WWE Updates: Roman Reigns on The Rock and Cody Rhodes, Tommy Fury Eyes WWE Career, Oba Femi’s NXT Absence
Date: November 27, 2024
Source: Bleacher Report
Roman Reigns Opens Up About WrestleMania 40 Opponents and Future Matchups
Roman Reigns, the reigning WWE Superstar often dubbed "The Original Tribal Chief," shared candid insights during a recent interview on the SI Media podcast with Sports Illustrated’s Jimmy Traina. The conversation, which began around the 31:45 mark of the episode, covered Reigns’ experience leading up to and during WrestleMania 40, specifically addressing his opponents Cody Rhodes and The Rock.
Reigns was asked if he was disappointed that his WrestleMania 40 main event opponent ended up being Rhodes instead of The Rock. Reigns dismissed any disappointment, emphasizing the importance of being in the main event regardless of who the challenger was:
"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’s where, 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."
Initially, after Rhodes won the 2024 men’s Royal Rumble, he publicly stated he would not challenge Reigns for the WWE Championship at WrestleMania 40, causing speculation that The Rock would face Reigns instead. However, due to negative fan reactions, Rhodes rapidly reversed his stance, culminating in The Rock adopting a villainous heel persona dubbed "The Final Boss" and aligning himself with Reigns.
At WrestleMania 40, The Rock and Reigns teamed up on Night 1 to defeat Rhodes and Seth Rollins, but Rhodes captured the WWE Championship from Reigns in the highly anticipated main event on Night 2. Addressing the long-anticipated, but yet-to-happen, singles match between The Rock and Reigns, Roman hinted that a match is still possible if fans demand it:
"I think our fanbase and the company’s proven that if our fans are loud enough and passionate enough about something, we’re a company who—we’re not being dictated to. We have a vision for where we’re trying to go, but we know who the consumers are. We know who’s paying their hard-earned money, and we want to satisfy those people."
"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 WWE return last month at the Bad Blood event, though he has not announced any official plans. With the upcoming Survivor Series featuring clashes between The Bloodline’s new and original iterations in a WarGames match, fans and analysts speculate this could be an opportune moment for The Rock to re-enter WWE storylines, potentially setting up a future showdown with Reigns.
Boxer Tommy Fury Hints at WWE Ambitions
Outside the ring, professional boxer Tommy Fury has sparked speculation regarding a potential future in professional wrestling. The younger brother of former world heavyweight boxing champion Tyson Fury, Tommy recently posted a YouTube video showing him backstage at a recent WWE UK tour event.
In the video, he praised several WWE stars including Randy Orton, Cody Rhodes, and Gunther, and expressed openness toward the possibility of joining WWE:
"So guys, that is a night at the WWE complete. All the wrestlers showing love. 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 them ropes one day. Who knows? But it’s been a great night."
Tommy Fury, undefeated professionally at 10-0, notably holds a victory over YouTube personality turned boxer Jake Paul. Given the existing connections to the Paul family and his own rising popularity, Tommy Fury could represent an intriguing new signing for WWE, potentially setting up matches with Logan Paul, who actively competes in WWE. Speculation has even been raised about a possible tag team match pitting the Fury brothers against the Paul brothers, which could broaden WWE’s mainstream appeal.
NXT Star Oba Femi’s Recent Absence Sparks Rumors
In developmental news, Oba Femi, former NXT North American Champion, has reportedly been absent from WWE’s NXT tapings for over a month. Following his loss to Tony D’Angelo at Halloween Havoc on October 27, Femi has not been seen on television or backstage, according to reports from Fightful Select and Ringside News insiders.
While details have not been disclosed, several theories circulate regarding Femi’s absence. It might be a strategic decision to allow him to regroup after two consecutive televised defeats, or possibly a sign of injury or a main roster call-up in transition. Since debuting on NXT television in April 2023, Femi made a strong impression by winning the NXT Breakout Tournament and capturing the North American Championship, holding the title a record 272 days before losing it.
If and when he returns, Femi is viewed as a strong contender to challenge for the NXT Championship, and he could be positioned to take the title from current champion Trick Williams.
Closing Thoughts
This week’s WWE news highlights evolving storylines at the top tier with Roman Reigns navigating his legacy and alliances, exciting prospects of crossover appeal with Tommy Fury, and shifting dynamics in NXT with Oba Femi’s hiatus. Fans can stay tuned for possible developments related to The Rock’s WWE involvement and new talent opportunities as the company moves toward upcoming major events like Survivor Series.
For continuous updates on WWE and other sports news, visit Bleacher Report.