Roman Reigns Discusses The Rock, Cody Rhodes; Tommy Fury Eyeing WWE Future; Oba Femi’s NXT Absence Sparks Rumors
By Mike Chiari, Bleacher Report – November 27, 2024
Bleacher Report brings you the latest updates from the WWE Universe, covering Roman Reigns’ recent interviews, Tommy Fury’s potential wrestling aspirations, and the mystery surrounding Oba Femi’s absence from NXT.
Roman Reigns Reflects on WrestleMania 40 Main Event and Future Matches
Roman Reigns recently opened up about his WrestleMania 40 experience and the ongoing conversations around potential future matches involving himself, The Rock, and Cody Rhodes. Appearing on the SI Media podcast (hosted by Sports Illustrated’s Jimmy Traina), Reigns provided valuable insight into the decision-making process behind the WrestleMania main event.
When asked whether he was disappointed to face Cody Rhodes instead of The Rock at WrestleMania 40, Reigns expressed he was unfazed since headlining the event was what mattered most to him.
“It doesn’t matter to me. I was the main event. I’m the guy that everyone wanted to dance with…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.”
The lead-up to WrestleMania 40 saw a whirlwind of speculation. After Rhodes won the 2024 men’s Royal Rumble, he initially declined to challenge Reigns for the WWE Championship at WrestleMania. Instead, it appeared The Rock would take that spot. However, after fans voiced displeasure, Rhodes reversed course, prompting The Rock to turn heel, adopt the moniker “The Final Boss,” and ally with Reigns.
The Rock and Reigns teamed up to defeat Rhodes and Seth Rollins in the opening night’s main event, while Rhodes recaptured the WWE Championship by defeating Reigns on Night 2. Traina also inquired about the possibility of a future one-on-one between Reigns and The Rock – a long-awaited dream match that did not materialize at WrestleMania 40. Reigns was optimistic, emphasizing fan support as a driving factor.
“If our fans are loud enough and passionate enough about something…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 last month’s Bad Blood event but has been absent from programming since, leaving speculation about his next move. With the looming WarGames match at Survivor Series—which will feature both the original and newer versions of The Bloodline—there might be the perfect moment for The Rock to appear again and possibly set the stage for a legendary clash with his cousin Roman Reigns.
Boxing Star Tommy Fury Shows Interest in WWE
Tommy Fury, renowned boxer and younger brother of former heavyweight champion Tyson Fury, teased a potential future in professional wrestling this week. In a YouTube video posted Sunday, Fury documented his backstage experience at a WWE event during the company’s recent UK tour.
“Big up to Randy Orton… 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, 25, boasts an undefeated boxing record (10-0) and notably handed Jake Paul his only loss. His connection to the Paul family and experience in combat sports positions him uniquely for a crossover into wrestling.
His brother Tyson engaged in a one-off WWE match at Crown Jewel 2019 and made headlines for intervening at Clash at the Castle in 2022. Tommy’s potential involvement in WWE could open opportunities for high-profile feuds, including matches against Logan Paul, a current WWE Superstar.
Oba Femi’s Absence from NXT Raises Questions
Meanwhile, former NXT North American Champion Oba Femi has not appeared backstage or on television since losing to Tony D’Angelo at Halloween Havoc on October 27. Reports from Fightful Select indicate no sightings of Femi at NXT tapings over the past month.
Femi, who burst onto the scene in April 2023 by winning the NXT Breakout Tournament and capturing the North American Championship from Dragon Lee, experienced his first televised losses recently. His title reign culminated at a record 272 days before falling to D’Angelo, followed by a rematch loss.
The cause of Femi’s absence remains unconfirmed. It could be a deliberate break to regroup after his setbacks, a period of rest due to injury, or preparations for a call-up to WWE’s main roster. Should he return, Femi remains a strong candidate to challenge for the NXT Championship and continue his promising trajectory.
Stay tuned for more WWE news and developments as they unfold in the coming weeks.
Image Caption: Roman Reigns and The Rock after defeating Cody Rhodes and Seth Rollins at WrestleMania 40, April 6, 2024 in Philadelphia. (Photo courtesy WWE/Getty Images)