Roman Reigns Opens Up on The Rock, Cody Rhodes, While Tommy Fury Eyes WWE Debut; Oba Femi Missing from NXT
By Mike Chiari, Bleacher Report – November 27, 2024
Bleacher Report brings you the latest updates from the WWE Universe, featuring insights from Roman Reigns on major WrestleMania 40 storylines, a potential wrestling future for professional boxer Tommy Fury, and intriguing rumors surrounding NXT star Oba Femi.
Roman Reigns Reflects on WrestleMania 40 Opponents: The Rock vs. Cody Rhodes
Roman Reigns recently sat down for an interview with Sports Illustrated’s Jimmy Traina to discuss the lead-up to WrestleMania 40 and the shifting dynamics involving himself, The Rock, and Cody Rhodes. The segment (which began at approximately the 31-minute mark of the episode) delved into Reigns’ thoughts on the main event situation where WWE appeared to toggle between booking him against either The Rock or Rhodes.
When asked if he felt disappointed about facing Cody Rhodes instead of The Rock for the WWE Championship, Reigns was clear that the opponent didn’t matter as much as being the main event star:
“It doesn’t matter to me. I was the main event. I’m the guy that everyone wanted to dance with… It’s where, we just need to get there and defend this thing. It didn’t matter who it is.”
After Rhodes won the men’s 2024 Royal Rumble and initially declined to challenge Reigns at WrestleMania 40, The Rock seemed poised to take that spot. However, fan backlash led Rhodes to reverse course, and The Rock turned heel—adopting the moniker The Final Boss—and aligned with Reigns. Together, they defeated Rhodes and Seth Rollins on Night 1 of WrestleMania 40, only for Rhodes to reclaim the WWE Championship by defeating Reigns on Night 2. Regarding a potential one-on-one showdown with The Rock, which fans have eagerly anticipated but has yet to happen, Reigns signaled openness to the idea but stressed it depends largely on fan demand:
“If that’s what the people want and The People’s Champ is down, I’m sure we can make something happen.”
The Rock returned unannounced at WWE’s Bad Blood event last month, but has yet to clarify his WWE plans. With The Bloodline factions facing off in a WarGames match at Survivor Series this Saturday, speculation mounts that The Rock could reappear and set the stage for a huge future clash with his cousin.
Boxer Tommy Fury Teases Possible WWE Career
Tommy Fury, younger brother of former world heavyweight boxing champion Tyson Fury, teased a potential move into pro wrestling on Sunday after attending a recent WWE event in the UK. Fury posted a video backstage mingling with WWE superstars including Randy Orton, Cody Rhodes, and Gunther.
In his video, Fury expressed appreciation for WWE’s hospitality and hinted at possibly stepping into the wrestling ring someday:
“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, currently undefeated in professional boxing at 10-0 and notably the only fighter to beat Jake Paul, could bring mainstream crossover appeal to WWE. Given his family ties and history with the Paul brothers, a feud or tag team match between the Fury and Paul brothers—Logan Paul is a WWE Superstar—could generate wide interest.
Oba Femi Reportedly Absent from NXT Programming
Reports have emerged that Oba Femi, the former NXT North American Champion, has been absent from WWE NXT tapings since late October. According to Fightful Select, backstage sources have noted no recent appearances by Femi following his loss to Tony D’Angelo at Halloween Havoc on October 27. The reasons for Femi’s absence remain unclear—whether it’s due to storyline considerations, injury, or a potential main roster call-up. Following an impressive televised debut in April 2023, Femi quickly rose through NXT ranks, winning the Breakout Tournament and capturing the North American title by defeating Dragon Lee. He held the championship for a record 272 days before losing it and the subsequent rematch to D’Angelo.
The hiatus might serve as a reset for Femi after two significant losses, with speculation hinting he could soon be poised for a fresh push toward the NXT Championship or possibly a promotion to WWE’s main roster.
Stay tuned to Bleacher Report for continuing coverage of WWE storylines, emerging superstars, and exclusive backstage insights from the world of professional wrestling.