Roman Reigns Talks The Rock, Cody Rhodes; Tommy Fury Eyes WWE Future; NXT Rumors Surround Oba Femi
By Mike Chiari, Bleacher Report – November 27, 2024
Bleacher Report brings you the latest updates from the WWE Universe, including insights from Roman Reigns on WrestleMania 40, boxer Tommy Fury’s hints at a wrestling career, and speculation about NXT star Oba Femi’s recent absence.
Roman Reigns Reflects on WrestleMania 40 Opponents and Possible Future Match with The Rock
Roman Reigns sat down for an interview on the SI Media podcast with Sports Illustrated’s Jimmy Traina, where he shared his thoughts regarding his WrestleMania 40 bouts, his experiences with Cody Rhodes and The Rock, and the potential for a future match with The Rock.
When asked whether he was disappointed to face Cody Rhodes instead of The Rock in the much-anticipated WrestleMania main event, Reigns was clear that his priority was to remain the centerpiece of WWE’s biggest event:
"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."
This comment comes after a back-and-forth storyline in the lead-up to WrestleMania 40. Cody Rhodes won the 2024 men’s Royal Rumble and initially said he would not challenge Reigns for the WWE Championship at WrestleMania. That initially signaled The Rock would be Reigns’ opponent. However, fan backlash led to Rhodes reversing course, and The Rock turned heel as “The Final Boss,” forming an alliance with Reigns. At WrestleMania 40’s Night 1, Reigns and The Rock teamed up to defeat Rhodes and Seth Rollins, but Rhodes ultimately triumphed over Reigns for the WWE Championship on Night 2. Regarding a potential Reigns vs. The Rock match in the future, Reigns suggested the possibility hinges on fan interest:
"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. … 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 WWE appearance last month at the Bad Blood event but has yet to clarify his in-ring intentions or return. With the ongoing storyline featuring The Bloodline families facing off in a WarGames match at Survivor Series, many expect The Rock could remain involved and possibly set the stage for an eventual showdown with Reigns.
Boxer Tommy Fury Hints at WWE Run
Tommy Fury, younger brother of former heavyweight boxing champ Tyson Fury, has suggested he might explore a career in professional wrestling with WWE.
In a YouTube video posted during WWE’s recent UK tour, Fury shared footage from backstage and expressed appreciation for the WWE roster and organization:
"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, who boasts a 10-0 professional boxing record and is the only boxer to have beaten Jake Paul, is no stranger to crossover appeal. His brother Tyson previously wrestled in WWE for one match at Crown Jewel 2019 and notably influenced a storyline at WWE Clash at the Castle in 2022 by knocking out Austin Theory in the crowd.
Given Tommy’s ties to the Paul family and his own athletic charisma, WWE fans and insiders speculate he could become a future opponent for Logan Paul, who is both a WWE Superstar and former United States Champion. A potential tag team match pitting the Paul brothers against the Fury brothers could capture the interest of wrestling and mainstream fans alike.
Oba Femi’s Absence Sparks NXT Rumors
Former NXT North American Champion Oba Femi has not been seen on NXT programming or backstage at tapings for over a month. According to Fightful Select, no details have emerged explaining his absence since he lost to Tony D’Angelo at Halloween Havoc on October 27. Femi, who debuted on NXT television in April 2023, quickly rose to prominence by winning the NXT Breakout Tournament and capturing the North American Championship from Dragon Lee. His title reign set a record at 272 days before losing the belt to D’Angelo. He also suffered a rematch loss at Halloween Havoc, and since then, he has been noticeably absent.
The reasons remain unknown—his absence might be due to injury, a call-up to WWE’s main roster, or simply a strategic hiatus to reset after consecutive defeats. Once he returns, Femi is expected to be a top contender for the NXT Championship, potentially challenging current titleholder Trick Williams.
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Photo: Roman Reigns and The Rock after their WrestleMania 40 match versus Cody Rhodes and Seth Rollins, April 6, 2024, Lincoln Financial Field, Philadelphia, PA (WWE/Getty Images).