Roman Reigns Opens Up on The Rock, Cody Rhodes, and WrestleMania 40; Tommy Fury Hints at WWE Future; Oba Femi’s NXT Absence Sparks Rumors
By Mike Chiari, Bleacher Report – November 27, 2024
Bleacher Report brings the latest news and insights from the WWE Universe, highlighting Roman Reigns’ recent reflections on high-profile opponents, emerging talent Tommy Fury’s possible wrestling ambitions, and NXT rumors surrounding former North American Champion Oba Femi.
Roman Reigns Reflects on WrestleMania 40 and Potential Match with The Rock
In an interview on the SI Media podcast with Sports Illustrated’s Jimmy Traina, Roman Reigns shared his thoughts on the lead-up to WrestleMania 40, where he faced Cody Rhodes rather than The Rock, and discussed the possibility of a future match with his legendary cousin.
When asked if he was disappointed not to face The Rock at WrestleMania 40, Reigns made it clear that being in the main event was what truly mattered:
"It doesn’t matter to me. I was the main event. I’m the guy that everyone wanted to dance with, you know. I am the hot chick, everyone wanted to take me out. It’s where, we just need to get there and defend this thing. It didn’t matter who it is. They are trying to stop history from happening. They are trying to take us off the pinnacle right now, so it was the same task in hand for me."
Initially, after Cody Rhodes won the 2024 men’s Royal Rumble, it appeared he would forgo challenging Reigns for the WWE Championship at WrestleMania, with speculation mounting that The Rock would step into that role instead. However, following a negative fan reaction to these changes, Rhodes reversed his decision, and The Rock turned heel, adopting the moniker "The Final Boss" and aligning with Reigns.
At WrestleMania 40, The Rock and Reigns teamed up to defeat Rhodes and Seth Rollins on Night 1, while Rhodes captured the WWE Championship from Reigns on Night 2. When probed about the possibility of a future Reigns vs. The Rock matchup, Reigns expressed openness contingent on fan interest:
"I think our fanbase and the company’s proven that if our fans are loud enough and passionate enough about something, we’re a company who—we’re not being dictated to. We have a vision for where we’re trying to go, but we know who the consumers are. We know who’s paying their hard-earned money, and we want to satisfy those people. If that’s what the people want and The People’s Champ is down, I’m sure we can make something happen."
The Rock made a surprise return to WWE programming last month at Bad Blood but has yet to clarify his intentions or make further appearances. With the upcoming WarGames match at Survivor Series featuring rival Bloodline factions, speculation swirls about The Rock possibly making a return to build toward a long-awaited showdown with Reigns.
Boxer Tommy Fury Eyes Potential WWE Career
Tommy Fury, a professional boxer and younger brother of former world heavyweight boxing champion Tyson Fury, hinted at aspirations to explore wrestling with WWE during a recent appearance at a UK WWE show.
In a YouTube video posted Sunday, Fury showcased his backstage experiences and interactions with WWE Superstars, including Randy Orton, Cody Rhodes, and Gunther. Speaking about the possibility of wrestling one day, he said:
"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 them ropes one day. Who knows? But it’s been a great night."
Tommy Fury boasts a 10-0 professional boxing record and famously knocked out Jake Paul. Given his ties to the Paul family, and Logan Paul’s role as a WWE Superstar and former United States Champion, there is potential WWE intrigue in a future feud or alliance involving the Fury and Paul brothers.
Tyson Fury previously had a WWE match at Crown Jewel 2019 and notably intervened at WWE Clash at the Castle 2022, where he knocked out Austin Theory to prevent a Money in the Bank cash-in.
Oba Femi’s Absence From NXT Spurs Speculation
Former NXT North American Champion Oba Femi has not appeared on NXT tapings for roughly a month, fueling speculation about his status within WWE.
Fightful Select reported that since Femi’s loss to Tony D’Angelo at Halloween Havoc on October 27, there has been no indication of his backstage presence. The reasons remain unclear—whether due to injury, a potential main roster call-up, or creative decisions to allow time after consecutive losses.
Since debuting on televised NXT in April 2023, Femi experienced a meteoric rise, winning the breakout tournament and claiming the North American Championship from Dragon Lee. His title reign lasted a record 272 days before he lost to D’Angelo in what was considered an upset. Femi then dropped a rematch at Halloween Havoc.
Fans and insiders view Femi as a strong contender for future NXT Championship pursuits when he returns, as he remains a compelling young talent in WWE’s developmental ranks.
Stay tuned to Bleacher Report for continuing coverage of WWE news, superstars, and backstage updates.