Roman Reigns Reflects on WrestleMania 40, The Rock, Cody Rhodes; Tommy Fury Eyes WWE Future; Oba Femi Absent from NXT
In recent updates from the WWE Universe, Roman Reigns opened up about his WrestleMania 40 main event experiences involving The Rock and Cody Rhodes, boxer Tommy Fury hinted at possible WWE ambitions, and rumors swirl regarding NXT star Oba Femi’s recent absence from programming.
Roman Reigns on WrestleMania, The Rock, and Cody Rhodes
During a conversation on the SI Media podcast with Sports Illustrated’s Jimmy Traina, Roman Reigns discussed the shifting landscape surrounding his WrestleMania 40 main event. There had been uncertainty whether Reigns would face The Rock or Cody Rhodes at the show.
When asked if he was disappointed to square off against Rhodes instead of The Rock, Reigns was unfazed. “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,” Reigns explained, highlighting that his focus remained on defending his championship against any challenger.
Originally, after Rhodes won the 2024 men’s Royal Rumble, he stated he would forgo a WrestleMania title shot against Reigns, paving the way for The Rock to enter the picture. However, after negative fan backlash, Rhodes reversed his stance, which led to The Rock turning heel, adopting the moniker “The Final Boss,” and forming an alliance with Reigns. This culminated in The Rock and Reigns teaming up to defeat Rhodes and Seth Rollins at WrestleMania Night 1, followed by Rhodes capturing the WWE Championship from Reigns on Night 2. Regarding the long-anticipated match between The Rock and Reigns that didn’t materialize at WrestleMania 40, Reigns indicated a future bout is possible if the fans demand it. “If that’s what the people want and The People’s Champ is down, I’m sure we can make something happen,” he said, emphasizing WWE’s responsiveness to fan enthusiasm.
The Rock himself returned unannounced at last month’s Bad Blood event, though his intentions remain unclear. With the upcoming WarGames match at Survivor Series between the new and original Bloodline factions, speculation suggests that The Rock’s presence could be pivotal in setting up a future showdown with Reigns.
Tommy Fury Hints at WWE Career Aspirations
British boxer Tommy Fury, 25, younger brother of former heavyweight champion Tyson Fury, has publicly teased an interest in transitioning to professional wrestling with WWE. During a recent UK-based WWE live event, Fury posted a video backstage where he interacted with WWE Superstars such as Randy Orton, Cody Rhodes, and Gunther.
“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,” Fury remarked.
Tommy Fury has made a name for himself in boxing, maintaining an undefeated 10-0 record and notably becoming the only boxer to defeat Jake Paul. Given his ties to the Paul family and the presence of Logan Paul in WWE as a former U.S. Champion, speculation exists that Tommy Fury could be positioned for intriguing crossover storylines or a potential wrestling career.
Oba Femi’s NXT Absence Sparks Speculation
Former NXT North American Champion Oba Femi has been notably absent from WWE’s NXT tapings and shows since late October. Fightful Select reports that there has been no backstage presence or activity from Femi following his loss to Tony D’Angelo at Halloween Havoc on October 27. Femi had a strong television run since his April 2023 debut, winning the NXT Breakout Tournament and capturing the North American Championship by cashing in on Dragon Lee. He held the title for an impressive 272 days before losing it to D’Angelo, and subsequently lost a rematch at Halloween Havoc.
The reasons for Femi’s current absence are unclear. It may be a strategic pause to allow him to regroup after consecutive losses, a potential injury-related break, or possibly a precursor to a main roster call-up. Given his credentials and build, many insiders speculate that whenever he returns, Femi could soon contend for the NXT Championship and remain a formidable presence within the brand.
As WWE’s landscape evolves with shifting rivalries, potential new talent, and roster changes, fans remain eager to see how these stories unfold in the coming weeks and months. Roman Reigns’ dominance, The Rock’s mysterious intentions, Tommy Fury’s WWE prospects, and Oba Femi’s next move are all narratives poised to keep audiences engaged.