Roman Reigns Talks The Rock and Cody Rhodes; Tommy Fury Eyes WWE Future; Oba Femi Absent from NXT
By Mike Chiari | Nov 27, 2024
Bleacher Report brings you the latest developments in the WWE Universe, including insights from Roman Reigns, potential WWE ambitions from boxer Tommy Fury, and updates on NXT star Oba Femi.
Roman Reigns Reflects on WrestleMania 40 Matchups and Future Possibility Against The Rock
During a recent interview on the SI Media podcast with Jimmy Traina, WWE superstar Roman Reigns opened up about his WrestleMania 40 experience and the highly anticipated matches involving himself, The Rock, and Cody Rhodes.
Reigns addressed the speculation about whether he was disappointed not to face The Rock at WrestleMania 40, instead battling Cody Rhodes in the event’s main event. He emphasized that his priority was simply being the focal point of the show:
“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.”
Initially, after Cody Rhodes won the men’s Royal Rumble in 2024, he had stated he wouldn’t challenge Reigns for the WWE Championship at WrestleMania, hinting that The Rock might take that spot. However, fan backlash led to a reversal where Rhodes challenged Reigns, and The Rock turned heel as “The Final Boss,” aligning with Reigns. The Rock and Reigns defeated Rhodes and Seth Rollins on Night 1 of WrestleMania 40, but Rhodes ultimately captured the WWE title from Reigns on Night 2. When asked if a future match against The Rock remains possible, Reigns suggested that a showdown could happen if fans demand it loud enough:
“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 not indicated his future plans. With The Bloodline storyline heating up ahead of Survivor Series and their backstage battles, The Rock’s eventual return might come soon to further escalate the family drama.
Boxer Tommy Fury Hints at Potential WWE Career
Tommy Fury, younger brother of former world heavyweight boxing champion Tyson Fury, has teased a possible future in professional wrestling and WWE specifically.
In a YouTube video posted after attending a recent WWE UK tour event, Tommy expressed enthusiasm and appreciation for WWE and its superstars:
“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 has an impressive undefeated professional boxing record (10-0) and holds the notable distinction of being the only boxer to defeat Jake Paul. Given his family ties and boxing background, a WWE career could open exciting cross-promotional opportunities, including possible matchups involving the Paul brothers — especially Logan Paul, a current WWE Superstar.
His brother Tyson Fury has previously dabbled in WWE, wrestling Braun Strowman once in 2019 and making a memorable impact at Clash at the Castle in 2022 by knocking out Austin Theory in the crowd.
NXT Star Oba Femi Reportedly Absent Following Title Losses
NXT talent Oba Femi has not been seen on WWE’s NXT programming for nearly a month, according to reports from Fightful Select. Since his loss to Tony D’Angelo at Halloween Havoc on October 27, no word has surfaced about Femi’s presence backstage or future plans.
Femi enjoyed a strong televised NXT run since debuting in April 2023, winning the Breakout Tournament and capturing the North American Championship after cashing in on Dragon Lee. His reign lasted a record 272 days, ending when he dropped the title to D’Angelo last month. Femi then lost a rematch to D’Angelo at Halloween Havoc.
While no official reason has been given for his absence, possibilities include:
- A planned break to reset after consecutive setbacks
- Preparation for a main roster call-up
- Time off due to injury
- Creative decisions to keep him off TV until fan interest recalibrates
When Femi eventually returns, he is widely viewed as a strong contender for the NXT Championship, continuing his ascent as a top-tier NXT star.
Stay tuned to Bleacher Report for all the latest updates from WWE and beyond.