Roman Reigns Reflects on The Rock, Cody Rhodes; Tommy Fury Eyes WWE Future; Oba Femi Missing from NXT
Bleacher Report | November 27, 2024
The WWE Universe is buzzing with recent updates involving some of the industry’s top stars and promising talents. Bleacher Report provides the latest insights on Roman Reigns’s thoughts about The Rock and Cody Rhodes, boxer Tommy Fury’s potential wrestling aspirations with WWE, and NXT rising star Oba Femi’s recent absence from programming.
Roman Reigns Talks WrestleMania 40, The Rock, and Cody Rhodes
Roman Reigns recently appeared on the SI Media podcast hosted by Sports Illustrated’s Jimmy Traina, where he shared his perspective on the main event scene at WrestleMania 40 and his experiences facing both Cody Rhodes and The Rock.
Reigns was asked whether he felt disappointed about facing Rhodes instead of The Rock in WrestleMania’s main event. The Tribal Chief candidly stated that it did not matter to him who the opponent was, as long as he was in the spotlight defending his championship:
“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, so it was the same task in hand for me.”
The buildup around WrestleMania 40 underwent noticeable shifts when Rhodes initially declined to challenge Reigns for the WWE Championship after winning the 2024 men’s Royal Rumble. This led to speculation that The Rock would be Reigns’ challenger. However, fan reaction prompted a change in plans, resulting in The Rock turning heel as “The Final Boss” and aligning with Reigns. The dynamic duo defeated Rhodes and Seth Rollins on Night 1 of WrestleMania 40, only for Rhodes to capture the WWE title from Reigns on Night 2. When asked about the long-anticipated match between Reigns and The Rock, Reigns hinted that it could still happen if the fans demand it passionately:
“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 return last month at WWE’s Bad Blood event but has not appeared since, leaving the door open for a potential storyline culminating at upcoming WWE events such as Survivor Series.
Tommy Fury Hints at Possible WWE Career
Tommy Fury, the undefeated professional boxer and younger brother of former heavyweight boxing champion Tyson Fury, expressed openness to a WWE career following a recent backstage visit during WWE’s United Kingdom tour.
In a YouTube video posted Sunday, Fury showed footage of his interactions with WWE superstars including Randy Orton, Cody Rhodes, and Gunther, remarking:
“Big up to Randy Orton. Absolutely amazing guy. Big up to Cody Rhodes, all 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 distinguished himself in boxing with a 10-0 professional record, notably handing Jake Paul a defeat. Given his connections to the Paul family and their involvement in WWE storylines, a future feud or alliance featuring the Fury and Paul brothers could draw considerable mainstream interest.
Oba Femi’s Recent Absence from NXT Programming
NXT’s former North American Champion Oba Femi has not been seen on WWE television or backstage at NXT tapings for over a month, according to Fightful Select.
Femi’s last appearance was at Halloween Havoc on October 27, 2024, where he suffered a notable loss to Tony D’Angelo, ending his record-breaking 272-day reign as North American Champion. The reason for his absence remains unconfirmed; possibilities include a strategic break following two consecutive defeats, injury, or preparation for a main roster call-up.
Since debuting on NXT in April 2023, Femi quickly rose through the ranks by winning the NXT Breakout Tournament and capturing the North American title in a cash-in. Wrestling insiders speculate that once he returns, Femi will be a prime contender for the NXT Championship and could potentially challenge current titleholder Trick Williams.
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[Photo Caption: Roman Reigns and The Rock celebrate their victory against Cody Rhodes and Seth Rollins at WrestleMania 40.] (Photo credit: WWE/Getty Images)