Roman Reigns Discusses The Rock and Cody Rhodes; Tommy Fury Eyes WWE Debut; NXT Rumors Surround Oba Femi
By Mike Chiari, Bleacher Report – November 27, 2024
Bleacher Report brings you the latest updates from the WWE Universe, including insights from Roman Reigns on WrestleMania 40, boxer Tommy Fury’s intrigue with WWE, and intriguing NXT news involving Oba Femi.
Roman Reigns on WrestleMania 40, The Rock, and Cody Rhodes
In a recent interview on the SI Media podcast with Sports Illustrated’s Jimmy Traina, WWE superstar Roman Reigns shared his thoughts on the main event dynamics at WrestleMania 40. Reigns talked candidly about navigating the storyline shifts where WWE pivoted between pitching him against The Rock or Cody Rhodes as his WrestleMania 40 opponent.
When asked if he was disappointed he faced Rhodes instead of The Rock, Reigns maintained a confident stance, expressing that it didn’t matter to him who was across the ring as long as he held 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, you know. I am the hot chick, everyone wanted to take me out,” Reigns said. “They are trying to stop history from happening. It didn’t matter who it was. It was the same task in hand for me.”
Following Cody Rhodes’ victory in the 2024 men’s Royal Rumble, there was initial speculation Rhodes would not challenge Reigns for the WWE Championship at WrestleMania 40, with The Rock seemingly stepping into that position instead. However, after mixed fan reactions, Rhodes reversed his stance, prompting The Rock to turn heel and join forces with Reigns as "The Final Boss."
At WrestleMania 40, The Rock and Roman Reigns teamed up to defeat Cody Rhodes and Seth Rollins on Night 1. Rhodes then triumphed over Reigns for the WWE Championship in the Night 2 finale.
Looking ahead, Traina asked Reigns about the possibility of a future singles match with The Rock. Reigns suggested that such a showdown could happen if the WWE fanbase loudly and passionately demands it.
“If that’s what the people want and The People’s Champ is down, I’m sure we can make something happen,” Reigns said.
The Rock made a surprise return last month at WWE’s Bad Blood, but he has yet to clarify his plans. With the ongoing storyline involving the new and original Bloodline factions heading toward a WarGames match at Survivor Series, speculation is swirling that The Rock could reappear, possibly setting up his long-anticipated match with Reigns.
Boxer Tommy Fury Hints at WWE Future
In a surprising development, professional boxer Tommy Fury has hinted at a possible future in pro wrestling with WWE. Posting a video backstage during WWE’s recent United Kingdom tour, Fury expressed enthusiasm about the experience and his interactions with WWE stars.
“Big up to Randy Orton. Absolutely amazing guy. Big up to Cody Rhodes, all of them, Gunther, the lot of them. Thank you to WWE for showing us such appreciation. And I look forward to possibly climbing through those ropes one day,” Fury said.
Tommy Fury, 25, is the younger brother of former heavyweight boxing champion Tyson Fury, who had a brief WWE stint, notably defeating Braun Strowman by count-out at Crown Jewel 2019. Tyson also famously disrupted Austin Theory’s Money in the Bank cash-in attempt at WWE Clash at the Castle 2022. Tommy boasts an undefeated professional boxing record of 10-0 and is notably the only boxer to have defeated Jake Paul. Given his family ties and growing mainstream recognition, Fury could be a compelling WWE addition, potentially engaging in a rivalry or tag-team storyline involving the Paul brothers, including Logan Paul, a current WWE Superstar and former United States Champion.
Oba Femi Missing from NXT Programming
Fans of WWE’s NXT brand may have noticed the absence of former North American Champion Oba Femi in recent weeks. According to Fightful Select, Femi has not appeared backstage or taped any segments since his loss to Tony D’Angelo at Halloween Havoc on October 27, 2024. The reasons for his absence remain unclear. It might be a strategic move to allow Femi a reset after two significant losses—the end of his record 272-day North American Championship reign, followed by a rematch defeat to D’Angelo.
Since debuting on NXT television in April 2023, Femi quickly rose to prominence by winning the NXT Breakout Tournament and capturing the North American Championship from Dragon Lee. His sudden disappearance has sparked speculation about a possible main roster call-up, injury recovery, or a creative pause to build anticipation for his return.
Upon his comeback, many expect Femi to pursue the NXT Championship, potentially challenging current titleholder Trick Williams.
Stay tuned to Bleacher Report for ongoing WWE coverage and insider updates.
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Photo Caption: Roman Reigns and The Rock after their victory against Cody Rhodes and Seth Rollins at WrestleMania 40’s Night 1 main event, April 6, 2024 (WWE/Getty Images).