Sunday, February 1, 2026
Wrestling News February 1 2026 the royal stumble
# Pro Wrestling News: Royce Keys Debuts in WWE, Ciampa Shocks AEW, and AJ Styles' Career at a Crossroads
The professional wrestling landscape has been set ablaze this February 1st, 2026. Following a historic Royal Rumble in Riyadh and seismic shifts within the AEW roster, the industry is reeling from major debuts, shocking title changes, and the potential end of an era for one of the greatest of all time.
Here is your comprehensive breakdown of today’s top stories as reported by *Fightful Select*, *PWInsider*, and the *Wrestling Observer*.
## Royce Keys (Powerhouse Hobbs) Makes Explosive WWE Debut
In what is already being called the "jump of the decade," former AEW standout **Powerhouse Hobbs** shocked the world by appearing at the Royal Rumble under the new moniker **Royce Keys**.
According to *Fightful Select*, Keys’ AEW contract expired at midnight on January 15th, and he moved quickly to sign with WWE. Entering the Rumble at the #14 spot, Keys made an immediate impact by eliminating Damian Priest, signaling a massive push right out of the gate. The name "Royce Keys" carries deep personal significance, combining his youngest son’s first name with his late mother’s maiden name.
## Tommaso Ciampa Captures TNT Championship in AEW Debut
The "Blackheart" has arrived in All Elite Wrestling, and he didn't come empty-handed. In a massive surprise at *AEW Collision* in Arlington, **Tommaso Ciampa** made his unannounced debut, defeating **Mark Briscoe** to become the new TNT Champion.
The shock didn't end with the pinfall; former champion Kyle Fletcher confronted Ciampa immediately after the match, setting the stage for what promises to be a physical, high-intensity rivalry. While backstage whispers of a "major veteran signing" had circulated, AEW management kept Ciampa's arrival strictly under wraps until he stepped through the curtain.
## AJ Styles’ Career in Jeopardy Following Royal Rumble Clash
Is this the end for "The Phenomenal One"? Following a brutal encounter with **Gunther** at the Royal Rumble, reports from *PWInsider Elite* suggest **AJ Styles** may have wrestled his final match. Styles had put his career on the line, and with his contract set to expire later this month, he has reportedly told colleagues he does not plan to re-sign.
Dave Meltzer noted in the *Wrestling Observer* that WWE is leaning into this narrative, positioning Gunther as a "modern-day career ender." Whether this leads to a formal retirement at WrestleMania or a quiet exit remains to be seen.
## Saya Kamitani Unmasks Starlight Kid at Stardom Supreme Fight
The Joshi world is in a state of shock after the events at Korakuen Hall. During *Stardom Supreme Fight*, **Saya Kamitani** did the unthinkable: after pinning **Starlight Kid** in a six-woman tag match, she forcibly removed Kid’s sacred mask.
This ultimate sign of disrespect serves as the final catalyst for their World of STARDOM Championship match on February 7th in Osaka. Analysts suggest this is the beginning of a "darker" and more aggressive character arc for Kamitani as she heads into the spring season.
## The Rascalz Debut; AEW Grand Slam Australia Details
The AEW tag team division just got a lot more "high-risk." **The Rascalz** (Dezmond Xavier and Zachary Wentz) made their official debut on *Collision*, securing a victory over the duo of Lio Rush and Action Andretti.
In addition to the roster moves, AEW has finalized broadcast details for **Grand Slam Australia** on February 14th. The event will be a 2.5-hour special airing on TNT and HBO Max. The card is already looking stacked, featuring a "Hair vs. Hair" Mixed Tag Match with Toni Storm & Orange Cassidy taking on Marina Shafir & Wheeler Yuta.
## Lucha Libre: Dominik Mysterio vs. Vikingo Confirmed
In a massive cross-promotional move, AAA has confirmed that **Dominik Mysterio** will defend his AAA Mega Championship against **El Hijo del Vikingo** at *Rey de Reyes*.
This match is the result of a talent-sharing agreement between WWE and AAA for the 2026 season. Dominik has been a heat magnet in Mexico since winning the title in late 2025, and a clash with the high-flying Vikingo is expected to be a Match of the Year contender.
## Roster Updates: Chase Owens Re-signs; Chris Jericho Status
* **Chase Owens:** The "Crown Jewel" isn't going anywhere. Owens announced via social media that he has officially re-signed with **NJPW**, where he remains a vital part of the House of Torture.
* **Chris Jericho:** Despite rumors of a Royal Rumble return, "The Learning Tree" was nowhere to be found. *PWInsider* confirmed Jericho is currently in the UK on tour with his band Fozzy, meaning a WWE return is unlikely until at least late February.
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**What do you think of Royce Keys' move to WWE? Is it finally time for AJ Styles to hang up the boots, or does he have one more run left in him? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!**
