Roman Reigns Reflects on The Rock, Cody Rhodes, Future WWE Prospects; Tommy Fury Eyeing WWE; NXT Updates on Oba Femi
By Mike Chiari, Bleacher Report – November 27, 2024
Roman Reigns recently opened up about his WrestleMania 40 experience, the dynamic involving The Rock and Cody Rhodes, as well as the potential for a future showdown with The People’s Champion. Meanwhile, boxer Tommy Fury has hinted at a possible career shift towards WWE wrestling, and NXT star Oba Femi’s recent absence has sparked discussion about his status within WWE’s developmental brand.
Roman Reigns Discusses WrestleMania 40 Opponents and Future Plans
During a candid interview on the SI Media podcast with Sports Illustrated’s Jimmy Traina, Roman Reigns shared insights into his mindset about the main event opponent switch leading up to WrestleMania 40. Initially, WWE seemed undecided between booking Reigns against The Rock or Cody Rhodes. Reigns revealed that it didn’t matter to him who he faced, as long as he was at the top of the card:
"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."
Cody Rhodes won the 2024 men’s Royal Rumble and initially stated he would not challenge for the WWE Championship at WrestleMania 40, which opened the door for The Rock to be the intended challenger. However, fan reactions prompted Rhodes to reverse course and challenge Reigns, leading The Rock to turn heel and align with Reigns as "The Final Boss." At WrestleMania 40, The Rock teamed with Reigns to defeat Rhodes and Seth Rollins on Night 1, with Rhodes ultimately capturing the WWE Championship from Reigns on Night 2. When asked about the possibility of facing The Rock in the future, Reigns expressed openness to the matchup if the fans vocally demand it:
"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 made a surprise return at WWE’s Bad Blood event last month but has yet to specify his plans. With the intense WarGames match involving The Bloodline teams set for Survivor Series, anticipation builds around whether The Rock might reappear to ignite a future family rivalry.
Tommy Fury Teases Interest in WWE Wrestling Career
Tommy Fury, the undefeated professional boxer and younger brother of heavyweight boxing champion Tyson Fury, recently gave fans a hint he might be interested in stepping into the WWE ring. Posting a backstage video from a WWE UK tour event on YouTube, Fury expressed admiration for WWE stars and gratitude for the company’s hospitality:
"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’s connection to WWE is notable, as his brother Tyson performed at WWE Crown Jewel 2019 and made a memorable appearance at WWE Clash at the Castle in 2022, including an iconic in-ring moment disrupting Austin Theory’s Money in the Bank cash-in. With Tommy’s undefeated boxing record and ties to the Paul family—another group entrenched in WWE storylines—he could be a compelling addition potentially paired against Logan Paul or in a sibling tag team dynamic.
Oba Femi’s Status Unclear Following NXT Absence
Oba Femi, former NXT North American Champion, has reportedly been absent from NXT tapings and television for about a month, according to Fightful Select. The absence follows Femi’s loss to Tony D’Angelo at Halloween Havoc on October 27, where Femi dropped the North American Title after a record 272-day reign, and then lost a subsequent rematch.
Since his impressive NXT debut in April 2023, including winning the NXT Breakout Tournament and capturing the North American Championship from Dragon Lee, Femi had been a rising star for WWE’s developmental brand. The reason for his recent lack of appearances is currently unknown, though speculation ranges from needing time to recover from injuries, possible main roster promotion preparation, or simply allowing a reset after consecutive losses.
If and when Oba Femi returns, he is viewed as a strong contender for the NXT Championship and is considered a likely candidate to challenge champion Trick Williams.
For ongoing coverage of these stories and the latest in professional wrestling, listen to Ring Rust Radio and stay tuned to Bleacher Report for updates.
Photo: The Rock and Roman Reigns after their WrestleMania 40 victory over Cody Rhodes and Seth Rollins. (WWE/Getty Images)