Roman Reigns Reflects on WrestleMania 40, The Rock, and Cody Rhodes; Tommy Fury Hints at WWE Future; NXT Updates on Oba Femi
In recent developments within the WWE Universe, several notable personalities have made headlines, from Roman Reigns discussing his WrestleMania 40 main event experiences and potential future clashes with The Rock to boxer Tommy Fury expressing interest in entering the world of professional wrestling. Additionally, emerging NXT star Oba Femi’s absence from recent episodes has sparked speculation among fans and insiders.
Roman Reigns Opens Up About WrestleMania 40, Cody Rhodes, and The Rock
During an insightful interview on the SI Media podcast with Sports Illustrated’s Jimmy Traina, WWE superstar Roman Reigns provided his perspective on the lead-up and aftermath of WrestleMania 40’s high-profile matches involving himself, Cody Rhodes, and The Rock.
Reigns revealed that despite the uncertainty surrounding who he would face in the WrestleMania 40 main event, he remained unfazed. When asked if he was disappointed not to face The Rock, the original Tribal Chief asserted that it didn’t matter as long as he was in the main event 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 initial plan after Rhodes won the 2024 men’s Royal Rumble seemed to set him on a path to challenge Reigns for the WWE Championship at WrestleMania 40. However, Rhodes later declined that challenge, hinting instead at a potential match with The Rock. WWE’s fanbase reacted negatively to this switch, prompting Rhodes to reverse course, leading The Rock to turn heel, adopting the moniker "The Final Boss," and aligning with Reigns.
At WrestleMania 40, Reigns and The Rock teamed up to defeat Rhodes and Seth Rollins on Night 1. On Night 2, Rhodes captured the WWE Championship by defeating Reigns in the main event. Despite the much-anticipated Rock vs. Reigns match not materializing at WrestleMania, Reigns left the door open for a future showdown, emphasizing the power of fan demand:
"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 by saying that a match with The Rock could definitely happen if fans continue to clamor for it:
"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 at WWE’s Bad Blood event last month but has since remained absent from programming. Speculation now swirls that he could reappear at Survivor Series for the WarGames match featuring the new and original versions of The Bloodline, potentially rekindling the storyline with Reigns.
Tommy Fury Hints at WWE Aspirations
Outside the ring, boxer Tommy Fury has sparked interest in possibly joining WWE in the future. On Sunday, Fury posted a YouTube video highlighting his backstage visit during WWE’s recent UK tour. The 25-year-old Fury met with several WWE Superstars, including Randy Orton, Cody Rhodes, and Gunther.
Expressing his appreciation, Fury remarked:
"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, younger brother of former world heavyweight boxing champion Tyson Fury—who himself participated in a WWE match in 2019—has built an undefeated boxing record at 10-0. He is also notable for being the only boxer to defeat Jake Paul, who, along with his brother Logan Paul, has ties to WWE.
Given this familial and professional background, WWE fans and officials might see potential in a future feud or alliance between the Fury family and the Paul brothers, offering fresh storytelling opportunities outside traditional wrestling circles.
Oba Femi’s Recent Absence from NXT Raises Questions
Meanwhile, in WWE’s developmental territory, former NXT North American Champion Oba Femi has not appeared on NXT television for roughly a month. According to Fightful Select, Femi has not been involved in backstage activities following his loss to Tony D’Angelo at the Halloween Havoc event on October 27. Femi first debuted on NXT television in April 2023 and enjoyed an impressive run, winning the NXT Breakout Tournament and subsequently capturing the North American Championship from Dragon Lee. He held the title for a record 272 days before losing it to D’Angelo, followed by a rematch defeat at Halloween Havoc.
His current absence has led to speculation regarding his potential promotion to WWE’s main roster, an injury, or a strategic TV hiatus to let recent losses settle. Should Femi return, many fans view him as a credible contender for the NXT Championship, potentially gearing up to challenge current titleholder Trick Williams.
Looking Ahead
Fans of WWE and its related brands continue to buzz with anticipation over these evolving storylines and possible future developments. Whether Roman Reigns and The Rock will finally square off for the WWE Championship, Tommy Fury’s interest in wrestling begins to take shape, or Oba Femi returns stronger to NXT’s spotlight, the WWE Universe has plenty to stay tuned for in the coming months.
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Photo Caption: The Rock and Roman Reigns celebrate their victory over Cody Rhodes and Seth Rollins at WrestleMania 40, held on April 6, 2024, in Philadelphia. (Photo Credit: WWE/Getty Images)