Roman Reigns Opens Up on The Rock, Cody Rhodes; Tommy Fury Eyes WWE Career; NXT Update on Oba Femi
By Mike Chiari | November 27, 2024
As the WWE Universe continues to buzz with recent developments, Bleacher Report brings you the latest insights from inside the squared circle. From Roman Reigns addressing his WrestleMania 40 opponents to boxing star Tommy Fury hinting at a possible WWE future and updates on NXT talent Oba Femi’s absence, here’s what you need to know.
Roman Reigns Reflects on WrestleMania 40 and Potential Match with The Rock
In a revealing interview on the SI Media podcast with Jimmy Traina, WWE’s “Tribal Chief” Roman Reigns spoke candidly about the build-up to WrestleMania 40 and the shifting main event scenarios involving Cody Rhodes and The Rock.
Reigns shared his perspective on the changing landscape regarding who he’d face in the headline match. When asked if he was disappointed to face Rhodes instead of The Rock, Reigns dismissed the notion, emphasizing that being in the main event was what truly mattered to him.
"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."
The WrestleMania 40 build saw several twists—after Cody Rhodes won the 2024 men’s Royal Rumble, he initially announced he wouldn’t challenge Reigns for the WWE Championship. This seemingly opened the door for The Rock to step into the title picture. However, backlash from fans prompted Rhodes to reverse course, culminating in The Rock’s heel turn as “The Final Boss” who allied with Reigns.
The Rock and Reigns joined forces to defeat Rhodes and Seth Rollins on Night 1 of WrestleMania 40, while Rhodes captured the WWE Championship from Reigns in the main event on Night 2. With the highly anticipated Rock vs. Reigns one-on-one match yet to happen, the question of if and when it will take place looms large.
Reigns expressed openness to the idea, stressing it depends 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. 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 appearance at WWE’s Bad Blood event last month, though he has yet to clarify his intentions since. With the ongoing saga within The Bloodline factions and upcoming shows like Survivor Series featuring WarGames matches, speculation is rife that The Rock could re-emerge to set up a blockbuster showdown with his cousin Roman Reigns.
Tommy Fury Hints at WWE Ambitions
British professional boxer Tommy Fury, younger brother of former heavyweight champion Tyson Fury, has hinted at possible aspirations to join WWE in the future.
Sharing a behind-the-scenes look at a recent WWE event during the company’s UK tour, Fury expressed his enjoyment of the night and openness to climbing into the wrestling ring someday.
“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 currently boasts an undefeated 10-0 professional boxing record, notable for handing Jake Paul his only loss. Given his connections to the Paul family and WWE’s history of blending mainstream celebrities into storylines—exemplified by Tyson Fury’s 2019 WWE Crown Jewel match—the younger Fury could be a natural fit in WWE programming.
Potential matchups against Logan Paul, a current WWE Superstar and former United States Champion, or a tag team clash featuring the Fury and Paul brothers, could attract a broad range of viewers.
NXT Star Oba Femi’s Recent Absence Sparks Speculation
On the NXT front, former North American Champion Oba Femi has reportedly been absent from recent tapings and WWE events.
According to reports from Fightful Select, Femi has not been backstage since his loss to Tony D’Angelo at Halloween Havoc on October 27. The reason for his absence remains unclear at this time.
Femi, who impressed fans since his televised debut in April 2023 by winning the NXT Breakout Tournament and capturing the North American Championship from Dragon Lee, suffered two setbacks last month—losing his title and a subsequent rematch to D’Angelo.
While his current absence could indicate anything from an injury hiatus to a strategic storyline reset, insiders speculate that Femi may be gearing up for a significant push, possibly even a move to the WWE main roster or a renewed run at the NXT Championship, perhaps challenging current titleholder Trick Williams.
Looking Ahead
With evolving storylines and potential new faces entering the WWE fold, the wrestling world remains as dynamic as ever. Roman Reigns’ reflections and openness to a future match with The Rock, Tommy Fury’s potential crossover from boxing, and NXT’s mysterious pauses all add to the intrigue heading into WWE’s upcoming events.
Stay tuned to Bleacher Report for continuous updates on WWE and the broader wrestling universe.
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