Roman Reigns Discusses The Rock and Cody Rhodes, Tommy Fury Eyes WWE Future, and NXT Rumors on Oba Femi
By Mike Chiari – November 27, 2024
Bleacher Report brings you the latest updates from the WWE universe as Roman Reigns shares insights on WrestleMania 40 opponents The Rock and Cody Rhodes. Plus, boxing star Tommy Fury hints at a potential pro wrestling career with WWE, and speculation grows around NXT standout Oba Femi’s recent absence.
Roman Reigns Reflects on WrestleMania 40 Opponents and Future Matchups
In a recent interview on the SI Media podcast with Sports Illustrated’s Jimmy Traina, Roman Reigns opened up about his experience facing both Cody Rhodes and The Rock during the main events of WrestleMania 40. When asked if he preferred to face The Rock or Rhodes in the WrestleMania spotlight, Reigns emphasized that it didn’t matter to him as long as he was in the main event spotlight. "I was the main event. I’m the guy that everyone wanted to dance with," he said, highlighting his role as the "hot chick" that everyone aimed to take down. Reigns described the challenge as the same regardless of the opponent — defending his championship against those trying to "stop history from happening" and "take us off the pinnacle."
The lead-up to WrestleMania 40 initially saw Rhodes winning the 2024 men’s Royal Rumble, only to announce he would not challenge Reigns for the WWE Championship. This led to speculation that The Rock would take the spot in the big match. However, fan dissatisfaction caused Rhodes to reverse his stance, paving the way for The Rock’s heel turn as “The Final Boss” and alliance with Reigns. The Rock and Reigns teamed to defeat Rhodes and Seth Rollins on Night 1, while Rhodes captured the WWE title from Reigns on Night 2. Regarding the long-awaited match between The Rock and Reigns that fans hoped to see at WrestleMania 40, Reigns acknowledged it remains a future possibility. “If our fanbase is loud enough and passionate enough,” he said, “and The People’s Champ is down, I’m sure we can make something happen.” The Rock made an unannounced return last month at Bad Blood but has not appeared since. With the upcoming WarGames match at Survivor Series featuring both versions of The Bloodline, there is speculation this may be the perfect moment for The Rock to reappear and potentially set up a showdown with Reigns.
Tommy Fury Teases Interest in WWE Career
Tommy Fury, the undefeated professional boxer and younger brother of former heavyweight champion Tyson Fury, has sparked interest in pursuing professional wrestling after attending a WWE event during the company’s recent UK tour.
Fury posted a video on YouTube documenting his backstage experiences with WWE Superstars, including Randy Orton, Cody Rhodes, and Gunther. "Thank you to the WWE for showing us such appreciation," Curry said. "I look forward to possibly climbing through them ropes one day. Who knows?"
His brother Tyson Fury had a brief stint in WWE, winning his one and only match at Crown Jewel 2019 and famously knocking out Austin Theory in the crowd at Clash at the Castle 2022, preventing a Money in the Bank cash-in.
Tommy Fury boasts a 10-0 record in boxing and is notably the only fighter to defeat Jake Paul. Given his relationship to the Paul family and his boxing success, a crossover into WWE—potentially facing Logan Paul, a WWE Superstar and former United States champion—could generate significant mainstream attention. A tag team match pitting the Fury brothers against the Paul brothers is a compelling prospect that WWE may consider.
Oba Femi Absent from NXT Programming Amidst Recent Setbacks
NXT fans have noticed the absence of former North American Champion Oba Femi from recent tapings over the last month. Fightful Select reports no backstage presence of Femi since his loss to Tony D’Angelo at Halloween Havoc on October 27. Femi’s reason for absence remains unclear; it may be a strategic break following consecutive defeats or possibly related to injury. After debuting on NXT television in April 2023, Femi quickly established himself with a dominant run, winning the NXT Breakout Tournament and capturing the North American Championship from Dragon Lee. He held that title for a record-setting 272 days before losing it to D’Angelo last month, followed by a rematch loss at Halloween Havoc.
If and when Femi returns, WWE officials are likely considering positioning him as a contender for the NXT Championship, given his strength and past success within the brand.
Stay tuned for more WWE news and updates as the storylines develop heading into the holiday season.