WWE star Royce Keys talks grinding on the indies with Jacob Fatu before reaching pro wrestling pinnacle
WWE star Royce Keys reflected on his early career grinding on the independent wrestling scene with Jacob Fatu before both reached the pinnacle of professional wrestling. The two endured long drives and tough conditions while performing for West Coast Pro in the Bay Area. Keys expressed confidence in Fatu's success and credited the West Coast work ethic for shaping their careers.
- ▪Royce Keys and Jacob Fatu both rose from the independent circuit, particularly West Coast Pro, to become WWE stars.
- ▪Keys described grueling 10-hour drives and training in a beat-up Honda Civic while eating ramen during their indie days.
- ▪West Coast Pro owner Scott Bregante played a significant role in the development of both wrestlers.
- ▪Keys stated that the Bay Area's culture and work ethic influenced his and Fatu's approach to wrestling.
- ▪Jacob Fatu is set to challenge Roman Reigns for the World Heavyweight Championship at the upcoming Backlash event.
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WWE WWE star Royce Keys talks grinding on the indies with Jacob Fatu before reaching pro wrestling pinnacle Both wrestlers came up through West Coast Pro and endured 10-hour drives before making it to WWE programming By Ryan Gaydos Fox News Published May 2, 2026 8:31am EDT Facebook Twitter Threads Flipboard Comments Print Email Add Fox News on Google close Video WWE's Royce Keys recalls independent grind to get achieve dream WWE star Royce Keys recalls the sometimes terrifying roadtrips he needed to take to get to the top in an interview with Fox News Digital. NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles! Before Royce Keys was picking apart opponents in WWE, he was wrestling and working with future stars on the independent scene in the Bay Area.
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