Reigns Talks The Rock, Cody Rhodes; Tommy Fury Eyes WWE Spot; NXT Rumors on Oba Femi
By Mike Chiari, Bleacher Report – November 27, 2024
Bleacher Report’s latest update from the WWE Universe brings insights and rumors featuring Roman Reigns, Tommy Fury, and NXT’s Oba Femi, with revealing interviews and backstage reports highlighting the current state and potential future of WWE.
Roman Reigns Reflects on WrestleMania 40 and The Rock Rivalry
In a recent interview on the SI Media podcast with Sports Illustrated’s Jimmy Traina, WWE’s "Tribal Chief" Roman Reigns opened up about his WrestleMania 40 experience, specifically addressing the shifting opponent plans that involved The Rock and Cody Rhodes.
Reigns recounted his mindset when WWE alternated between having him face The Rock or Cody Rhodes in the WrestleMania main event. When asked if he was disappointed not to face The Rock, Reigns emphasized that the opponent didn’t matter to him as long as he was in the main event spotlight.
"It doesn’t matter to me. I was the main event. I’m the guy that everyone wanted to dance with," said Reigns. "They are trying to take us off the pinnacle right now, so it was the same task in hand for me."
The storyline took an intriguing turn when Rhodes, after winning the 2024 Men’s Royal Rumble, initially declined to challenge Reigns for the WWE Championship at WrestleMania 40, seemingly paving the way for The Rock to step in. However, negative fan reaction triggered Rhodes to reverse his decision, prompting The Rock to turn heel, adopt the moniker "The Final Boss," and align himself with Reigns. Together, The Rock and Reigns defeated Rhodes and Seth Rollins at the Night 1 main event of WrestleMania 40, but Rhodes ultimately won the WWE Championship from Reigns on Night 2. Addressing the long-anticipated match between The Rock and Reigns that fans have been eager to see, Reigns indicated it could still happen if the fans demand it loud and clear. "If that’s what the people want and The People’s Champ is down, I’m sure we can make something happen," he said.
After making a surprise return at last month’s Bad Blood event, The Rock has yet to clarify his WWE future, but with the upcoming blockbuster WarGames match featuring the new and original Bloodline at Survivor Series, there’s speculation he may soon reemerge.
Tommy Fury Hints at Possible WWE Future
Boxer Tommy Fury, known for his undefeated professional boxing record and his connection as the younger brother of world heavyweight champion Tyson Fury, hinted at a possible future in WWE during a recent YouTube video posted after attending a WWE UK tour event.
Backstage footage shows Fury interacting with WWE Superstars including Randy Orton, Cody Rhodes, and Gunther. Reflecting on the night, Fury expressed appreciation for the company and its stars while teasing that he could "possibly climb through them ropes one day."
Tommy’s brother Tyson had a notable albeit brief WWE presence, wrestling once at Crown Jewel 2019 and making waves in the crowd at WWE Clash at the Castle 2022. Given Tommy’s undefeated boxing record and high-profile relationships—like his victory over Jake Paul—he could emerge as a crossover star and potential storyline opponent for Logan Paul, who is currently a WWE Superstar and former United States Champion. A tag-team storyline featuring the Fury brothers versus the Paul brothers might also attract broader mainstream interest.
Oba Femi’s Absence Sparking NXT Speculation
On the NXT front, former North American Champion Oba Femi has reportedly been absent from WWE’s NXT programming over the last month. According to Fightful Select’s report, Femi has not been backstage or present for tapings since his loss to Tony D’Angelo at Halloween Havoc on October 27. Since debuting on NXT television in April 2023, Femi had a rapid rise, winning the NXT Breakout Tournament and capturing the North American Championship from Dragon Lee. His impressive 272-day title reign ended when he was surprisingly defeated by D’Angelo, followed by another loss in a rematch at Halloween Havoc.
While his absence might relate to injury or a potential main roster call-up, it’s also possible NXT’s creative team is allowing him time away to reset following back-to-back setbacks. Upon his eventual return, Femi is viewed as a strong contender for the NXT Championship and a likely candidate to challenge current champion Trick Williams.
Looking Ahead
As WWE prepares for upcoming events like the WarGames match and potential tours, fans can expect continuing developments not only in the main roster but also in the NXT landscape, with fresh storylines and surprises in the works.
For ongoing WWE coverage, analysis, and breaking news, stay tuned to Bleacher Report’s wrestling section.
Photo Caption: The Rock and Roman Reigns at WrestleMania 40 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; Photo by WWE/Getty Images.