Roman Reigns Opens Up on The Rock, Cody Rhodes, and Future WWE Plans; Tommy Fury Eyes WWE, Oba Femi’s NXT Absence Sparks Speculation
By Mike Chiari, Bleacher Report | November 27, 2024
The WWE Universe is buzzing with fresh insights and developments as Roman Reigns shares candid thoughts on iconic superstar The Rock and recent rival Cody Rhodes. Meanwhile, boxer Tommy Fury expresses interest in WWE, and NXT fans notice the mysterious absence of former North American Champion Oba Femi. Here’s the latest from WWE and NXT.
Roman Reigns Reflects on WrestleMania 40 and Potential Rock Match
During a recent episode of the SI Media podcast with Jimmy Traina, Roman Reigns discussed his WrestleMania 40 experience, where he faced Cody Rhodes in an emotionally charged main event. Fans had initially expected a historic clash between Reigns and The Rock — his cousin and one of WWE’s all-time legends.
When asked if he was disappointed not to face The Rock, Reigns dismissed any such concerns, emphasizing his role as the top star and focal point of the main event:
"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, so it was the same task in hand for me."
This came amid weeks of speculation. After Cody Rhodes won the 2024 men’s Royal Rumble, he initially declined to challenge Reigns at WrestleMania, paving the way for The Rock to step in. However, due to negative fan reactions, Rhodes reversed course, and The Rock turned heel as “The Final Boss,” aligning with Reigns. The Rock and Reigns teamed up to defeat Rhodes and Seth Rollins on Night 1 of WrestleMania 40, with Rhodes claiming the WWE Championship from Reigns on Night 2. When prompted about the possibility of a Rock vs. Reigns showdown in the future, Reigns left the door open, contingent on fan interest and the company’s vision:
"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 remained coy on his future plans. With the upcoming WarGames match featuring factions of The Bloodline at Survivor Series, many are anticipating possible Rock involvement that could build toward a future clash with Reigns.
Tommy Fury Hints at WWE Career Potential
In a notable crossover moment, professional boxer Tommy Fury has signaled interest in exploring professional wrestling via WWE. In a recent YouTube video backstage at a WWE UK tour event, Fury expressed enthusiasm after mingling with WWE stars:
"So guys, that is a night at the WWE complete… Big up to Randy Orton, Cody Rhodes, Gunther, the lot of them. Thank you to WWE for showing us such appreciation. And I look forward to possibly climbing through those ropes one day."
Tommy Fury, 25, is the younger brother of former world heavyweight boxing champion Tyson Fury, who previously appeared in WWE, notably defeating Braun Strowman at Crown Jewel 2019. Tommy boasts a perfect 10-0 professional boxing record and famously defeated Jake Paul.
Given WWE’s ongoing relationship with celebrity boxers and crossover stars like the Paul brothers, Tommy Fury’s potential WWE debut could draw mainstream attention, especially as a potential rival or ally to WWE Superstar Logan Paul.
Oba Femi’s NXT Absence Raises Questions
Recent reports indicate Oba Femi, former NXT North American Champion, has been notably absent from NXT tapings and television since his loss to Tony D’Angelo at Halloween Havoc on October 27. According to Fightful Select, Femi has not been seen backstage for the past month. The absence comes after Femi’s dominant run—including winning the NXT Breakout Tournament and capturing the North American Championship with an impressive 272-day reign—ended in losses to D’Angelo in both the title match and rematch.
While reasons remain unclear, possibilities include injury, a reset period following defeat, or a planned main roster call-up. His return would position him as a strong contender to challenge for the NXT Championship and potentially dethrone current champion Trick Williams.
Stay tuned for all the latest updates in WWE and NXT as these storylines continue to develop.
For more on WWE, boxing, and crossover sports news, keep following Bleacher Report’s coverage.