Roman Reigns, The Rock, and Cody Rhodes Reflect on WrestleMania 40; Tommy Fury Eyes WWE Debut; Oba Femi’s NXT Absence Sparks Speculation
Bleacher Report recently caught up with major news and updates from the WWE Universe, covering insights from top superstar Roman Reigns, potential newcomers like boxer Tommy Fury, and rumors regarding NXT standout Oba Femi.
Roman Reigns Opens Up on WrestleMania 40 Opponents and The Rock Match Potential
On the SI Media podcast this Tuesday, WWE’s “Tribal Chief” Roman Reigns shared his thoughts about his WrestleMania 40 opponents, Cody Rhodes and The Rock, as well as the possibility of eventually facing The Rock in the ring.
Reigns revealed that when WWE management appeared to be undecided between him facing The Rock or Cody Rhodes at WrestleMania 40, he was not concerned: “It doesn’t matter to me. I was the main event. I’m the guy that everyone wanted to dance with… It just needed to be about defending the title and stopping history from being undone.”
The match lineup changed multiple times following Rhodes’ victory in the 2024 men’s Royal Rumble. Initially, Rhodes declared he wouldn’t challenge Reigns at WrestleMania, positioning The Rock as the likely contender. But due to negative fan reactions, Rhodes reversed course, The Rock turned heel and allied with Reigns during Night 1 of WrestleMania 40 where The Rock and Reigns defeated Rhodes and Seth Rollins. On Night 2, Rhodes captured the WWE Championship from Reigns in the main event.
When asked if a match between The Rock and Reigns could still happen, Reigns responded optimistically: “If our fans are loud enough and passionate enough, we’re a company who listens to the consumers… If that’s what the people want and The People’s Champ is down, I’m sure we can make something happen.”
The Rock’s surprise return at last month’s Bad Blood event remains his only WWE appearance in 2024, leaving many to speculate if he will reappear at ongoing high-profile events like Survivor Series, where both the new and original Bloodline factions are set to collide.
Tommy Fury Hints at Possible WWE Career Move
Professional boxer Tommy Fury, younger brother of former world heavyweight champion Tyson Fury, has indicated an interest in stepping into the WWE squared circle. In a recent YouTube video, Fury was seen backstage during WWE’s UK tour, expressing enthusiasm about the wrestlers he met and the atmosphere.
“Big up to Randy Orton, Cody Rhodes, Gunther, the lot of them… Thank you to WWE for showing us such appreciation,” Fury said, adding, “I look forward to possibly climbing through those ropes one day. Who knows?”
Tommy Fury, undefeated at 10-0 in boxing and noted for defeating Jake Paul, carries a connection to the wrestling world through Tyson Fury who had a notable WWE appearance at Crown Jewel 2019 and has been involved in WWE storylines since.
Given Tommy’s ties to the Paul family, a feud or team-up involving the Fury brothers and Paul brothers, like Logan Paul who is a WWE Superstar, could attract mainstream interest and become a lucrative angle.
Oba Femi’s Absence from NXT Tapers Raises Questions
NXT star Oba Femi, former North American Champion, has not been seen around NXT tapings since his loss to Tony D’Angelo at Halloween Havoc on October 27, according to Fightful Select sources.
The circumstances behind Femi’s absence have not been disclosed. It could be a strategic respite after suffering two significant losses, including dropping the North American Championship, which ended his record-setting 272-day title reign.
Femi made a strong start to his WWE career after debuting on televised NXT in April 2023, winning the Breakout Tournament and capturing the title from Dragon Lee. His current hiatus has sparked speculation about a possible main roster call-up, an injury, or a creative reset.
If and when Oba Femi returns, expectations are high that he would target the NXT Championship, presenting a compelling contender poised to make a major impact in the brand’s future storylines.
As WWE continues building toward its upcoming shows and next chapters, these developments around Roman Reigns, The Rock, Cody Rhodes, Tommy Fury, and Oba Femi provide plenty for wrestling fans to watch closely.
Stay tuned for more updates and reaction from the WWE Universe.