WWE Update: Roman Reigns on The Rock and Cody Rhodes, Tommy Fury Eyes WWE Debut, and Oba Femi’s NXT Absence
Bleacher Report recently caught up with some of the hottest topics in the WWE universe, highlighting insights from Roman Reigns, a possible WWE future for boxer Tommy Fury, and rumors surrounding NXT star Oba Femi. Here’s a detailed look at each storyline:
Roman Reigns Reflects on WrestleMania 40 and Potential Rock Match
Roman Reigns opened up about his experience regarding the main event dynamics at WrestleMania 40 during an interview on the SI Media podcast with Sports Illustrated’s Jimmy Traina. The conversation dived into Reigns’ feelings about the shifting plans between facing The Rock or Cody Rhodes for the WWE Championship.
When asked if he was disappointed not to face The Rock, Reigns was clear that the opponent didn’t matter so long as he was main eventing:
“It doesn’t matter to me. I was the main event. I’m the guy that everyone wanted to dance with… 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.”
Rhodes won the 2024 Royal Rumble and initially stated he would not challenge Reigns for the title at WrestleMania 40, which opened the door for The Rock’s involvement. However, fan backlash led Rhodes to change course, and The Rock turned heel as “The Final Boss,” teaming with Reigns to defeat Rhodes and Seth Rollins on Night 1 of WrestleMania 40. Rhodes then captured the WWE Championship from Reigns in the Night 2 main event.
With the highly anticipated match between Reigns and The Rock still pending, Traina asked if such a showdown could happen in the future. Reigns expressed openness to the idea, emphasizing the power of fan support:
“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 at WWE’s Bad Blood event last month but has yet to clarify his future plans in WWE. The upcoming Survivor Series, featuring a WarGames match pitting the new and original Bloodline factions against each other, might provide another opportunity for The Rock to reappear and perhaps build toward that potential clash with his cousin.
Boxer Tommy Fury Hints at WWE Ambitions
Tommy Fury, the undefeated professional boxer and younger brother of former world heavyweight champion Tyson Fury, appears to be exploring possible wrestling opportunities. Fury posted a backstage video from a recent WWE tour in the UK, where he interacted with stars like Randy Orton, Cody Rhodes, and Gunther.
In the video, Fury expressed gratitude and teased the possibility of entering WWE:
“I look forward to possibly climbing through them ropes one day. Who knows? But it’s been a great night.”
Given Tyson Fury’s prior WWE involvement—most notably his 2019 Crown Jewel match where he defeated Braun Strowman by count-out—Tommy’s potential WWE venture makes narrative sense.
Tommy Fury has made a name for himself in boxing with a perfect 10-0 professional record and is notable for being the only boxer to defeat Jake Paul. His connection with the Paul family hints at intriguing storyline possibilities, such as a tag team rivalry pitting the Fury brothers against the Paul brothers, especially since Logan Paul is an established WWE Superstar and former United States Champion.
Oba Femi’s Mysterious NXT Absence
Oba Femi, the former North American Champion and breakout star of NXT, has reportedly been absent from recent NXT tapings. Since his loss to Tony D’Angelo at Halloween Havoc on October 27, there have been no reports of Femi backstage or appearing on television.
Femi burst on the scene after his April 2023 debut, winning the NXT Breakout Tournament and then cashing in a title opportunity to dethrone Dragon Lee, holding the North American Championship for a record 272 days. His first televised loss came last month against D’Angelo, followed by a second defeat in a rematch at Halloween Havoc.
It’s unclear if Femi’s absence is due to injury, a potential main roster call-up, or a storyline reset following two significant losses. Often, NXT management temporarily sidelines talent to build anticipation, and Femi, with his size and in-ring skills, remains a strong candidate to pursue the NXT Championship upon his return.
What’s Next?
- For Reigns and The Rock: Fans will be eager to see if WWE capitalizes on fan demand for a Reigns vs. Rock match, possibly at an upcoming major event.
- Tommy Fury’s WWE Prospects: WWE may carefully develop Fury’s crossover appeal by integrating him into high-profile storylines involving the Paul family.
- Oba Femi’s Future: Whether he returns to NXT or steps up to the main roster, expectations remain high for Femi as a rising star in WWE.
Stay tuned as the wrestling world continues to evolve with these compelling narratives.