Roman Reigns Reflects on WrestleMania 40, The Rock, and Cody Rhodes; Tommy Fury Eyes WWE Future; Oba Femi Absent from NXT
By Mike Chiari — November 27, 2024
Bleacher Report brings you the latest updates from the WWE Universe, covering key interviews and developments around some of the industry’s biggest names, including Roman Reigns, Tommy Fury, and NXT’s Oba Femi.
Roman Reigns Opens Up on WrestleMania 40 Opponents and Possible Rock Match
In a recent interview on the SI Media podcast with Sports Illustrated’s Jimmy Traina, WWE’s “Tribal Chief” Roman Reigns shared his thoughts on facing Cody Rhodes instead of The Rock at WrestleMania 40. The interview, beginning around the 31:45 mark, shed light on the dynamic matchups that headlined the event.
When asked if he was disappointed by the change in opponent, Reigns dismissed the notion, emphasizing his role in the main event rather than who stood across from him. He said, “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. It’s where, 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.”
The shift came after Cody Rhodes won the 2024 men’s Royal Rumble but initially stated he would not challenge Reigns for the WWE Championship at WrestleMania 40, opening the door for The Rock’s return. Following negative fan reactions to that plan, Rhodes reversed course, leading to The Rock’s heel turn as “The Final Boss,” aligning with Reigns. The Rock and Reigns united to defeat Rhodes and Seth Rollins on Night 1 of WrestleMania 40, with Rhodes capturing the WWE title from Reigns on Night 2. Regarding the possibility of a future match with The Rock—a bout many fans have eagerly anticipated—Reigns expressed optimism provided the fans demand it loudly enough. He said, “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. We have a vision for where we’re trying to go, but we know who the consumers are. We know who’s paying their hard-earned money, and we want to satisfy those people.” Reigns concluded, “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 a surprise return to WWE programming at Bad Blood last month but has yet to clarify his intentions or appear again since then. With a significant WarGames match scheduled at Survivor Series featuring The Bloodline factions, another appearance by The Rock could be on the horizon, possibly setting the stage for a showdown with Reigns.
Tommy Fury Hints at WWE Involvement Following UK Tour Visit
British boxer Tommy Fury is hinting at a possible career in professional wrestling with WWE after spending time backstage during the company’s recent United Kingdom tour.
On Sunday, Fury shared a YouTube video documenting his visit to a WWE show, where he mingled with popular Superstars including Randy Orton, Cody Rhodes, and Gunther. Addressing his experience, Fury said, “So guys, that is a night at the WWE complete. All the wrestlers showing love. Big up to Randy Orton. Absolutely amazing guy. Big up to Cody Rhodes, all of them, Gunther, the lot of them. 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, is the younger brother of former heavyweight boxing champion Tyson Fury, who had a brief WWE stint—most notably a match against Braun Strowman at Crown Jewel 2019 in Saudi Arabia and a memorable moment at WWE Clash at the Castle in 2022. Tommy himself boasts an undefeated professional boxing record and is known as the only boxer to have defeated YouTube star-turned-boxer Jake Paul.
Given Tommy Fury’s connections and rising profile, WWE could explore a storyline involving the Fury and Paul families, especially since Logan Paul is an active WWE Superstar and former U.S. Champion. A tag team rivalry pitting the Fury brothers against the Paul brothers could attract significant mainstream interest.
NXT Star Oba Femi Seen Absent from Recent Tapings
Reports have surfaced that Oba Femi, former NXT North American Champion, has been notably absent from NXT tapings over the past month. According to Fightful Select, which was relayed by Ringside News, Femi has not appeared backstage since his loss to Tony D’Angelo at Halloween Havoc on October 27. The reasons for his absence remain unclear.
After debuting on NXT television in April 2023, Oba Femi enjoyed a strong run, winning the NXT Breakout Tournament and capturing the North American Championship from Dragon Lee. Femi held the title for a record 272 days before losing it to D’Angelo. A subsequent rematch also resulted in defeat, after which Femi has not been featured on the show.
Whether this absence indicates time off to recover from injury, a transition to WWE’s main roster, or simple storyline development remains to be seen. Should he return, many see Femi as primed to chase the NXT Championship and could be a logical contender to dethrone current champion Trick Williams.
Stay tuned to Bleacher Report for ongoing coverage and insights into the evolving WWE landscape.
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Photo Caption: Roman Reigns and The Rock celebrate their victory over Cody Rhodes and Seth Rollins at WrestleMania 40, held on April 6, 2024, at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia. (Photo: WWE/Getty Images)