WWE Updates: Roman Reigns Reflects on The Rock and Cody Rhodes; Tommy Fury Eyes WWE Career; Oba Femi’s NXT Absence
Bleacher Report recently provided an update on some significant developments within the WWE Universe, focusing on Roman Reigns’ insights about WrestleMania 40, boxing star Tommy Fury’s potential wrestling ambitions, and the status of NXT’s Oba Femi.
Roman Reigns Discusses WrestleMania 40 and Possible Future Match With The Rock
Roman Reigns opened up during an interview on the Sports Illustrated podcast with Jimmy Traina about his main event at WrestleMania 40 against Cody Rhodes and the potential for a future showdown with his cousin, The Rock.
Reigns shared that regardless of whether he faced Rhodes or The Rock at WrestleMania, his focus remained on being the main event competitor with the WWE Championship on the line. He said, “It doesn’t matter to me. I was the main event. I’m the guy that everyone wanted to dance with… They are trying to stop history from happening, trying to take us off the pinnacle right now. It’s the same task in hand for me.”
After Cody Rhodes won the 2024 men’s Royal Rumble, it initially appeared The Rock would challenge Reigns at WrestleMania. However, negative fan reactions led Rhodes to reverse his stance and challenge Reigns instead. In a surprising turn, The Rock turned heel, adopting the moniker “The Final Boss,” and allied with Reigns. The Rock and Reigns then defeated Rhodes and Seth Rollins on Night 1 of WrestleMania 40, before Rhodes reclaimed the WWE Championship from Reigns on Night 2. When asked if a Rock vs. Reigns match could still happen, Reigns said the fanbase and WWE could make it a reality if the demand is strong enough. He stated, “If that’s what the people want and The People’s Champ is down, I’m sure we can make something happen.”
The Rock surprised fans with a return at WWE’s Bad Blood event last month but has kept his future plans vague. With the upcoming WarGames match featuring versions of The Bloodline at Survivor Series, speculation is mounting about whether The Rock might re-emerge and set up a high-profile clash with Reigns.
Tommy Fury Hints at WWE Interest
British boxer Tommy Fury has hinted he may pursue a career in pro wrestling with WWE. On Sunday, Fury posted a YouTube video showing his backstage experience at a WWE show during their UK tour. He expressed genuine appreciation for the WWE talent and atmosphere, mentioning stars like Randy Orton, Cody Rhodes, and Gunther.
Fury stated, “I look forward to possibly climbing through them ropes one day. Who knows? But it’s been a great night.”
At 25, Tommy Fury is the younger brother of former world heavyweight boxing champion Tyson Fury, who made a brief WWE appearance in 2019 and notably disrupted Austin Theory’s Money in the Bank cash-in in 2022. Tommy himself is an undefeated boxer and the only person to beat Jake Paul, adding mainstream appeal. Analysts suggest a potential WWE storyline involving Tommy and the Paul brothers, especially Logan Paul—who is an active WWE Superstar—could attract a broader audience.
Oba Femi’s Mysterious Absence From NXT
Reports indicate that NXT North American Champion Oba Femi has been absent from recent NXT tapings following his loss to Tony D’Angelo at Halloween Havoc on October 27. Fightful Select noted there has been no backstage presence of Femi at NXT for over a month, though the specifics behind his absence remain unclear. It might be a strategic break after consecutive defeats or possibly to prepare for a main roster call-up or injury recovery.
Having debuted on NXT television in April 2023, Femi enjoyed a dominant run, capturing the NXT Breakout Tournament and winning the North American Championship from Dragon Lee. His 272-day title reign was ended with his loss to D’Angelo, followed by a rematch defeat. When he returns, insiders believe Femi could immediately be positioned as a strong contender for the NXT Championship, potentially challenging Trick Williams.
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Photo credit: WWE/Getty Images from WrestleMania 40 featuring The Rock and Roman Reigns.