Latest WWE Updates: Roman Reigns on The Rock and Cody Rhodes, Tommy Fury Eyes WWE, and NXT Rumors Surrounding Oba Femi
Bleacher Report brings you an in-depth update on some of the latest buzz from the WWE Universe, including insights from Roman Reigns about WrestleMania 40, boxer Tommy Fury’s possible move into wrestling, and speculation regarding NXT star Oba Femi’s recent absence.
Roman Reigns Reflects on WrestleMania 40 and Future Matches
During an interview on the SI Media podcast with Jimmy Traina, WWE superstar Roman Reigns opened up about his experience leading up to WrestleMania 40, particularly the evolving dynamics around his main event opponents, The Rock and Cody Rhodes.
Reigns expressed that he was unfazed by the changes in opponents, focusing instead on his role as the main event star and champion. He shared:
"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 backstage story involved Cody Rhodes winning the 2024 men’s Royal Rumble and initially stating he would not challenge Reigns for the WWE Championship at WrestleMania, pointing instead toward The Rock for that spot. After fans reacted negatively to this switch, Rhodes reversed his decision, which led to The Rock turning heel as "The Final Boss," aligning with Roman Reigns.
At WrestleMania 40, The Rock and Reigns teamed up on Night 1, defeating Rhodes and Seth Rollins, while Rhodes captured the WWE title from Reigns on Night 2. When asked about the possibility of a future match between Reigns and The Rock—a dream encounter that didn’t happen at WrestleMania—Reigns indicated that fan demand could make it happen:
"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. If that’s what the people want and The People’s Champ is down, I’m sure we can make something happen."
The Rock recently made a surprise, unannounced return at WWE’s Bad Blood event last month but has yet to clarify his intentions. With The Bloodline factions clashing in a WarGames match at Survivor Series, fans are eagerly watching for any hints about The Rock’s future moves.
Boxer Tommy Fury Explores WWE Career Possibility
Tommy Fury, the British professional boxer and younger brother of heavyweight champion Tyson Fury, has teased a potential future in WWE. On Sunday, Fury shared a behind-the-scenes video on YouTube showing himself backstage during WWE’s UK tour and interacting with stars such as Randy Orton, Cody Rhodes, and Gunther.
In his video, Tommy said:
"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 those ropes one day. Who knows? But it’s been a great night."
His older brother Tyson previously dabbled in WWE, notably winning his only match at Crown Jewel 2019, and more recently caused a stir at WWE Clash at the Castle in 2022. Tommy Fury is undefeated in boxing with a 10-0 record and is notably the only fighter to have defeated Jake Paul. Given his family connection and crossover appeal, Tommy could be positioned as a potential WWE star, perhaps even engaging in storylines involving Logan Paul, who is himself a WWE Superstar and former U.S. Champion. A tag team rivalry between the Fury brothers and the Paul brothers could attract mainstream attention.
Oba Femi’s Absence from NXT Sparks Rumors
Reports from Fightful Select indicate that Oba Femi, the former NXT North American Champion, has not been visible at recent NXT tapings for about a month, with no backstage presence noted since his loss to Tony D’Angelo at Halloween Havoc on October 27. Femi, who debuted on NXT TV in April 2023, rose quickly by winning the NXT Breakout Tournament and then capturing the North American title from Dragon Lee. His record-setting 272-day title reign ended last month when he lost to D’Angelo, followed by a rematch defeat at Halloween Havoc.
His absence has fueled speculation. Some industry insiders suggest it may be a strategic break, potentially to regroup after two significant losses. Others wonder if he might be prepping for a main roster call-up or recovering from injury.
When he returns, Femi could be a contender for the NXT Championship and might be slated to challenge current titleholder Trick Williams. Fans and analysts alike are eager to see what path his career will take next.
Stay tuned for more updates in the WWE world as these stories develop. Fans can also catch new episodes of Ring Rust Radio for discussions on the hottest topics in wrestling.
Photo Caption: WWE legends The Rock and Roman Reigns reflect on their WrestleMania 40 victory over Cody Rhodes and Seth Rollins at Lincoln Financial Field on April 6, 2024. (WWE/Getty Images)