Roman Reigns Reflects on WrestleMania 40 Opponents, Tommy Fury Eyes WWE Debut, and Oba Femi’s NXT Absence Stir Interest
In the ever-evolving world of professional wrestling, recent developments involving WWE’s top stars and emerging talent have captured the attention of fans worldwide. Roman Reigns, widely regarded as "The Original Tribal Chief," shared candid thoughts about his WrestleMania 40 experience and future aspirations. Meanwhile, boxer Tommy Fury has hinted at a potential transition into WWE, and rumors swirl around NXT star Oba Femi’s recent absence from programming. Here’s a detailed look at these intriguing stories shaping the WWE Universe.
Roman Reigns Talks WrestleMania 40, The Rock, and Cody Rhodes
In a revealing interview on the Sports Illustrated Media podcast, Roman Reigns spoke openly about his role in the main event scene at WrestleMania 40. The event generated much buzz as fans initially anticipated a marquee matchup between Reigns and his legendary cousin, The Rock. However, the main event shifted to a clash against Cody Rhodes after Rhodes’ 2024 men’s Royal Rumble victory.
When asked about his feelings toward facing Rhodes instead of The Rock, Reigns was unbothered by the change, emphasizing the importance of being in the spotlight regardless of the opponent. "It doesn’t matter to me. I was the main event. I’m the guy that everyone wanted to dance with," Reigns stated, noting that his focus was on defending his championship from challengers intent on "taking us off the pinnacle."
The storyline took a dramatic twist after negative fan reactions to the initially planned Rock vs. Reigns title match. Rhodes reversed his decision and opted to challenge Reigns, leading to The Rock turning heel — adopting the moniker "The Final Boss" — and forming an alliance with Reigns. The Rock and Reigns teamed up to defeat Cody Rhodes and Seth Rollins on Night 1 of WrestleMania 40, while Rhodes ultimately triumphed over Reigns for the WWE Championship on Night 2. Addressing the possibility of a Reigns vs. The Rock showdown in the future, Reigns indicated openness to the match if fans express strong interest. "If that’s what the people want and The People’s Champ is down, I’m sure we can make something happen," he said, signaling that the door remains open for a potential clash between WWE’s current and past icons.
The Rock made a surprise appearance at the WWE Bad Blood event last month, stirring excitement but leaving his intentions ambiguous. With the upcoming WarGames match at Survivor Series featuring The Bloodline factions, speculation is rife that The Rock might appear again, potentially setting up a high-profile confrontation with Reigns.
Tommy Fury Suggests WWE Interest After Backstage Visit
Boxer Tommy Fury, younger brother of renowned heavyweight champion Tyson Fury, recently offered tantalizing hints about a possible future in professional wrestling. During WWE’s UK tour, Fury was seen backstage mingling with WWE Superstars such as Randy Orton, Cody Rhodes, and Gunther.
On his YouTube channel, Tommy expressed gratitude toward the WWE for their hospitality and acknowledged a growing interest in "climbing through those ropes one day," suggesting he may consider a wrestling career.
Tommy Fury’s undefeated 10-0 boxing record and notable victory over Jake Paul add to his potential crossover appeal. Given his familial connection to Tyson Fury — who had a brief but memorable WWE stint, including a victory against Braun Strowman at Crown Jewel 2019 — Tommy could be a natural fit in WWE storylines.
His connection to the Paul brothers also fuels speculation about a possible rivalry with Logan Paul, a WWE Superstar and former United States Champion. A tag-team showdown between the Fury brothers and the Paul brothers holds considerable intrigue, potentially drawing a broader audience to WWE programming.
Oba Femi’s Unexplained Absence From NXT
Fans have noticed the absence of Oba Femi, the former NXT North American Champion, from recent NXT tapings, sparking rumors about his status with WWE. Since his surprising loss to Tony D’Angelo at Halloween Havoc on October 27, Femi has not been seen on the brand.
Known for a dominant rise since his NXT debut in April 2023 — which included winning the NXT Breakout Tournament and capturing the North American Championship from Dragon Lee — Femi’s recent setbacks mark a turning point. His record 272-day title reign ended with two consecutive defeats to D’Angelo.
Sources suggest Femi’s time away from NXT television could be strategic, allowing him to regroup after significant losses. Alternatively, it could indicate preparation for a main roster call-up or recovery from injury, although no official explanation has been provided.
If and when he returns, many speculate that Oba Femi is well-positioned to target the NXT Championship, potentially reclaiming prominence within WWE’s developmental system.
These updates highlight the dynamic nature of WWE, with established stars like Roman Reigns navigating legacy and future opportunities, rising talents like Tommy Fury eyeing entry into the squared circle, and promising performers such as Oba Femi undergoing career recalibration. As WWE continues to blend sports entertainment with compelling storytelling, fans can anticipate more captivating developments in the weeks and months ahead.