Roman Reigns Discusses The Rock, Cody Rhodes; Tommy Fury Eyes WWE Career; NXT Rumors on Oba Femi
By Mike Chiari, Bleacher Report – November 27, 2024
Bleacher Report brings you the latest updates from the WWE Universe, focusing on Roman Reigns’ recent comments on WrestleMania 40, boxer Tommy Fury’s potential WWE involvement, and NXT star Oba Femi’s current status.
Roman Reigns Reflects on WrestleMania 40 Main Event and Future Possible Match With The Rock
During an in-depth discussion on the Sports Illustrated Media podcast with Jimmy Traina, WWE superstar Roman Reigns opened up about his WrestleMania 40 main event experience and the evolving storyline surrounding The Rock and Cody Rhodes.
Reigns revealed his perspective on the shifting plans for the WrestleMania 40 main event, which toggled between him facing The Rock or Cody Rhodes. When asked whether he was disappointed to face Rhodes instead of The Rock, Reigns made it clear that his main priority was being in the spotlight.
“It didn’t matter to me. I was the main event. I’m the guy that everyone wanted to dance with. I am the hot chick, everyone wanted to take me out. We just need to get there and defend this thing," Reigns said. "It didn’t matter who it was. They were trying to stop history from happening, trying to take us off the pinnacle, so it was the same task for me.”
Following Rhodes’ victory in the 2024 men’s Royal Rumble, he initially declared he would not challenge Reigns for the WWE Championship at WrestleMania 40, which led to rumors of The Rock stepping in. However, after a negative fan reaction, Rhodes reversed course, leading to The Rock turning heel as "The Final Boss" and aligning himself with Reigns. Together, Reigns and The Rock defeated Cody Rhodes and Seth Rollins in the Night 1 main event of WrestleMania 40, before Rhodes reclaimed the WWE title from Reigns on Night 2. Addressing the long-anticipated Rock vs. Reigns match that ultimately did not materialize, Reigns suggested the possibility remains if the fans demand it:
"If our fans are loud enough and passionate enough, we’re not dictated to. We have a vision, but we understand who the consumers are and want to satisfy them. 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 an unannounced return last month at WWE’s Bad Blood event, though he has not clarified his intentions nor made any subsequent appearances. With the upcoming WarGames match at Survivor Series featuring various Bloodline factions, The Rock may find an opportunity to re-enter the spotlight and potentially build toward a future showdown with his cousin Reigns.
Boxer Tommy Fury Hints at Possible WWE Career
Tommy Fury, a professional boxer with an undefeated 10-0 record and younger brother of former heavyweight champion Tyson Fury, recently hinted at exploring a career with WWE. Backstage footage posted by Fury during WWE’s UK tour showed him mingling with WWE Superstars, including Randy Orton, Cody Rhodes, and Gunther.
In the video, Fury expressed excitement about the experience and teased a potential WWE future, saying:
"Big up to Randy Orton, absolutely amazing guy. Big up to Cody Rhodes, all of them. Thank you to the WWE for showing us such appreciation. And I look forward to possibly climbing through those ropes one day. Who knows? But it’s been a great night."
Tyson Fury has previously made WWE appearances, notably winning a match against Braun Strowman at Crown Jewel 2019 and causing a memorable incident at Clash at the Castle 2022 by knocking out Austin Theory in the crowd.
Given Tommy Fury’s relationship with the Paul family—Logan Paul is an active WWE Superstar and former United States Champion—a possible rivalry or even a tag-team scenario between the Fury brothers and Paul brothers could attract significant mainstream interest. WWE is likely to keep an eye on Fury’s potential as a wrestling talent.
Oba Femi’s Absence From NXT Raises Questions
Reports from Fightful Select indicate that former NXT North American Champion Oba Femi has not been seen backstage or on NXT programming since his loss to Tony D’Angelo at Halloween Havoc on October 27. Femi, who debuted on NXT television in April 2023, swiftly rose to prominence by winning the NXT Breakout Tournament and capturing the North American Championship from Dragon Lee. He held the title for a record 272 days before unexpectedly losing it to D’Angelo last month and subsequently dropping the rematch at Halloween Havoc.
The reason behind Femi’s recent absence is unclear. While it could be a strategic move by NXT creative to allow him time to recover or retool his character, it leaves open the possibility he is being prepared for a main roster call-up or could be tending to an undisclosed injury.
When Femi returns, he is expected to be a strong contender for the NXT Championship and may be positioned as a leading figure to dethrone current champion Trick Williams.
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Photo Caption: The Rock and Roman Reigns celebrate after defeating Cody Rhodes and Seth Rollins in the WrestleMania 40 Night 1 main event on April 6, 2024, at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo credit: WWE/Getty Images)