WWE Updates: Roman Reigns on The Rock and Cody Rhodes, Tommy Fury Eyes WWE Future, and Oba Femi’s NXT Absence
By Mike Chiari – Bleacher Report, November 27, 2024
Bleacher Report brings you the latest from the WWE universe, highlighting key insights from Roman Reigns about WrestleMania 40, boxing star Tommy Fury’s hints at a WWE future, and rumors surrounding NXT talent Oba Femi’s recent absence.
Roman Reigns Reflects on WrestleMania 40: The Rock and Cody Rhodes In Focus
Roman Reigns recently shared his thoughts about WrestleMania 40 opponents The Rock and Cody Rhodes during a conversation on the SI Media podcast with Jimmy Traina. Addressing reports of WWE’s indecision over whether Reigns would face The Rock or Rhodes in the main event, Reigns revealed that the identity of his adversary was less important than being at the center of the show.
Reigns stated, “It doesn’t matter to me. I was the main event. I’m the guy that everyone wanted to dance with… They are trying to stop history from happening. It was the same task in hand for me.” His comments came after Rhodes, who won the men’s 2024 Royal Rumble, initially declared he wouldn’t challenge Reigns for the WWE Championship at WrestleMania 40—leading to speculation that The Rock would take his place. However, fan backlash led to Rhodes reversing course, and The Rock adopting a heel persona as "The Final Boss" in alliance with Reigns.
At WrestleMania 40, The Rock and Reigns teamed up on Night 1 to defeat Rhodes and Seth Rollins, while Rhodes captured the WWE title from Reigns in the Night 2 main event.
When asked about the prospect of a future match against The Rock, Reigns acknowledged it is possible if fans demonstrate strong interest. He remarked, “If that’s what the people want and The People’s Champ is down, I’m sure we can make something happen.” The Rock notably returned unexpectedly at WWE’s Bad Blood event last month but has yet to clarify his intentions or appear since.
With the upcoming WarGames match at Survivor Series featuring the new and original versions of The Bloodline, WWE could position The Rock for another high-profile storyline involving his cousin.
Tommy Fury Hints at WWE Ambitions
Boxer Tommy Fury, 25, has dropped hints about potentially pursuing a career in professional wrestling with WWE. Recently backstage at a WWE show during the company’s UK tour, Fury posted a video on YouTube celebrating the experience and expressing admiration for WWE stars such as Randy Orton, Cody Rhodes, and Gunther.
Fury commented, “I look forward to possibly climbing through those ropes one day. Who knows?”
Tommy Fury, younger brother of former world heavyweight champion Tyson Fury, who himself made a brief WWE appearance in 2019, is well-known in boxing circles. Notably, Tommy holds a 10-0 professional record and is the only boxer to have defeated Jake Paul. Given his connections with the Paul family and Logan Paul’s WWE stint, a Paul brothers vs. Fury brothers matchup could attract broad interest, making Tommy an intriguing potential signing for WWE.
NXT Star Oba Femi Missing from Recent Tapings
Former NXT North American Champion Oba Femi has been noticeably absent from WWE NXT tapings over the past month. Reports from Fightful Select confirm he has not been backstage since his loss to Tony D’Angelo at Halloween Havoc on October 27. The reasons for Femi’s absence remain unclear. It could be a strategic decision to allow him time to reset following two significant defeats—losing his North American Championship after a record 272-day reign and failing to win the rematch with D’Angelo.
Since debuting on NXT television in April 2023, Femi rose quickly, capturing the NXT Breakout Tournament and the North American title, establishing himself as a dominant presence. His hiatus may indicate a main roster call-up on the horizon, injury recovery, or an attempt to fade away from TV until his momentum can be rebuilt.
Femi is viewed as a prime contender for future NXT Championship storylines and could be the ideal challenger to dethrone current champion Trick Williams upon his return.
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Photo caption: The Rock and Roman Reigns after their victory against Cody Rhodes and Seth Rollins at WrestleMania 40, April 6, 2024, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (WWE/Getty Images)