Roman Reigns Discusses The Rock, Cody Rhodes; Tommy Fury Eyes WWE Debut; NXT Star Oba Femi Absent Amid Rumors
In recent developments from the WWE Universe, several key figures have garnered attention with updates related to their careers and future prospects. Roman Reigns opened up about his WrestleMania 40 main event experience and potential future matchups. Rising boxing star Tommy Fury hinted at a possible transition into professional wrestling with WWE. Meanwhile, NXT’s former North American Champion Oba Femi has reportedly been absent from shows, sparking speculation within the wrestling community.
Roman Reigns Reflects on WrestleMania 40 and The Rock vs Cody Rhodes Feud
During an engaging interview on the SI Media podcast with Sports Illustrated’s Jimmy Traina, WWE’s Roman Reigns shared insights about facing Cody Rhodes at WrestleMania 40 and the potential for a future showdown with his cousin, The Rock.
Reigns addressed the backstage decision that had appeared to fluctuate between setting up him versus The Rock or Cody Rhodes for the WrestleMania main event. When asked if he was disappointed to face Rhodes instead of The Rock, Reigns explained his mindset was singularly focused on being in the main event spotlight:
"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."
The narrative around WrestleMania 40 initially suggested Rhodes, having won the 2024 Royal Rumble match, would not challenge Reigns but The Rock would be the challenger instead. However, fan dissatisfaction with this storyline shift led to a surprising reversal. Rhodes decided to pursue Reigns’s WWE Championship, while The Rock turned heel as "The Final Boss" and allied himself with Reigns. The Rock and Reigns teamed to defeat Rhodes and Seth Rollins on Night 1 at WrestleMania 40. On Night 2, Rhodes captured the WWE title from Reigns in the main event.
Regarding the much-anticipated match between The Rock and Reigns that never materialized, Reigns remarked that a future bout could happen if fans vocally demand it:
"If that’s what the people want and The People’s Champ is down, I’m sure we can make something happen."
Though The Rock made a surprise appearance at WWE’s Bad Blood event last month without clarifying his intentions, with the ongoing storyline involving different Bloodline factions set for a WarGames match at Survivor Series, there is speculation this could be a prime moment for The Rock’s return and a potential build towards a direct clash with Reigns.
Tommy Fury Shows Interest in Joining WWE
Outside the squared circle, British boxer Tommy Fury, brother of former world heavyweight champ Tyson Fury, has hinted at a wrestling career move. Fury shared a video on YouTube showing him backstage at a recent WWE event during the company’s UK tour, where he mingled with several WWE Superstars such as Randy Orton, Cody Rhodes, and Gunther.
Fury expressed appreciation for the WWE and hinted at possibly stepping into the ring one day:
"I look forward to possibly climbing through them ropes one day. Who knows?"
Tommy Fury remains undefeated in professional boxing, boasting a 10-0 record and famously defeating YouTube sensation Jake Paul. Given his connections to the Paul family and Logan Paul’s current status as a WWE Superstar and former United States Champion, a potential storyline involving the Fury brothers versus the Paul brothers could capitalize on mainstream interest.
His brother Tyson also has WWE history, having won a one-off match at Crown Jewel 2019 and notably disrupting Austin Theory’s Money in the Bank contract cash-in at WWE Clash at the Castle in 2022. —
Oba Femi’s Absence from NXT Raises Questions
NXT star Oba Femi, a formidable talent who captured the North American Championship and held it for a record 272 days, has reportedly been missing from NXT programming for about a month. Reports from Fightful Select indicate that Femi has not been backstage or featured in tapings since his loss to Tony D’Angelo at Halloween Havoc on October 27. Potential reasons for his hiatus include a strategic break following consecutive losses or possibly preparation for a main roster call-up. Femi debuted on NXT television in April 2023 and quickly rose to prominence by winning the NXT Breakout Tournament and seizing the North American title from Dragon Lee.
His recent losses to D’Angelo ended a dominant run, and his absence has stirred speculation about his next move. Wrestling insiders suggest that when Femi returns, he could be a strong contender for the NXT Championship and might be the perfect challenger to hold or dethrone Trick Williams.
Conclusion
The WWE landscape continues to evolve with compelling storylines and emerging talent positions. Roman Reigns remains a central figure open to future marquee matchups, including a potential feud with The Rock. Tommy Fury’s interest in WWE adds intrigue given his boxing credentials and family ties, while Oba Femi’s current absence from NXT signals an important juncture in his wrestling career.
Fans can stay tuned for further updates as the wrestling world advances toward upcoming events and storyline developments.
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