Roman Reigns Opens Up on The Rock, Cody Rhodes, and WrestleMania 40 Dynamics; Tommy Fury Eyes WWE Future; NXT’s Oba Femi Absent Amid Rumors
By Mike Chiari, Bleacher Report – November 27, 2024
The WWE Universe has been buzzing with recent developments as top stars discuss their past clashes and hint at possible future matchups. In addition, new talent is making waves with fresh rumors circulating about their status. Bleacher Report brings you the latest updates on Roman Reigns, The Rock, Cody Rhodes, Tommy Fury, and NXT’s Oba Femi.
Roman Reigns Reflects on WrestleMania 40 Main Event, The Rock, and Cody Rhodes
During a recent interview on the SI Media podcast with Sports Illustrated’s Jimmy Traina, Roman Reigns delved into his WrestleMania 40 experience and shared his thoughts on facing Cody Rhodes instead of The Rock.
When asked if he was disappointed that he didn’t face The Rock in the main event, Reigns was clear: it didn’t matter who he faced as long as he was in the spotlight. Addressing the fluctuating plans for the WrestleMania main event, Reigns said:
"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. They are trying to stop history from happening. They are trying to take us off the pinnacle right now, so it was the same task in hand for me."
Following Cody Rhodes’s victory in the 2024 men’s Royal Rumble and his initial announcement that he would not challenge Reigns for the WWE Championship at WrestleMania, it appeared that The Rock would take that spot. However, after fan backlash, Rhodes reversed his position, leading to The Rock turning heel as “The Final Boss” and forming an alliance with Reigns. On Night 1 of WrestleMania 40, The Rock and Reigns teamed up to defeat Rhodes and Seth Rollins, before Rhodes claimed the WWE title from Reigns on the Night 2 main event.
Reigns also responded to a question regarding a potential future match against The Rock. He emphasized that if fans remain passionate about seeing the match, WWE will consider making it happen:
"I think our fanbase and the company’s proven that if our fans are loud enough and passionate enough about something, we’re a company who—we’re not being dictated to. We have a vision for where we’re trying to go, but we know who the consumers are. We know who’s paying their hard-earned money, and we want to satisfy those people."
He added, referencing The Rock’s popular nickname:
"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 an unannounced return to WWE at the recent Bad Blood event but left his intentions unclear and has not appeared since. With both the new and original Bloodline factions scheduled for a WarGames match at Survivor Series, speculation is rife that The Rock could re-emerge and build towards a climactic showdown with his cousin, Roman Reigns.
Tommy Fury Teases Potential WWE Career Move
Boxer Tommy Fury, younger brother of former world heavyweight champion Tyson Fury, hinted at a possible transition into professional wrestling during WWE’s recent UK tour. Posting a backstage video on YouTube, Fury expressed his admiration for WWE superstars and hinted at a future WWE involvement:
"So guys, that is a night at the WWE complete. All the wrestlers showing love. Big up to Randy Orton. Absolutely amazing guy. Big up to Cody Rhodes, all of them, Gunther, the lot of them. Thank you to the WWE for showing us such appreciation. And I look forward to possibly climbing through them ropes one day. Who knows? But it’s been a great night."
Tyson Fury previously dabbled in WWE with a Crown Jewel victory over Braun Strowman by count-out and famously knocking out Austin Theory at WWE Clash at the Castle 2022. Tommy Fury, boasting an undefeated professional boxing record at 10-0 and the distinction of being the only boxer to defeat Jake Paul, could be a valuable addition to WWE’s roster. His connections with the Paul family and boxing fame might pave the way for compelling storylines, including potential matchups against Logan Paul, who is currently a WWE superstar and former United States Champion. Such crossover appeal could attract a broader audience to WWE programming.
Oba Femi’s Absence from NXT Sparks Speculation
NXT star Oba Femi, former NXT North American Champion, has reportedly been absent from NXT programming and tapings since his October 27 loss to Tony D’Angelo at Halloween Havoc. Reported by Fightful Select and highlighted by Ringside News, no specific reason has been confirmed.
Femi’s absence comes following back-to-back notable losses — losing his North American title after a long 272-day reign and the rematch against D’Angelo. It is possible this hiatus serves as a reset period after such setbacks.
Since debuting on television in April 2023, Femi made a significant impact by winning the NXT Breakout Tournament and capturing the North American title by defeating Dragon Lee. Speculation exists that his absence may signal preparations for a main roster call-up, injury recovery, or simply giving time for his character to regain momentum.
At his return, Femi is seen as a strong candidate to challenge for the NXT Championship, potentially positioning him to dethrone current champion Trick Williams and reassert himself as a top competitor on the brand.
Stay tuned to Bleacher Report for continuing coverage of WWE storylines, talent developments, and exclusive interviews from across the wrestling world. Also, don’t miss the latest episode of Ring Rust Radio for in-depth discussions of all things wrestling.
Photo Caption: Roman Reigns and The Rock celebrate victory after their WrestleMania 40 Night 1 main event win over Cody Rhodes and Seth Rollins. (Photo Credit: WWE/Getty Images)