Royce Keys recalls indie grind with Jacob Fatu
Royce Keys, a WWE SmackDown performer, described his early independent wrestling days alongside Jacob Fatu at West Coast Pro in the Bay Area. In an interview with Fox News Digital, Keys detailed long road trips and relentless training that preceded their WWE breakthroughs. West Coast Pro owner Scott Bregante also discussed the promotion's industry role ahead of WrestleMania week events.
Keys highlighted the distinct West Coast wrestling culture. "Scott is one of my partners from way back. He knows everything that I’ve been through," Keys said. "The West Coast has a different feel from any other place I’ve been. We grind harder."
Keys and Fatu shared vehicles and meals during their indie tenure. Keys recounted 10-hour drives in a Honda Civic after shows, eating ramen post-training at KnokX Pro, APW and West Coast Pro. Fatu slept on Keys' couch and vice versa.
Keys drove through a blizzard to a Reno show, crawling at 3-5 mph during a normally 3.5-4 hour trip. He and Fatu drove from Oakland to Las Vegas for matches, returning the same day for work. Keys took Mega Bus trips weekly to train at KnokX Pro with Rikishi, Gangrel and Black Pearl.
Keys expressed full support for Fatu, who challenges Roman Reigns for the World Heavyweight Championship at Backlash. Both now appear regularly on WWE programming.