Roman Reigns Discusses The Rock, Cody Rhodes; Tommy Fury Eyes WWE Future; Oba Femi’s NXT Absence Sparks Rumors
By Mike Chiari – November 27, 2024
Bleacher Report catches you up on the latest news and developments from the WWE Universe, featuring insights from Roman Reigns, updates on Tommy Fury’s potential WWE career, and speculations surrounding Oba Femi’s recent absence from NXT programming.
Roman Reigns Reflects on WrestleMania 40, Talks The Rock and Cody Rhodes
Roman Reigns recently opened up about his WrestleMania 40 main event experiences and the potential for a future clash with his cousin, The Rock, during an interview on the SI Media podcast with Sports Illustrated’s Jimmy Traina.
Reigns addressed the back-and-forth decision on whether he would face Cody Rhodes or The Rock at WrestleMania 40. Despite the changing plans, Reigns expressed no disappointment in facing Rhodes instead of The Rock, emphasizing that being in the main event was what mattered most to him.
“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’s where, we just need to get there and defend this thing. 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.”
After Cody Rhodes won the 2024 Men’s Royal Rumble, he initially declined to challenge Reigns for the WWE Championship at WrestleMania 40, which led to speculation that The Rock would take that spot. Following negative fan reactions, Rhodes reversed course, and The Rock turned heel, adopting “The Final Boss” persona and aligning with Reigns. Together, The Rock and Reigns defeated Rhodes and Seth Rollins in the Night 1 main event. However, Rhodes captured the WWE title from Reigns in Night 2’s main event.
When asked whether a Reigns vs. The Rock match might still be in the cards, Roman was hopeful, stressing that fan demand would heavily influence WWE’s decisions.
“I think our fanbase and the company’s proven that if our fans are loud enough and passionate enough about something… 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 return at WWE’s Bad Blood event last month but has not revealed his intentions since. With the Bloodline factions set to collide at Survivor Series in a WarGames match, many anticipate The Rock could reemerge in the storyline, potentially setting the stage for a legendary showdown against Reigns.
Tommy Fury Drops Hints About Possible WWE Career
British professional boxer Tommy Fury recently hinted at a possible future in WWE. Sharing a YouTube video from behind the scenes during WWE’s UK tour, Fury interacted with several WWE Superstars and expressed admiration for the company and a potential desire to step into the wrestling ring.
“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 Fury, 25, is the younger brother of Tyson Fury, the former world heavyweight boxing champion who also had a brief WWE appearance, notably defeating Braun Strowman at Crown Jewel 2019. Tommy, currently undefeated in his boxing career and known for his victory over Jake Paul, could be an excellent fit in WWE, possibly even pairing off against Logan Paul, who is an active WWE Superstar.
A tag team featuring the Fury brothers vs. the Paul brothers could certainly attract mainstream attention and expand WWE’s reach to broader audiences.
Oba Femi’s Mysterious Absence from NXT Fuels Speculation
Former NXT North American Champion Oba Femi has been notably absent from NXT tapings over the last month, raising questions about his status within WWE’s developmental brand. Fightful Select reports that there has been no indication of Femi’s backstage presence since his loss to Tony D’Angelo at Halloween Havoc on October 27. After a promising start to his NXT career—winning the NXT Breakout Tournament, capturing the North American title from Dragon Lee, and holding it for a record 272 days—Femi has recently suffered two significant losses to D’Angelo. This series of defeats may have prompted NXT officials to give him a break to reset his character or recover from injury.
While the reason for Femi’s absence remains unclear, rumors suggest he could be preparing for a main roster call-up or perhaps being protected from television while his momentum recharges. Regardless, when and if Femi returns, he is expected to be a strong contender for the NXT Championship, potentially positioned as a future centerpiece in the brand.
Stay tuned as WWE continues to evolve storylines and talent plans with these key figures shaping the future of the company.