WWE Updates: Roman Reigns on The Rock & Cody Rhodes, Tommy Fury Eyes WWE Future, Oba Femi Absent from NXT
By Mike Chiari, Bleacher Report | November 27, 2024
Bleacher Report rounds up the latest news and rumors from the WWE universe, including remarks from Roman Reigns on WrestleMania 40, boxing star Tommy Fury’s possible transition to pro wrestling, and recent developments regarding NXT’s Oba Femi.
Roman Reigns Reflects on WrestleMania 40 Opponents and Future Rock Match
Roman Reigns recently appeared on the Sports Illustrated podcast with Jimmy Traina, offering insights into his main event matchup at WrestleMania 40 as well as the potential for a future bout with his cousin, The Rock.
Reigns discussed the behind-the-scenes uncertainty around who he would confront at WrestleMania 40. Initially, it appeared The Rock was set for the big title match following Cody Rhodes’ 2024 Royal Rumble win, as Rhodes originally declined to challenge Reigns for the WWE Championship. However, fan backlash prompted Rhodes to change course, leading to an alliance between The Rock and Reigns, and the eventual double-header at WrestleMania 40. Asked whether he was disappointed to face Rhodes instead of The Rock, Reigns stated, "It doesn’t matter to me. I was the main event… I am the hot chick, everyone wanted to take me out. It’s where, we just need to get there and defend this thing."
At the two-night event, The Rock and Reigns teamed to defeat Rhodes and Seth Rollins on Night 1, but Rhodes captured the WWE title from Reigns in the main event of Night 2. Regarding a potential future match against The Rock, Reigns emphasized it would depend on fan interest: "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 WWE return at Bad Blood last month but has yet to clarify his intentions or wrestle since. With a big WarGames match involving different versions of The Bloodline scheduled for Survivor Series, speculation is growing that The Rock could reappear and reignite his feud with Reigns.
Tommy Fury Hints at WWE Career
Professional boxer Tommy Fury, younger brother of heavyweight champ Tyson Fury, may be considering a career in pro wrestling after spending time backstage at a recent WWE event during the company’s UK tour.
In a YouTube video posted this past weekend, Fury expressed admiration for WWE athletes like Randy Orton, Cody Rhodes, and Gunther. He said, "I look forward to possibly climbing through them ropes one day. Who knows? But it’s been a great night."
Tommy Fury, 25, boasts a 10-0 professional boxing record and is known for being the only fighter to have defeated social media sensation Jake Paul. His rumored WWE interest is notable given Tyson Fury’s previous involvement with WWE, including a one-time match at Crown Jewel 2019 and a high-profile appearance at Clash at the Castle in 2022. Given Tommy’s connections to the Paul family—Logan Paul is currently a WWE Superstar—and their ongoing WWE involvement, a potential "Fury brothers vs. Paul brothers" showdown could appeal to mainstream fans, making Tommy a likely candidate for future WWE storylines.
Oba Femi Absent from NXT Programming
Former NXT North American Champion Oba Femi has not appeared on NXT programming or been sighted backstage for tapings since his loss to Tony D’Angelo on October 27 at Halloween Havoc, according to Fightful Select.
Femi’s absence follows a tough stretch where he lost the North American title after a record-breaking 272-day reign and was defeated again in a rematch. The reason for his time away remains unclear—it may be a chance to regroup after consecutive losses, a possible injury break, or even preparation for a call-up to WWE’s main roster.
Since debuting on television in April 2023, Femi has been a dominant presence in NXT, winning the Breakout Tournament and making a strong impact. Fans and insiders anticipate that once he returns, Femi could be a frontrunner to contest the NXT Championship.
Summary
- Roman Reigns remains focused on defending his legacy, showing no preference between facing Cody Rhodes or The Rock, but leaves the door open for a future high-profile match with The Rock depending on fan demand.
- Tommy Fury teases a potential WWE career after spending time backstage at a WWE UK event, possibly setting up intriguing cross-sport rivalries.
- Oba Femi has been missing from NXT TV and tapings since late October, with speculation around the reasons for his absence and hopes for a strong return storyline.
Stay tuned for further updates in the ever-evolving WWE landscape.
Photo Caption: Roman Reigns and The Rock celebrate after defeating Cody Rhodes and Seth Rollins in the WrestleMania 40 Night 1 main event. (WWE/Getty Images)