Roman Reigns Talks The Rock, Cody Rhodes; Tommy Fury Eyes WWE Spot; NXT Rumors on Oba Femi
By Mike Chiari, Bleacher Report – November 27, 2024
Bleacher Report provides the latest updates from WWE, including Roman Reigns’ recent interview discussing The Rock and Cody Rhodes, boxing star Tommy Fury’s possible WWE future, and rumors surrounding NXT’s Oba Femi.
Roman Reigns Reflects on WrestleMania 40 and Future Possibilities with The Rock
Roman Reigns recently appeared on the Sports Illustrated podcast with Jimmy Traina, where he opened up about facing Cody Rhodes at WrestleMania 40 instead of The Rock, and the potential for a future match with his famous cousin.
Reigns shared that he was not disappointed about facing Cody Rhodes in the main event. “It doesn’t matter to me. I was the main event. I’m the guy that everyone wanted to dance with,” Reigns said. “They are trying to stop history from happening. They’re trying to take us off the pinnacle right now, so it was the same task for me, regardless of opponent.”
The road to WrestleMania 40 was marked by an interesting shift. After Cody Rhodes won the 2024 Men’s Royal Rumble, he initially said he would not challenge Reigns but later reversed course following fan backlash. This storyline change led to The Rock turning heel, adopting the persona “The Final Boss,” and aligning with Reigns. Together, The Rock and Reigns defeated Cody Rhodes and Seth Rollins in the Night 1 main event at WrestleMania 40. However, on Night 2, Rhodes defeated Reigns to win the WWE Championship.
Regarding a future showdown with The Rock, Reigns expressed optimism, emphasizing the power of fan demand. “If that’s what the people want and The People’s Champ is down, I’m sure we can make something happen,” Reigns said.
The Rock made an unannounced WWE return last month at the Bad Blood event, but has yet to clarify his long-term plans. With The Bloodline storyline intensifying, highlighted by an upcoming WarGames match at Survivor Series, speculation is growing about whether The Rock might re-emerge for another high-profile conflict with Reigns.
Tommy Fury Hints at Potential WWE Career
Tommy Fury, the British professional boxer and younger brother of former World Heavyweight Boxing Champion Tyson Fury, has hinted at a possible future in WWE.
In a YouTube video posted last Sunday, Fury shared footage of his backstage experience during WWE’s recent UK tour, mentioning his interactions with several WWE Superstars including Randy Orton, Cody Rhodes, and Gunther. “Thank you to the WWE for showing us such appreciation. And I look forward to possibly climbing through those ropes one day,” Fury said.
At age 25, Fury enjoys an undefeated boxing record of 10-0 and notably has a victory over Jake Paul. His family ties and familiarity with the professional wrestling scene — his brother Tyson had a one-off WWE match at Crown Jewel 2019 and made an infamous appearance at Clash at the Castle 2022 — could help Tommy transition into the squared circle.
Given Logan Paul’s active role in WWE as a Superstar and former United States Champion, a potential rivalry or tag team match featuring the Fury and Paul brothers could entice a mainstream audience, making Tommy Fury a potential candidate for WWE storylines in the future.
Oba Femi Absent from NXT Programming, Future Uncertain
Oba Femi, the former NXT North American Champion, has reportedly not been seen in NXT backstage or on television for the past month.
According to Fightful Select, there has been no indication that Femi has been involved in recent NXT tapings since his loss to Tony D’Angelo at Halloween Havoc on October 27. The reasons behind his absence remain unclear — it could be an injury, a strategic break to reset after consecutive losses, or perhaps preparation for a call-up to WWE’s main roster.
Femi made an impressive NXT debut in April 2023, winning the NXT Breakout Tournament and capturing the North American Championship by defeating Dragon Lee. His 272-day title reign was the longest in the championship’s history until it ended last month. He also lost a subsequent rematch to D’Angelo at Halloween Havoc.
When Femi returns, he is viewed as a top contender to pursue the NXT Championship, potentially taking the title from current champion Trick Williams. WWE decision-makers may be pacing his return to maximize impact and fan interest.
Stay tuned to Bleacher Report for ongoing WWE coverage, including live grades from Raw, Money in the Bank schedule changes, and SummerSlam predictions.
Featured Image: The Rock and Roman Reigns after their WWE WrestleMania 40 victory at Lincoln Financial Field, April 6, 2024. (Photo Credit: WWE/Getty Images)
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