Roman Reigns Reflects on The Rock, Cody Rhodes, WrestleMania 40; Tommy Fury Eyes WWE Future; Oba Femi Absent from NXT
By Mike Chiari | November 27, 2024
Bleacher Report brings the latest updates and insights from the WWE Universe, including Roman Reigns discussing his WrestleMania 40 experiences and potential future matches, rising boxing star Tommy Fury expressing interest in pro wrestling, and reported recent absence of NXT’s Oba Femi.
Roman Reigns on WrestleMania 40 and Possible Match with The Rock
Roman Reigns recently opened up about his WrestleMania 40 journey and the shifting main event opponents between The Rock and Cody Rhodes during an interview on the SI Media podcast with Sports Illustrated’s Jimmy Traina.
Reigns, often called “The Original Tribal Chief,” revealed he was unfazed by the adjustments WWE made, as he was chiefly focused on being in the main event spotlight. When asked if he was disappointed not to face The Rock, Reigns answered (per Ringside News), “It doesn’t matter to me. I was the main event. I’m the guy that everyone wanted to dance with… 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.”
The original plan saw Cody Rhodes, who won the 2024 men’s Royal Rumble, initially decline a title shot against Reigns at WrestleMania. This opened the door for The Rock to step in, but fan backlash prompted changes that led to The Rock turning heel as “The Final Boss,” teaming with Reigns against Rhodes and Seth Rollins on Night 1 of WrestleMania 40. The following night, Rhodes defeated Reigns for the WWE Championship in the main event.
Asked about the legendary matchup between Reigns and The Rock happening in the future, Reigns suggested it hinges on fan demand: "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 unexpected return at WWE Bad Blood last month but has since remained absent from programming. With Survivor Series featuring complex Bloodline storylines, speculations rise that The Rock might reappear soon, potentially setting the stage for a long-awaited clash with his cousin.
Tommy Fury Teases WWE Ambitions
Boxing standout Tommy Fury, younger brother of heavyweight champ Tyson Fury, hinted at exploring WWE as a career option. In a recent YouTube video backstage during WWE’s UK tour, Tommy expressed enthusiasm and gratitude toward WWE talent, saying:
"So guys, that is a night at the WWE complete… Big up to Randy Orton, Cody Rhodes… Thank you to 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."
Tommy Fury is undefeated in professional boxing and notably holds a victory over Jake Paul, who, along with his brother Logan Paul (a WWE Superstar), has considerable crossover appeal in wrestling.
His family connection and boxing success position Tommy as an intriguing prospect for WWE, especially considering Tyson Fury’s prior WWE involvement, including a high-profile Crown Jewel match and an infamous backstage incident at Clash at the Castle. A potential tag team storyline featuring the Fury brothers against the Paul brothers could attract fans from mainstream sports and entertainment.
Oba Femi Absent from NXT Following Title Losses
Former NXT North American Champion Oba Femi has not appeared on NXT television or backstage since his defeat at Halloween Havoc on October 27. According to Fightful Select, no reports have linked him to recent NXT tapings.
Femi’s absence comes after a strong televised debut in April 2023, which included winning the NXT Breakout Tournament and capturing the North American Championship by defeating Dragon Lee. His 272-day reign ended when Tony D’Angelo dethroned him, followed by a loss in their rematch at Halloween Havoc.
While his current status is unclear, possibilities include taking time to recover from injury, a roster move to WWE’s main roster, or a strategic hiatus to build anticipation for his return. Upon his comeback, Femi is regarded as a potent contender for the NXT Championship, with the capacity to remain a significant figure in WWE’s developmental brand.
Stay tuned to Bleacher Report for continuous coverage of WWE news and other major sports updates.