Roman Reigns Talks The Rock, Cody Rhodes; Tommy Fury Eyes WWE Spot; NXT Rumors Surround Oba Femi
By Mike Chiari | November 27, 2024
Bleacher Report catches you up on the latest developments in the WWE Universe, including insights from Roman Reigns on WrestleMania 40 opponents, potential wrestling ambitions from boxer Tommy Fury, and intriguing rumors about NXT star Oba Femi.
Roman Reigns Reflects on WrestleMania 40 Opponents and The Rock Match Possibility
In a recent appearance on the SI Media podcast with Jimmy Traina, WWE’s Roman Reigns opened up about the main event scenario at WrestleMania 40, where he faced Cody Rhodes instead of The Rock—a matchup many fans were eager to see. Beginning around the 31:45 mark in the interview, Reigns emphasized that it simply didn’t matter to him who stood on the opposite side of the ring as long as he held the spotlight as the main event star.
“It doesn’t matter to me. I was the main event. I’m the guy that everyone wanted to dance with, you know?” Reigns said. He described the challenge as the same regardless of the opponent—to defend his position at the pinnacle of WWE against those trying to dethrone him.
The lead-up to WrestleMania 40 initially suggested Cody Rhodes might not challenge Reigns for the WWE Championship after winning the men’s 2024 Royal Rumble. The Rock appeared poised to reclaim that spot, only for fan backlash to influence a quick reversal where Rhodes reentered the title picture. The Rock then turned heel, adopting the moniker "The Final Boss," and aligned with Reigns, culminating in their tag victory over Rhodes and Seth Rollins on Night 1. However, Rhodes captured the WWE title on Night 2 in the climactic main event.
Addressing whether a Reigns vs. The Rock showdown might still happen, Reigns expressed optimism contingent on fan demand, stating: “If that’s what the people want and The People’s Champ is down, I’m sure we can make something happen.” The Rock’s surprise WWE return at the Bad Blood event last month reignited speculation, although his long-term intentions remain unclear.
With the ongoing rivalry within The Bloodline faction culminating in a WarGames match at Survivor Series, many see it as a hopeful moment for The Rock to reappear and pave the way toward a future clash with his cousin, Roman Reigns.
Tommy Fury Hints at Possible WWE Career
Boxing sensation Tommy Fury signaled potential interest in joining WWE during a recent visit backstage at a WWE event in the United Kingdom. In a YouTube video posted Sunday, Fury shared footage of his time mingling with WWE Superstars and expressed appreciation for the wrestlers and the WWE organization.
“So guys, that is a night at the WWE complete. All the wrestlers showing love. Big up to Randy Orton. Absolutely amazing guy. Big up to Cody Rhodes, all of them, Gunther, the lot of them. Thank you to the WWE for showing us such appreciation. And I look forward to possibly climbing through those ropes one day. Who knows? But it’s been a great night,” Fury said.
At 25, Fury boasts an undefeated 10-0 professional boxing record and is notable as the only fighter to have defeated internet personality Jake Paul in the ring. As the younger brother of former world heavyweight champion Tyson Fury—who had a brief but memorable encounter with WWE in 2019—Tommy’s entry into wrestling could follow familial footsteps.
Given Tommy Fury’s known connections and rivalries with the Paul family, particularly Logan Paul’s established status in WWE, a potential storyline involving the Fury and Paul brothers might attract mainstream attention. WWE’s interest in leveraging such cross-sport entertainment angles could keep the door open for Tommy Fury’s possible wrestling debut.
Rumors Swirl Around Oba Femi’s Absence from NXT
Former NXT North American Champion Oba Femi has reportedly been absent from WWE’s NXT tapings for over a month, fueling speculation within the wrestling community. Sources from Fightful Select indicate that Femi has not been spotted backstage since his loss to Tony D’Angelo at the Halloween Havoc event on October 27. While the specific reasons for his absence remain unclear, several theories circulate. It could be a strategic break to allow him to regroup following back-to-back losses, or it might suggest preparation for a call-up to WWE’s main roster. There is also the possibility of injury or a creative hiatus.
Since his NXT debut in April 2023, Femi had a meteoric rise, winning the NXT Breakout Tournament and capturing the North American Championship by cashing in on Dragon Lee. He held the title a record 272 days before losing to D’Angelo last month.
If and when Femi returns to the NXT spotlight, he is considered a strong contender to pursue the NXT Championship, potentially positioning him as a key challenger capable of dethroning current champion Trick Williams.
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Photo caption: The Rock and Roman Reigns reflect on the ring after their tag victory against Cody Rhodes and Seth Rollins at WrestleMania 40 in Philadelphia on April 6, 2024. (Photo by WWE/Getty Images)