Roman Reigns Reflects on WrestleMania 40 Opponents, Tommy Fury Eyes WWE, and NXT Star Oba Femi’s Absence
By Mike Chiari, Bleacher Report – November 27, 2024
Bleacher Report brings you the latest updates from the WWE Universe, including Roman Reigns’ comments on The Rock and Cody Rhodes, boxer Tommy Fury’s potential WWE aspirations, and recent rumors surrounding NXT standout Oba Femi.
Roman Reigns on WrestleMania 40 and The Rock Match Possibility
In an appearance on the SI Media podcast with Sports Illustrated’s Jimmy Traina, WWE superstar Roman Reigns opened up about the dynamics surrounding WrestleMania 40’s main event and his relationship with The Rock and Cody Rhodes.
Reigns was initially linked to possibly facing The Rock at WrestleMania 40, but the buildup shifted between him facing Rhodes or The Rock instead. When asked if he was disappointed not to face The Rock, Reigns dismissed concerns about his opponent, emphasizing his confidence 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. I am the hot chick, everyone wanted to take me out… It didn’t matter who it is. They are trying to stop history from happening.”
After Cody Rhodes won the 2024 men’s Royal Rumble, he initially said he wouldn’t challenge Reigns at WrestleMania, which led to speculation that The Rock would fill that spot. However, fan backlash prompted Rhodes to reverse course, resulting in The Rock turning heel as “The Final Boss” and aligning with Reigns. The Rock and Reigns teamed up to defeat Rhodes and Seth Rollins on Night 1 of WrestleMania 40, only for Rhodes to capture the WWE Championship from Reigns on Night 2. Though the much-anticipated Rock vs. Reigns match did not materialize at WrestleMania 40, Reigns acknowledged that such a showdown remains possible, contingent on fan demand:
“If that’s what the people want and The People’s Champ is down, I’m sure we can make something happen.”
The Rock recently made an unannounced appearance at WWE’s Bad Blood event but has yet to reveal his intentions or return to weekly programming. With the Bloodline factions facing off in a WarGames match at Survivor Series, many speculate this could be the perfect stage for The Rock’s resurgence and potential feud with Reigns.
Boxer Tommy Fury Teases WWE Future
Tommy Fury, a professional boxer and younger brother to former heavyweight champion Tyson Fury, has hinted at exploring a career in professional wrestling with WWE.
In a recent YouTube video taken backstage during WWE’s UK tour, Fury expressed enthusiasm about WWE’s environment and the possibility of stepping into the squared circle himself:
“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 the ropes one day. Who knows? But it’s been a great night.”
Tommy Fury remains undefeated in boxing with a 10-0 record and notably handed Jake Paul his only professional loss to date. Given his connection to the Paul family, and Logan Paul’s WWE career as a former United States Champion, a potential rivalry or even tag team pairing between the Fury and Paul brothers could attract considerable mainstream interest.
His brother Tyson previously appeared in WWE, wresting a single match at Crown Jewel 2019 and famously interrupting a Money in the Bank cash-in at Clash at the Castle in 2022 by knocking out Austin Theory.
NXT Star Oba Femi’s Recent Absence Raises Questions
Oba Femi, former NXT North American Champion and standout talent, has not been seen at recent NXT events following his loss to Tony D’Angelo at Halloween Havoc on October 27. According to reports from Fightful Select, there has been no indication of Femi attending NXT tapings since his title loss and subsequent defeat in a rematch. The reasons for his absence are currently unclear. It could be a strategic rest period after back-to-back losses or potentially an injury-related break.
Femi’s rise since his NXT debut in April 2023, which included winning the Breakout Tournament and a record-setting 272-day North American Championship reign, has been impressive. His return down the line could see him challenging for the NXT Championship, possibly aiming to dethrone current titleholder Trick Williams.
Stay tuned to Bleacher Report for all the latest updates and analysis from the world of professional wrestling.