Roman Reigns Opens Up on The Rock, Cody Rhodes, as Tommy Fury Hints at WWE Future; Oba Femi’s NXT Absence Sparks Speculation
By Mike Chiari, Bleacher Report – November 27, 2024
The WWE Universe is buzzing with fresh updates as Roman Reigns reflects on his WrestleMania 40 main event experience, celebrated boxer Tommy Fury expresses interest in stepping into professional wrestling, and NXT star Oba Femi’s recent absence raises questions. Here’s the latest from the world of WWE.
Roman Reigns Reflects on WrestleMania 40, The Rock, and Cody Rhodes
In a revealing interview on the Sports Illustrated podcast with Jimmy Traina, Universal Champion Roman Reigns shared his thoughts on the WrestleMania 40 main event saga involving himself, Cody Rhodes, and The Rock.
When asked whether he was disappointed to face Rhodes over The Rock at WrestleMania, Reigns emphasized that being in the main event was all that mattered to him.
"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 stated.
"We just need to get there and defend this thing. It didn’t matter who it is. They are trying to stop history from happening. They are trying to take us off the pinnacle right now, so it was the same task in hand for me."
Following Cody Rhodes’ victory in the 2024 men’s Royal Rumble, fans expected him to challenge Reigns at WrestleMania 40. However, Rhodes initially stepped away from that plan, which shifted the main event focus to The Rock. The fan backlash led to Rhodes returning to challenge Reigns, and The Rock turning heel to align with Reigns as "The Final Boss." On Night 1 of WrestleMania 40, The Rock and Reigns defeated Cody Rhodes and Seth Rollins. The main event on Night 2 saw Rhodes capture the WWE Championship from Reigns.
Reigns also addressed the possibility of a future match against The Rock, saying it hinges on fan interest:
"I think our fanbase and the company’s proven that if our fans are loud enough and passionate enough about something, we’re a company who—we’re not being dictated to."
"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 recent unannounced appearance at WWE’s Bad Blood event last month hinted at future storylines, though he has yet to clarify his intentions. The upcoming WarGames match at Survivor Series, featuring different factions of The Bloodline, could present another opportunity for The Rock’s return and potential collaboration or confrontation with Reigns.
Tommy Fury Teases Interest in WWE Career
Boxing sensation Tommy Fury, brother of former heavyweight champion Tyson Fury, has hinted that he might pursue a career in professional wrestling with WWE.
In a YouTube video posted Sunday, Fury was seen backstage at a WWE event during the company’s UK tour. Expressing gratitude to WWE Superstars Randy Orton, Cody Rhodes, Gunther, and others, he said:
"Thank you to the WWE for showing us such appreciation. And I look forward to possibly climbing through them ropes one day. Who knows? But it’s been a great night."
Tommy Fury, 25, currently holds a 10-0 professional boxing record and is notable for being the only boxer to defeat Jake Paul. Given his crossover appeal and connections with the Paul family, including Logan Paul’s active WWE career, the prospect of a Paul vs. Fury storyline—or even a brothers’ tag team feud—could attract mainstream wrestling and combat sports fans alike.
Tyson Fury himself has history with WWE, having competed once at Crown Jewel 2019 and famously disrupting Austin Theory’s Money in the Bank cash-in at Clash at the Castle 2022. —
Oba Femi’s Absence from NXT Raises Questions
NXT star Oba Femi, a former North American Champion known for his dominant rise after debuting in April 2023, has reportedly been absent from recent NXT events and backstage tapings for about a month.
Following two consecutive losses—first dropping the North American Championship to Tony D’Angelo and then losing the rematch at Halloween Havoc on October 27—Femi has not appeared on NXT television, according to Fightful Select.
While reasons for his absence remain unclear, possibilities include a creative reset after his high-profile losses, a potential injury, or even preparation for a main roster call-up. Femi’s robust in-ring skills and popularity position him as a strong contender to challenge for the NXT Championship upon his return, potentially targeting current champion Trick Williams.
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Photo Caption: Roman Reigns and The Rock after their victory over Cody Rhodes and Seth Rollins at WrestleMania 40, Lincoln Financial Field, Philadelphia. (Photo Credit: WWE/Getty Images)
Mike Chiari covers WWE and wrestling news for Bleacher Report. Follow for the latest updates and expert analysis.