Roman Reigns Opens Up on The Rock, Cody Rhodes, WWE Future; Tommy Fury Eyes Wrestling Career; NXT’s Oba Femi Absent Amid Rumors
In a recent interview published on Tuesday, WWE superstar Roman Reigns shared candid thoughts about his WrestleMania 40 main event experiences, his thoughts on The Rock and Cody Rhodes, and the potential for future marquee matches. Meanwhile, professional boxer Tommy Fury hinted at exploring a career in WWE, and NXT fans have noted the unexpected absence of former North American Champion Oba Femi from recent television programming.
Roman Reigns Reflects on WrestleMania 40 and The Rock vs. Cody Rhodes Storylines
During the Sports Illustrated Media podcast, hosted by Jimmy Traina, Reigns provided insight into the main event booking of WrestleMania 40, where he ultimately faced Cody Rhodes rather than The Rock, a matchup long anticipated by fans. When asked if he was disappointed not to face his cousin The Rock, Reigns emphasized his focus on being part of the main event irrespective of the opponent.
"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," Reigns remarked. "It was the same task in hand for me," he added, underscoring that his priority was defending his position no matter whom he faced.
In a surprising narrative twist leading up to WrestleMania 40, Cody Rhodes won the 2024 men’s Royal Rumble and initially declined to challenge Reigns for the WWE Championship, indicating The Rock would take that spot. However, after negative fan reaction, Rhodes reversed course, leading to The Rock adopting a heel persona as "The Final Boss" and aligning himself with Reigns. The two cousins teamed up to defeat Rhodes and Seth Rollins on Night 1, followed by Rhodes capturing the WWE title from Reigns in the Night 2 main event.
Addressing the potential for a Rock vs. Reigns singles match in the future, Reigns suggested it’s a possibility if fans vocally demand it. "If that’s what the people want and The People’s Champ is down, I’m sure we can make something happen," he said, acknowledging the company’s attentiveness to fan enthusiasm.
The Rock made an unannounced return last month at WWE Bad Blood but has yet to clarify his intentions or return to active competition. Speculation is already swirling that he could reappear at the upcoming Survivor Series WarGames match, a clash involving The Bloodline stables, setting the stage for a possible marquee feud with Reigns.
Tommy Fury Teases Potential WWE Career Path
Outside of WWE insiders, British boxer Tommy Fury — younger brother of heavyweight champion Tyson Fury — has expressed an interest in stepping into the pro wrestling world. Posting backstage footage from a recent WWE United Kingdom tour event, Fury praised several WWE Superstars including Randy Orton, Cody Rhodes, and Gunther, and hinted at ambitions to "climb through [the] ropes one day."
Tommy, undefeated in his professional boxing career with a notable victory over Jake Paul, could be a compelling crossover talent for WWE. His relationship with the Paul family and Logan Paul’s ongoing WWE involvement add natural storytelling potential, possibly leading to future high-profile matches or even tag team bouts featuring the Paul and Fury brothers.
Oba Femi’s NXT Absence Sparks Speculation
Meanwhile, NXT fans have noticed the sudden disappearance of Oba Femi, former North American Champion, from television and tapings since his loss to Tony D’Angelo at the Halloween Havoc event on October 27. Femi enjoyed a breakout year after debuting on NXT television in April 2023, winning the NXT Breakout Tournament and cashing in a title opportunity to defeat Dragon Lee, holding the North American Championship for a record-setting 272 days. However, after dropping the title to D’Angelo and losing their subsequent rematch, he has been absent from recent episodes.
While the reasons for Femi’s absence remain unclear, possibilities include an injury, a creative reset following back-to-back losses, or preparation for a potential WWE main roster call-up. Wrestling insiders speculate that when he returns, Femi could be positioned as a top contender for the NXT Championship and a rival to current titleholder Trick Williams.
For fans eager to stay updated on all things wrestling, including the ongoing saga of Roman Reigns, The Rock, and emerging WWE talents, programs such as Ring Rust Radio provide discussions on the hottest topics from across the industry.
As the WWE Universe anticipates upcoming pay-per-views and story developments, these storylines keep fans engaged with promises of dramatic twists both inside and outside the ring.