at the Royal Rumble and then he’s not seen again until after WrestleMania. That would have been unfathomable, but that’s where we are.”
That line says a lot about where things stand. Instead of building momentum off his debut, Keys has essentially disappeared from television during one of WWE’s biggest build periods. It was also pointed out just how unpredictable WrestleMania season has been behind the scenes, with plans constantly shifting.
“You have to keep in mind how many plans have changed during this build to WrestleMania. I’m sure a lot of things have been discussed, given how much has been shuffled around.”
WrestleVotes made it clear that nothing is truly locked in right now — and that includes anything involving Keys. Still, the report confirmed that there was at least some level of discussion about linking Keys with Jelly Roll as a way to get him on TV.
“You can go to sleep one night thinking something is set, and wake up the next morning and it’s completely out the door.” So there was a situation where Royce Keys’ way of getting on TV was through Jelly Roll.”
But even that idea now falls under the category of “maybe” rather than anything concrete: “It’s a very fluid situation, so I don’t think anyone can sit here and say, ‘These are the plans and this is what’s going to happen,’ because of how much has to change.”
Bottom line — Royce Keys’ WrestleMania 42 future is completely up in the air. What looked like a clear direction just last week has now been walked back, leaving him in one of the most uncertain spots on the roster heading into WWE’s biggest event.
Do you think WWE is dropping the ball with Royce Keys after his Royal Rumble debut, or is it too early to judge how they’re handling him? Drop your thoughts below and leave your feedback.
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