Roman Reigns Reflects on WrestleMania 40, The Rock, Cody Rhodes; Tommy Fury Eyes WWE; NXT’s Oba Femi Absent
In a recent in-depth interview, WWE superstar Roman Reigns opened up about his experiences surrounding WrestleMania 40, discussed the possibility of a future match with The Rock, and shared his thoughts on facing Cody Rhodes. Meanwhile, rising boxing star Tommy Fury hinted at a potential career move to WWE, and rumors swirl regarding the absence of former NXT North American Champion Oba Femi from recent programming.
Roman Reigns on WrestleMania 40 Opponents and The Rock Match Prospects
Roman Reigns spoke candidly during an interview on the Sports Illustrated Media podcast with Jimmy Traina on November 26, 2024, addressing the ever-evolving main event scene at WrestleMania 40. When asked about whether he was disappointed to face Cody Rhodes instead of The Rock, Reigns expressed that he valued being the main event talent above all else.
“It doesn’t matter to me,” Reigns stated. “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.”
Following Cody Rhodes’ victory in the 2024 Men’s Royal Rumble, there was initial speculation that The Rock would challenge Reigns for the WWE Championship at WrestleMania 40 instead of Rhodes. However, after some fan backlash, Rhodes reversed his stance, leading to The Rock’s surprising heel turn as “The Final Boss” and an alliance with Reigns. Together, The Rock and Reigns defeated Rhodes and Seth Rollins on Night 1 of WrestleMania 40, before Rhodes reclaimed the WWE title from Reigns on Night 2. Regarding the much-anticipated one-on-one showdown between Reigns and The Rock that didn’t materialize at WrestleMania this year, Reigns suggested the possibility remains alive if fan enthusiasm demands it.
“I think our fanbase and the company’s proven that if our fans are loud enough and passionate enough about something… we want to satisfy those people,” Reigns explained. “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 to WWE programming at the “Bad Blood” event last month, though he has not appeared since. With a major WarGames match between factions of The Bloodline scheduled for Survivor Series, speculation grows that The Rock may return to help set up a future battle with Reigns.
Tommy Fury Shows Interest in WWE Career
Tommy Fury, the unbeaten British professional boxer and younger brother of heavyweight champion Tyson Fury, has publicly hinted at a possible pro wrestling career. In a YouTube video posted on November 24, Fury shared footage from backstage at a recent WWE live event during the company’s UK tour.
He praised WWE stars and expressed enthusiasm about potentially joining the wrestling world.
“So guys, that is a night at the WWE complete. All the wrestlers showing love. Big up to Randy Orton… Big up to Cody Rhodes, all of them, Gunther, the lot of them,” Fury said. “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 known for his undefeated 10-0 professional boxing record and is the only boxer to have defeated Jake Paul. His brother Tyson Fury dabbled in WWE in the past, famously winning his match against Braun Strowman at Crown Jewel 2019 and having memorable moments at WWE events since.
The prospect of Tommy Fury entering WWE raises the possibility of intriguing cross-sport rivalries, particularly with Logan Paul—a WWE Superstar and former United States Champion—given the existing history between the Fury and Paul families.
NXT Star Oba Femi Missing from Recent Appearances
Reports have emerged suggesting that Oba Femi, prominent NXT talent and former North American Champion, has been absent from WWE’s development brand television tapings for over a month.
Fightful Select reported no sightings or mentions of Femi backstage or on NXT since his loss to Tony D’Angelo at Halloween Havoc on October 27, 2024. The reason for his absence remains unclear; possibilities range from a hiatus following consecutive losses to preparation for a main roster call-up or injury.
Since his debut in April 2023, Femi has enjoyed a meteoric rise—winning the NXT Breakout Tournament, capturing the North American Championship from Dragon Lee, and holding it for a record 272 days before dropping it to D’Angelo.
If and when Femi returns, insiders suggest he could be a strong contender for the NXT Championship, potentially positioned to challenge Trick Williams. Fans will be closely watching to see how WWE utilizes the former University of Alabama shot put star moving forward.
For wrestling fans eager to stay updated on these developments and other wrestling news, Bleacher Report continues to provide timely coverage and expert analysis on WWE and beyond.