Royce Keys: 'Everyone in 946 is handpicked'

The leader of The 946 talks about the addition of Carmelo Hayes to the group

Keys appreciates the trust WWE has placed in his faction

946
Photo Credit: WWE
Antonio Rubio
Antonio Rubio
Published 10/14/2026

The latest episode of Monday Night Raw brought a surprise for fans when Carmelo Hayes intervened in the main event of the night to join 946 in their particular brawl against The Usos and Solo Sikoa. His appearance not only caused the end of the match, but he was also confirmed as the fifth member of the faction led by Royce Keys. 

This move made it clear that WWE continues to support 946. This was explained by Royce Keys himself during a recent interview with The Takedown from Sports Illustrated. In it, the leader of 946 valued Hayes' arrival, as well as the confidence that the company has placed in all its members.

"Melo’s always been my boy. Before this even came up, before WWE. I know how he is. He’s just like a pit bull. He’s got a little Tyson in him that some people haven’t seen. The world got a taste of it (Monday) night, so it’s just one of those things that, you know, it’s like a pot of gumbo (a traditional Louisiana dish). You got all your ingredients and you’re seasoning it, and once it’s together, you know, it’s just a chef’s kiss," Keys said.

About the formation of 946 and its relevance in WWE Raw's television programming

"Just being featured on some of the heavy segments, you know, the trust and value, week after week, it means a lot. It definitely lets me know I’m doing the right thing. Everyone in The 946 — Jaida, Lucien, Bronco, Melo now — we’re all doing the right things. We’re all on the same page and everyone in this group is handpicked," he declared.

Since their arrival on WWE Raw, 946 have openly declared war on The Bloodline, while making it clear that "no one is safe" on the red brand. With Survivor Series just around the corner, it is expected that both factions will face off in the traditional WarGames match, where Roman Reigns could be involved.