Roman Reigns on The Rock, Cody Rhodes; Tommy Fury Eyes WWE Career; Oba Femi Reports Absence from NXT
By Mike Chiari, Bleacher Report – December 1, 2024
Bleacher Report provides an update on the latest happenings in the WWE Universe, including insights from Roman Reigns on recent WrestleMania 40 main event developments, British boxer Tommy Fury’s WWE ambitions, and the puzzling absence of former NXT North American Champion Oba Femi.
Roman Reigns Reflects on WrestleMania 40 Opponents and Potential Match with The Rock
Roman Reigns, WWE’s reigning “Original Tribal Chief,” recently spoke candidly on the Sports Illustrated Media podcast with host Jimmy Traina about his main event at WrestleMania 40. The discussion covered his match against Cody Rhodes and the shifting plans involving The Rock, his famous cousin.
When asked if he was disappointed to face Rhodes instead of The Rock, Reigns was unfazed, emphasizing the importance of being in the main event rather than the specific opponent. “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,” Reigns said.
Initially, after Rhodes won the 2024 men’s Royal Rumble, he announced he would not challenge Reigns, suggesting The Rock would take that spot. However, following negative fan reactions, Rhodes reversed course, leading to The Rock’s heel turn as “The Final Boss” and an alliance with Reigns. At WrestleMania 40, The Rock and Reigns teamed to defeat Rhodes and Seth Rollins on Night 1, with Rhodes later capturing the WWE Championship from Reigns on Night 2. Looking ahead, Reigns expressed openness to a future high-profile match with The Rock, contingent upon fan demand. “If that’s what the people want and The People’s Champ is down, I’m sure we can make something happen,” he noted.
The Rock made a surprise WWE appearance at Bad Blood last month but has since been absent from programming. With the Bloodline storyline continuing—including a WarGames match at the upcoming Survivor Series—fans speculate that The Rock may re-emerge, potentially setting the stage for a long-anticipated showdown with Reigns.
Tommy Fury Hints at Possible WWE Career
Tommy Fury, brother of heavyweight boxing champion Tyson Fury, appeared backstage at a recent WWE UK event and shared his enthusiasm for professional wrestling on a YouTube video.
“Big up to Randy Orton, Cody Rhodes, Gunther, the lot of them. Thank you to WWE for showing us such appreciation. I look forward to possibly climbing through them ropes one day. Who knows?” Fury expressed.
At 25 years old, Tommy has made a significant mark as a boxer, boasting a 10-0 record and holding the distinction as the only person to defeat Jake Paul. Given his ties to the Paul family and Tyson Fury’s cameo WWE history—including a 2019 match and a famous interference at 2022’s Clash at the Castle—Tommy’s entry into WWE could generate mainstream buzz. Speculation includes the potential for a Paul brothers vs. Fury brothers storyline, which could attract a wide cross-section of fans.
Oba Femi’s Absence from NXT Raises Questions
Oba Femi, a rising star in WWE’s NXT brand and former North American Champion, has reportedly been off NXT television and absent from backstage tapings for about a month.
Fightful Select reports no appearances following Femi’s loss to Tony D’Angelo at the October 27 Halloween Havoc event. The reason for this hiatus is unclear—whether a result of injury, storyline reset, or a pending call-up to WWE’s main roster remains to be seen.
Femi had an impressive run since debuting on NXT television in April 2023, which included winning the NXT Breakout Tournament and capturing the North American title by cashing in on Dragon Lee. His 272-day reign ended last month when he dropped the championship to D’Angelo, who also defeated him in a rematch at Halloween Havoc.
Given Femi’s talent and potential, his return — whenever it happens — is expected to place him back in title contention, possibly eyeing the NXT Championship as his next big goal.
Bleacher Report will continue to monitor these developing stories and provide updates from the WWE Universe as they unfold.