Roman Reigns Talks The Rock, Cody Rhodes, Tommy Fury Eyes WWE Future, and Oba Femi’s NXT Absence
By Mike Chiari | November 27, 2024 | Bleacher Report
In the latest updates from the WWE Universe, several intriguing developments have emerged involving top stars Roman Reigns, The Rock, Cody Rhodes, and the possible WWE aspirations of boxer Tommy Fury, alongside whispers surrounding NXT’s Oba Femi. Here’s a detailed look at the recent news and rumors.
Roman Reigns Reflects on WrestleMania 40 Opponents: The Rock and Cody Rhodes
Roman Reigns recently appeared on the SI Media podcast with Sports Illustrated’s Jimmy Traina, where he opened up about the main event scene at WrestleMania 40 and his experiences involving both The Rock and Cody Rhodes.
Reigns expressed that he was unfazed by the last-minute change in his WrestleMania opponent — originally set to be The Rock but eventually Cody Rhodes. He emphasized that competing in the main event was the key factor, stating, “It doesn’t matter to me. I was the main event. I’m the guy everyone wanted to dance with… it just didn’t matter who it is. They are trying to stop history from happening, to take us off the pinnacle.”
The backstory involved Rhodes winning the 2024 men’s Royal Rumble but initially declining to challenge Reigns for the WWE Championship. This shift opened the door for The Rock’s rumored return, which excited fans. However, fan backlash prompted Rhodes to reverse his decision, and in the process, The Rock turned heel, adopting the persona "The Final Boss" and aligning himself with Reigns.
At WrestleMania 40, The Rock and Reigns teamed up to defeat Cody Rhodes and Seth Rollins on Night 1. Rhodes then triumphed over Reigns to capture the WWE Championship in the Night 2 main event.
When asked about the potential for a Reigns vs. Rock match in the future, Reigns suggested it remains a real possibility, as long as the fans continue to demand it. "If that’s what the people want and The People’s Champ is down, I’m sure we can make something happen," Reigns noted.
The Rock made a surprise return at WWE’s Bad Blood event last month, but since then, his plans have remained unclear. With the upcoming WarGames match pitting the new Bloodline against the original at Survivor Series, many speculate The Rock could reappear to escalate tensions and possibly build toward a dream bout with Reigns.
Tommy Fury Signals Possible WWE Interest
In other news bridging combat sports and professional wrestling, British boxer Tommy Fury has hinted at a potential future within WWE.
Fury, 25, shared a backstage video from a recent WWE UK tour on his YouTube channel, showing interactions with wrestlers including Randy Orton, Cody Rhodes, and Gunther. He praised the WWE for their hospitality and impressed atmosphere, saying: “I look forward to possibly climbing through those ropes one day. Who knows?”
Tommy is notably the younger brother of former world heavyweight boxing champion Tyson Fury, who wrestled once for WWE at Crown Jewel 2019 and gained mainstream attention with his antics at WWE Clash at the Castle in 2022 involving Austin Theory.
With a perfect 10-0 professional boxing record, including a victory over Jake Paul, Tommy Fury’s athleticism and celebrity ties could make him an appealing addition to WWE. A potential rivalry or tag team scenario involving the Fury brothers and the Paul brothers—specifically Logan Paul, a current WWE Superstar and now former United States Champion—could also attract a broader audience to WWE programming.
NXT Star Oba Femi Absent Following Defeats; Future Plans Unclear
Shifting focus to WWE’s developmental brand, reports reveal that NXT’s Oba Femi has been notably absent from television and backstage appearances since late October.
According to sources from Fightful Select, Femi has not been seen at NXT tapings since his loss to Tony D’Angelo at Halloween Havoc on October 27. The reasons for his absence have not been disclosed, leaving room for speculation.
Since debuting on NXT in April 2023, Oba Femi quickly rose through the ranks. He won the NXT Breakout Tournament, then cashed in his title opportunity to capture the NXT North American Championship. His reign lasted 272 days — a record-setting accomplishment. However, his first televised loss occurred recently when he dropped the North American title to D’Angelo and subsequently lost a rematch.
Femi’s disappearance could be a strategic decision by WWE to allow the star to regroup after back-to-back significant losses or possibly prepare him for a main roster promotion. Alternatively, injury cannot be ruled out. When he returns, Femi remains a prime candidate for future NXT Championship opportunities and could continue to be a cornerstone of the brand.
Looking Ahead
The WWE Universe continues to buzz with speculation and excitement as Roman Reigns’ reign faces challenges, The Rock’s next moves remain under wraps, boxing star Tommy Fury hints at a WWE future, and NXT’s Oba Femi stands at a crossroads. Fans can expect the weeks ahead to bring clarity and perhaps some surprises as these stories unfold.
Stay tuned for more updates and analysis on WWE and the wrestling world here at Bleacher Report.
Photo Credit: WWE/Getty Images
Featured Image Caption: The Rock and Roman Reigns at WrestleMania 40 in Philadelphia, April 6, 2024.