Roman Reigns Opens Up on The Rock and Cody Rhodes, Tommy Fury Eyes WWE Opportunity, and NXT Star Oba Femi’s Recent Absence
In the ever-evolving world of WWE, recent developments have sparked conversations about potential matchups, new talent exploration, and notable absences in NXT. Here is a comprehensive update on Roman Reigns’ comments regarding The Rock and Cody Rhodes, boxing star Tommy Fury’s possible wrestling future, and the mysterious status of former North American champion Oba Femi.
Roman Reigns Reflects on WrestleMania 40 and Future Prospects with The Rock
During a recent interview on the Sports Illustrated Media podcast, Roman Reigns shed light on the main event situation for WrestleMania 40, particularly the decision to have him face Cody Rhodes instead of The Rock. When asked if he was disappointed about the change, Reigns was unequivocal: competing in the main event was all that mattered to him.
“It doesn’t matter to me,” Reigns said. “I was the main event. I’m the guy that everyone wanted to dance with. It’s about defending the championship and continuing history, regardless of the opponent.”
Reigns elaborated that his focus was on overcoming those who wanted to prevent him from remaining at the pinnacle of WWE, making the identity of his challenger secondary.
The lead-up to WrestleMania 40 was marked by some drama. After Cody Rhodes won the 2024 men’s Royal Rumble, he initially refused to challenge Reigns for the WWE Championship at WrestleMania, leading to speculation about The Rock stepping in. Fan backlash against this twist prompted Rhodes to reverse his stance, while The Rock turned heel by adopting the "Final Boss" persona and aligning with Reigns. The Rock and Reigns teamed together to defeat Rhodes and Seth Rollins on Night 1 of WrestleMania 40, but Rhodes claimed the WWE title from Reigns at the Night 2 main event.
Regarding the much-anticipated Rock vs. Reigns match that did not happen at WrestleMania 40, Reigns suggested that such a bout could still be in the cards depending upon fan demand.
“I think our fanbase and the company’s proven that if our fans are loud enough and passionate enough about something, we can make it happen,” Reigns said. “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 last month at WWE’s Bad Blood event but has since remained off WWE programming, leaving room for speculation about a potential future feud or storyline, perhaps even culminating in a showdown at Survivor Series or beyond.
Tommy Fury Hints at WWE Interest Amid Backstage Visits
Boxer Tommy Fury, younger brother of heavyweight champion Tyson Fury, has hinted at an interest in professional wrestling, potentially with WWE, after spending time backstage during the company’s recent UK tour.
In a YouTube video posted Sunday, Fury showcased his interactions with several WWE Superstars, including Randy Orton, Cody Rhodes, and Gunther, and expressed gratitude toward WWE for their hospitality.
“So guys, that is a night at the WWE complete,” Fury shared. “All the wrestlers showing love… I look forward to possibly climbing through the ropes one day. Who knows?”
Tommy Fury currently holds an undefeated boxing record of 10-0 and is the only fighter to have beaten Jake Paul, whose brother Logan Paul is an active WWE Superstar and former United States Champion. Given this dynamic, a future WWE involvement for Fury could set up intriguing rivalries or even special event matches involving the Paul family wrestling faction.
Oba Femi’s Absence from NXT Raises Questions
Meanwhile, reports have surfaced about former North American Champion Oba Femi’s recent absence from NXT tapings. According to Fightful Select, Femi has not been seen backstage since his pivotal loss to Tony D’Angelo at Halloween Havoc on October 27. This marks a noticeable departure after a strong run since debuting on televised NXT programming in April 2023. Femi enjoyed a dominant streak, highlighted by winning the NXT Breakout Tournament and capturing the North American Championship from Dragon Lee, holding the title for a record-breaking 272 days. However, his momentum shifted after losing the belt and subsequent rematch to D’Angelo.
The reason for Femi’s hiatus remains unclear. It may be a strategic decision by NXT officials to allow him to regroup following two tough losses, or it could suggest preparations for his potential call-up to WWE’s main roster. Alternatively, injuries or other undisclosed factors might be influencing his current status.
When he returns, Femi is still regarded as a strong contender for major titles, including the NXT Championship, and fans eagerly await his next chapter.
Conclusion
Roman Reigns continues to command WWE’s spotlight with his championship pursuits and engagement with legendary figures like The Rock. Meanwhile, emerging personalities like Tommy Fury hint at crossover appeal between boxing and wrestling, opening fresh pathways for WWE’s talent roster. And with Oba Femi’s current break stirring curiosity, the NXT scene remains a hotbed of anticipation. Stay tuned for further developments from the WWE Universe.