Latest WWE Updates: Roman Reigns on The Rock and Cody Rhodes, Tommy Fury’s WWE Interest, and Oba Femi’s NXT Absence
Bleacher Report brings you the newest developments from the WWE Universe, including insights from Roman Reigns, potential WWE ventures by boxer Tommy Fury, and recent rumors concerning NXT star Oba Femi.
Roman Reigns Reflects on WrestleMania 40 Main Event and Talks The Rock Match Prospects
Roman Reigns recently appeared on the SI Media podcast with Sports Illustrated’s Jimmy Traina to discuss his experience leading up to and during WrestleMania 40, where he faced Cody Rhodes instead of the initially speculated match against The Rock.
When asked if he was disappointed not to face The Rock, Reigns explained that it didn’t matter to him who the opponent was as long as he was in the main event spotlight. He described himself as “the hot chick, everyone wanted to take me out,” emphasizing that his focus was on defending his position as WWE Champion against anyone aiming to end his reign.
The backdrop to this was Cody Rhodes winning the men’s 2024 Royal Rumble but initially stating he wouldn’t challenge Reigns at WrestleMania 40. This led WWE to suggest The Rock would face Reigns instead. Following mixed fan reactions, Rhodes reversed his stance, prompting The Rock to turn heel, adopting the persona “The Final Boss” and teaming with Reigns. On Night 1 of WrestleMania 40, The Rock and Reigns defeated Rhodes and Seth Rollins, while on Night 2, Rhodes claimed the WWE Championship by beating Reigns.
Addressing future possibilities for a Rock vs. Reigns showdown, Reigns believes it depends on fan demand. He acknowledged WWE listens closely to passionate audiences and suggested that if “The People’s Champ” is willing, such a match could materialize.
While The Rock made a surprise return at WWE’s Bad Blood event last month, he has yet to clarify his future intentions. With the ongoing rivalry between the original and new Bloodline factions culminating in a WarGames match at Survivor Series, speculation grows that The Rock might reappear to fuel a future feud with his cousin.
Tommy Fury Hints at WWE Ambitions During UK Tour
Professional boxer Tommy Fury, younger brother of former world heavyweight champ Tyson Fury, has intrigued WWE fans by hinting at a potential future in professional wrestling.
During WWE’s recent UK tour, Fury posted a backstage video showcasing interactions with several WWE superstars, including Randy Orton, Cody Rhodes, and Gunther. In the video, Fury expressed his appreciation for WWE’s hospitality and teased that he looks forward to “possibly climbing through the ropes one day,” suggesting an openness to joining WWE.
Tommy Fury, 25, boasts a 10-0 professional boxing record and gained notable mainstream attention as the only boxer to defeat Jake Paul. Given his existing ties to the Paul family and Logan Paul’s status as a WWE Superstar, a storyline featuring tag team bouts or rivalries between the Fury and Paul brothers could attract broader audiences.
His brother Tyson Fury previously made rare WWE appearances, including a match at Crown Jewel 2019 and an unforgettable moment at WWE Clash at the Castle 2022 when he knocked out Austin Theory in the crowd. Tommy’s potential move into WWE adds an exciting dimension to WWE’s blend of athleticism and entertainment.
Oba Femi’s Recent Absence From NXT Spurs Speculation
Oba Femi, the former NXT North American Champion, has not appeared on NXT television nor been backstage since late October’s Halloween Havoc event. Following his loss to Tony D’Angelo and a subsequent defeat in a rematch, reports indicate Femi has been off WWE’s radar for roughly a month.
Since debuting on NXT in April 2023, Femi enjoyed an impressive run, capturing the NXT Breakout Tournament, winning the North American Championship from Dragon Lee, and holding the title for a record 272 days. His recent losses have prompted questions about his current status, though no official reason for his absence has been provided.
Industry insiders suggest his hiatus could be strategic, allowing Femi to recover from setbacks or possibly prepare for a call-up to WWE’s main roster. Another theory is that creative direction is letting audience reactions to his losses settle before reintroducing him in a strong role, potentially as a contender for the NXT Championship against titleholder Trick Williams.
Fans and analysts alike agree that Oba Femi remains a promising star with the potential to make a significant impact upon his return.
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