Roman Reigns Talks The Rock, Cody Rhodes; Tommy Fury Eyes WWE; NXT Rumors on Oba Femi
Bleacher Report has the latest updates from the WWE Universe, covering Roman Reigns’ reflections on WrestleMania 40, boxer Tommy Fury’s hints at a WWE future, and recent developments involving NXT star Oba Femi.
Roman Reigns Reflects on WrestleMania 40 Opponents and Possible Rock Match
Roman Reigns opened up in a recent interview on the SI Media podcast with Sports Illustrated’s Jimmy Traina about his experiences around WrestleMania 40, particularly the lead-up to his main event match.
Reigns shared how WWE initially appeared undecided on whether he would face The Rock or Cody Rhodes at WrestleMania 40. While Rhodes ultimately became his opponent, Reigns said the specific challenger was secondary to being in the spotlight.
"It doesn’t matter to me. I was the main event. I’m the guy that everyone wanted to dance with… They are trying to stop history from happening, to take us off the pinnacle," said Reigns. "It was the same task."
After Rhodes won the 2024 men’s Royal Rumble, he initially stated he would not challenge Reigns, and it looked like The Rock would step in. However, fan backlash led to a change of plans: Rhodes decided to face Reigns after all, while The Rock turned heel as "The Final Boss" and aligned with Reigns. The Rock and Reigns teamed up to defeat Rhodes and Seth Rollins on Night 1 of WrestleMania 40. The following night, Rhodes defeated Reigns for the WWE Championship.
Considering this, Traina asked if a future match between Reigns and The Rock remains possible. Reigns responded optimistically:
"If the fans are loud and passionate enough, we can definitely make something happen. If that’s what the people want and The People’s Champ is down, I’m sure it will happen."
The Rock made a surprise return to WWE programming last month at Bad Blood but has not elaborated on any plans since. With the Bloodline factions set to clash in a WarGames match at Survivor Series, speculation builds that The Rock might reappear to start setting up a potential showdown with his cousin, Reigns.
Tommy Fury Teases Interest in WWE Career
Tommy Fury, the undefeated professional boxer and younger brother of former heavyweight champion Tyson Fury, has hinted he might pursue a career in professional wrestling with WWE.
Fury shared a YouTube video last Sunday showing himself backstage at a WWE event during the company’s recent UK tour. He expressed gratitude and excitement about the experience, mentioning encounters with WWE stars like Randy Orton, Cody Rhodes, and Gunther.
"I look forward to possibly climbing through those ropes one day. Who knows? It’s been a great night," Fury said.
The 25-year-old Fury has built a strong boxing record and is notably the only boxer to have defeated Jake Paul. Given that Logan Paul, Jake’s brother, is a current WWE Superstar and former United States Champion, a brother-vs-brother feud or tag team storyline involving the Furys and Pauls could generate significant mainstream interest.
Tyson Fury previously wrestled in WWE at Crown Jewel 2019 and has been involved in various WWE-related moments since, further connecting the Fury family to professional wrestling.
Oba Femi’s Absence from NXT Spurs Speculation
Former NXT North American Champion Oba Femi has not been seen on NXT programming or at tapings since late October.
Fightful Select reports that Femi has been absent following his loss to Tony D’Angelo at Halloween Havoc on October 27, where he also lost a subsequent rematch. The exact reasons behind Femi’s disappearance are not confirmed, but possibilities include taking time off to reset after two tough losses, potential injury, or preparation for a main roster call-up.
Since debuting in April 2023, Femi had a dominant run in NXT, winning the Breakout Tournament and capturing the North American title, which he held for a record 272 days before dropping it.
If and when Femi returns, he is expected to be a strong contender for the NXT Championship, potentially challenging current titleholder Trick Williams.
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Photo Caption: The Rock and Roman Reigns celebrate their victory against Cody Rhodes and Seth Rollins at WrestleMania 40 at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, April 6, 2024. (Photo: WWE/Getty Images)
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