Royce Keys recalls Bay Area indie grind with Fatu

Royce Keys wrestled alongside Jacob Fatu at West Coast Pro in the Bay Area before both reached WWE. Keys described long road trips and shared living arrangements during their independent circuit days in an interview with Fox News Digital. West Coast Pro owner Scott Bregante discussed the promotion's role ahead of WrestleMania week events.

Keys called West Coast Pro a unique experience compared to other venues. "Scott is one of my partners from way back. He knows everything that I’ve been through. Me and him have been through some things together," Keys said. He attributed a distinct drive to the West Coast, particularly the Bay Area.

Fatu, now challenging Roman Reigns for the World Heavyweight Championship at Backlash, drew Keys' strong endorsement. "That’s my dawg. We go back a dime and four pennies," Keys said of their bond forged through 10-hour drives in a beat-up Honda Civic, eating top ramen, and training at KnokX Pro, APW and West Coast Pro. Keys recounted a blizzard drive to Reno at 3-5 mph and weekly Mega Bus trips to train with Rikishi, Gangrel and Black Pearl.

Both wrestlers now appear weekly on WWE programming, including Keys on SmackDown and Fatu's upcoming title match.