Roman Reigns Reflects on WrestleMania 40, The Rock, Cody Rhodes; Tommy Fury Eyes WWE Opportunity; NXT Update on Oba Femi
In recent developments from the WWE Universe, Roman Reigns opened up about his WrestleMania 40 experience, discussing his marquee matchup with Cody Rhodes and the potential for a future showdown with The Rock. Meanwhile, boxer Tommy Fury hinted at possible involvement with WWE, and NXT star Oba Femi has reportedly been absent from recent tapings, sparking speculation about his status.
Roman Reigns on WrestleMania 40 and Future Prospects with The Rock
During an interview on the SI Media podcast with Sports Illustrated’s Jimmy Traina, Roman Reigns shared insights into the fluctuating plans WWE had for him leading into WrestleMania 40. Originally, there was notable anticipation around a Reigns vs. The Rock main event, but the final storyline pivoted, leading him to face Cody Rhodes instead.
When asked whether he was disappointed not to face The Rock, Reigns downplayed the significance of his opponent, emphasizing the importance of being in the main event spotlight. "It doesn’t matter to me. I was the main event. I’m the guy that everyone wanted to dance with," Reigns said. He described his role as defending the pinnacle of the company against all challengers, regardless of who they were.
The storyline heading into WrestleMania 40 was complex. After Rhodes won the 2024 men’s Royal Rumble, he initially declined to challenge Reigns for the WWE Championship, with The Rock positioned as the prospective opponent. However, fan backlash over this decision led Rhodes to reverse course, resulting in The Rock’s heel turn as "The Final Boss" and his alignment with Reigns. Ultimately, The Rock and Reigns teamed up to defeat Rhodes and Seth Rollins in the Night 1 main event, while Rhodes captured the WWE title from Reigns on Night 2. Traina also asked Reigns if a future match against The Rock is possible. Reigns responded affirmatively, stating that fan demand plays a crucial role in WWE’s decisions. “If that’s what the people want and The People’s Champ is down, I’m sure we can make something happen,” he said.
The Rock made a surprise return to WWE programming last month at Bad Blood but has remained somewhat mysterious since. With the ongoing feud between the new and original versions of The Bloodline set for a high-profile WarGames match at Survivor Series, many speculate this could be an opportune moment for The Rock to reappear and initiate a storyline that could culminate in a dream match against his cousin, Roman Reigns.
Tommy Fury Suggests Interest in WWE Career
Tommy Fury, a professional boxer and younger brother of former world heavyweight champion Tyson Fury, has signaled a potential future with WWE. In a recently uploaded YouTube video showcasing his backstage experiences at a WWE event during the company’s UK tour, Tommy expressed enthusiasm about the wrestling world.
"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,” he said.
Tommy Fury, 25, has made a name for himself in boxing with an undefeated 10-0 record and notably holds a victory over Jake Paul. His connections to both the Fury and Paul families position him as a promising candidate for WWE, potentially engaging with the likes of Logan Paul, who is currently an active WWE Superstar and former United States champion. The idea of a Fury brothers vs. Paul brothers tag team match holds significant appeal for mainstream audiences, suggesting WWE is likely to consider his crossover potential seriously.
Oba Femi’s Absence from NXT Sparks Buzz
On the NXT front, Oba Femi, a former NXT North American Champion, has not been seen at recent NXT tapings following his loss to Tony D’Angelo at Halloween Havoc on October 27. According to Fightful Select, there have been no reports of his presence backstage over the past month.
Femi’s absence has generated varied speculation. It may be a strategic move by NXT officials to allow him time to recover from two consecutive high-profile losses or possibly prepare for a future call-up to WWE’s main roster. Since his breakout debut in April 2023, Femi has enjoyed a strong push, winning the NXT Breakout Tournament and holding the North American Championship for a record-setting 272 days.
Given his athletic background and strong performance history, Femi remains a compelling figure in NXT’s landscape. Wrestling insiders suggest that when he returns, he is well-positioned to contend for the NXT Championship and could serve as a cornerstone for future storylines.
Stay tuned for further updates on these evolving stories as WWE continues to build new narratives and welcome fresh talent into its ranks.