Reigns Talks The Rock, Cody Rhodes; Tommy Fury Eyes WWE Spot; NXT Rumors on Oba Femi
Bleacher Report’s latest update from the WWE Universe brings new insights into Roman Reigns’ WrestleMania 40 main event experience, Tommy Fury’s budding interest in professional wrestling, and recent developments involving NXT standout Oba Femi.
Roman Reigns Reflects on WrestleMania 40 and The Rock
Roman Reigns opened up in an interview on the SI Media podcast with Sports Illustrated’s Jimmy Traina about his experience headlining WrestleMania 40 against Cody Rhodes instead of The Rock, a match that had been speculated and anticipated for months.
When asked if he was disappointed not to face The Rock, Reigns was straightforward. He emphasized that being in the main event was what really mattered:
“It doesn’t matter to me. I was the main event. I’m the guy that everyone wanted to dance with, you know. I am the hot chick, everyone wanted to take me out… 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 backstory to WrestleMania 40’s main event saw Cody Rhodes winning the 2024 men’s Royal Rumble but initially deciding not to challenge Reigns for the WWE Championship. This led to speculation that The Rock would step in. After fan backlash, Rhodes reversed his stance, prompting The Rock to turn heel and align with Reigns as "The Final Boss." Together, Reigns and The Rock defeated Rhodes and Seth Rollins in the WrestleMania Night 1 main event. However, on Night 2, Rhodes captured the WWE title from Reigns.
Regarding a potential future match between The Rock and Roman Reigns—the long-awaited dream scenario that didn’t materialize at WrestleMania—Reigns left the door open:
“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 last month at Bad Blood but has not yet revealed further plans or returned to programming since. With WWE’s upcoming Survivor Series featuring a WarGames match involving The Bloodline factions, many eyes will be on whether The Rock will reappear and possibly build toward a clash with his cousin Reigns.
Tommy Fury Teases WWE Ambitions
British boxer Tommy Fury, undefeated at 10-0 and known for his high-profile bouts including a win over YouTube star Jake Paul, has hinted at a potential foray into WWE.
Fury shared a backstage video from a WWE event on their recent UK tour, expressing admiration and warm feelings toward the WWE locker room:
“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.”
Tommy’s older brother Tyson Fury previously had a one-off WWE match at Crown Jewel 2019 and has made notable appearances, including interfering in Logan Paul’s Money in the Bank cash-in attempt at Clash at the Castle 2022. Given Tommy Fury’s connections and boxing profile, alongside WWE Superstar Logan Paul’s ongoing wrestling career, a potential wrestling rivalry or tag team involving the Fury brothers and Paul brothers could emerge as a crossover draw for both boxing and wrestling fans.
Oba Femi’s Absence from NXT Raises Questions
Oba Femi, a powerful NXT talent and former North American Champion, has reportedly been absent from NXT tapings since late October following his loss at Halloween Havoc.
Fightful Select reports no word on Femi since he dropped the title to Tony D’Angelo after a record-breaking 272-day reign and subsequently lost the rematch. The reasons behind his NXT absence remain unclear. It could be a strategic break, injury-related, or signal a pending main roster promotion.
Femi’s strong run since debuting on television in April 2023—highlighted by winning the NXT Breakout Tournament and capturing the North American title—positions him as a natural contender to challenge for the NXT Championship when he returns. He is considered a prime candidate to dethrone current champion Trick Williams.
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Photo: Roman Reigns and The Rock after their WrestleMania 40 Night 1 victory over Cody Rhodes and Seth Rollins. (WWE/Getty Images)
Reported by Mike Chiari, Bleacher Report – November 27, 2024