Royce Keys says WWE’s 946 faction is built on real connections, with its members drawing on their backgrounds to create something authentic.

After moving from SmackDown and turning heel, Keys joined forces with Bronco Nima, Lucien Price, Jaida Parker and Carmelo Hayes. Speaking to Mike Chiari of Bleacher Report, he explained that those relationships were already in place before the group came together on screen.

“I knew everybody before we actually all got together. So, 946 is us. We’ve taken parts of how we grew up and where we’re from and put them together, so it’s something that’s authentic and real.”

Keys believes the different qualities each member brings will make the faction a difficult challenge for its opponents. He singled out Hayes’ intensity and Parker’s power when describing what makes the group work.

“We each bring something different,” Keys said. “[Carmelo Hayes] Melo’s a little pit bull. When I take that leash off him, it’s dangerous. And Jaida [Parker], she hits harder than some of the dudes. I always say it’s like a pot of gumbo. You’ve got all these different flavors and mixtures in it, so it’s gonna be hard for our opponents to adapt to it.”

The group took shape after Bronco Nima was kicked out of Perros del Mal in AAA. He reunited with Lucien Price and aligned with Keys, before Parker arrived from NXT and Hayes joined from SmackDown.

The name also carries a connection to Keys’ roots. The numbers 946 are the first three digits of Oakland, California ZIP codes, and WWE previously filed a trademark for the name.

What do you think of 946 so far, and which member are you most excited to see develop? Share your thoughts in the comments.