Roman Reigns on The Rock, Cody Rhodes; Tommy Fury Eyes WWE Future; NXT Update on Oba Femi
By Mike Chiari, Bleacher Report — November 27, 2024
Bleacher Report brings you the latest updates from the WWE Universe, including Roman Reigns’ comments on his WrestleMania 40 matches, boxer Tommy Fury’s potential WWE aspirations, and the recent absence of NXT star Oba Femi from television.
Roman Reigns Reflects on WrestleMania 40 Opponents and Future Rock Match
In a recent interview on the SI Media podcast with Sports Illustrated’s Jimmy Traina, WWE superstar Roman Reigns provided candid insight regarding his WrestleMania 40 main event against Cody Rhodes and the possibility of facing The Rock in the future.
Reigns shared his feelings about the decision to face Rhodes rather than The Rock after years of anticipation for a family clash with his cousin. When asked if he was disappointed by the switch, Reigns was clear that it did not matter who he faced, as long as he was in the 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. 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 road to WrestleMania 40 saw some shifts. After Cody Rhodes won the 2024 men’s Royal Rumble, he initially stated he would not challenge Reigns for the WWE Championship at WrestleMania, suggesting that The Rock would instead take that spot. However, fan backlash prompted Rhodes to reverse course, and The Rock turned heel, adopting the persona The Final Boss and aligning himself with Reigns. This alliance led The Rock and Reigns to defeat Cody Rhodes and Seth Rollins in the Night 1 main event. On Night 2, however, Rhodes claimed the WWE Championship, besting Reigns.
Despite the anticipated match between The Rock and Roman Reigns not materializing at WrestleMania 40, Reigns indicated the possibility remains alive:
"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."
He added,
"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 at WWE’s Bad Blood event last month but has since remained absent from programming. With the new and original versions of The Bloodline clashing in a WarGames match at Survivor Series this Saturday, speculation is mounting that The Rock could reappear, signaling the beginning of a marquee feud with Roman Reigns.
Tommy Fury Shows Interest in WWE
Tommy Fury, younger brother of former world heavyweight boxing champion Tyson Fury, hinted at a potential pro wrestling career with WWE during a recent backstage visit to a WWE event in the United Kingdom.
In a YouTube video posted on Sunday, Tommy was seen mingling with WWE Superstars and expressed his enthusiasm for the experience:
"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, boasts an undefeated professional boxing record and is notably the only fighter to have defeated influencer-turned-boxer Jake Paul. Given Logan Paul’s rising status in WWE, a feud between the Fury and Paul brothers holds the potential for cross-promotional appeal, which could benefit WWE’s broader audience reach.
Tyson Fury also has WWE history, having competed once at Crown Jewel 2019 and making notable appearances in the crowd, such as WWE Clash at the Castle 2022. —
Oba Femi’s NXT Absence Sparks Speculation
Fans have noticed the absence of former NXT North American Champion Oba Femi from recent NXT tapings. According to Fightful Select, Femi has not been seen backstage or on television since his loss to Tony D’Angelo at Halloween Havoc on October 27. Femi, who debuted on NXT television in April 2023, quickly made an impact by winning the NXT Breakout Tournament and seizing the North American Championship from Dragon Lee. His 272-day title reign was the longest for that championship but ended with a surprising defeat to D’Angelo. Subsequently, Femi lost a rematch at Halloween Havoc.
The reason for his absence remains unclear. Possibilities include time off to regroup after consecutive losses, a potential injury, or preparations for a main roster call-up. NXT officials may also be keeping Femi off TV to allow his character to reset before pursuing new storylines.
When he returns, Femi is expected to remain a top contender within NXT, with a possible push toward the NXT Championship.
As WWE continues to evolve with new storylines and emerging stars, fans remain eager to see how Roman Reigns’ legacy will develop, whether Tommy Fury enters the squared circle, and what the future holds for promising talents like Oba Femi.