Roman Reigns Reflects on WrestleMania 40 Opponents, Tommy Fury Eyes WWE Opportunity, and Oba Femi’s NXT Absence Sparks Speculation
The WWE Universe has been buzzing with developments surrounding key personalities and rising stars. Roman Reigns recently shared his thoughts on his WrestleMania 40 experience and the possibility of future matches with The Rock, while boxer Tommy Fury hinted at a potential career move to WWE. Additionally, fans are curious about NXT standout Oba Femi, who has been noticeably absent from recent shows.
Roman Reigns on WrestleMania 40, The Rock, and Cody Rhodes
During an interview on the SI Media podcast with Sports Illustrated’s Jimmy Traina, WWE’s Tribal Chief Roman Reigns opened up about the lead-up to, and events of, WrestleMania 40. Reigns reflected on the main event situation that saw him square off with Cody Rhodes instead of The Rock, who was initially expected to challenge him for the WWE Championship.
Reigns expressed that it did not matter to him who stood across the ring, emphasizing that being in the main event was paramount. “I was the main event. I’m the guy that everyone wanted to dance with…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,” he said.
After Rhodes won the 2024 men’s Royal Rumble and initially indicated he wouldn’t challenge Reigns, the WWE storyline shifted to potentially feature The Rock in the main event. However, fan reaction led to a change in plans, with Rhodes opting to challenge Reigns after all, while The Rock turned heel as “The Final Boss” aligning with Reigns. This culminated in Night 1’s WrestleMania featuring The Rock and Reigns defeating Rhodes and Seth Rollins, and Night 2 showcasing Rhodes defeating Reigns to capture the WWE Championship.
When asked about the prospect of a Reigns-Rock match in the future, Reigns was cautiously optimistic, highlighting WWE’s attentiveness to fan demand. “If that’s what the people want and The People’s Champ is down, I’m sure we can make something happen,” he said.
The Rock made a surprise return at WWE’s Bad Blood event last month but has yet to clarify his intentions, leaving the door open for exciting possibilities, including a possible showdown with Reigns especially as the new and original Bloodline factions prepare to clash in a WarGames match at Survivor Series.
Tommy Fury Drops Hints About WWE Ambitions
British heavyweight boxer Tommy Fury, brother of former world champion Tyson Fury, showcased his interest in WWE during a recent visit to a WWE event in the UK. Fury posted a YouTube video featuring backstage footage with WWE Superstars such as Randy Orton, Cody Rhodes, and Gunther, expressing gratitude for the warm reception and hinting at a future in pro wrestling.
He said, “I look forward to possibly climbing through those ropes one day. Who knows? But it’s been a great night.”
Tommy Fury boasts an undefeated professional boxing record and is notable for being the only fighter to have defeated Jake Paul. His connection to the Paul family and his rising profile could set the stage for intriguing WWE storylines, possibly even tag team matches involving the Fury brothers against the Paul brothers, tapping into mainstream fan interest.
His brother Tyson Fury also has WWE experience, having competed once at Crown Jewel 2019 and participating in storyline moments during subsequent WWE events.
Oba Femi’s Absence from NXT Raises Questions
Meanwhile, NXT star Oba Femi has not appeared on NXT programming for over a month, sparking speculation about his status. According to Fightful Select, Femi has been missing from tapings since his loss at Halloween Havoc on October 27 to Tony D’Angelo, which ended his record-breaking 272-day reign as NXT North American Champion.
Since debuting on NXT TV in April 2023, Femi quickly made a name for himself by winning the NXT Breakout Tournament and capturing the North American Championship. His recent losses and ensuing absence have led fans and insiders to wonder whether he is taking time off to recover from injury, being prepared for a main roster call-up, or simply resting after two significant defeats.
When he returns, Femi is widely expected to be a strong contender for the NXT Championship and could remain a key player in NXT’s future storylines.
These updates highlight the evolving storylines and career trajectories within WWE, illustrating continued fan engagement and the company’s attentiveness to audience reactions. With Reigns and The Rock’s potential clash on the horizon, Tommy Fury’s crossover possibilities, and anticipation around Oba Femi’s next move in NXT, WWE fans have plenty to look forward to.