Roman Reigns Comments on The Rock, Cody Rhodes; Tommy Fury Eyes WWE Career; Oba Femi’s Mysterious NXT Absence
By Mike Chiari | Bleacher Report | November 27, 2024
Bleacher Report’s recent coverage dives into the latest notable developments within the WWE Universe, including insights from Roman Reigns on his WrestleMania 40 experience, rising boxer Tommy Fury’s interest in WWE, and intriguing updates on NXT’s Oba Femi.
Roman Reigns Reflects on Facing Cody Rhodes vs. The Rock at WrestleMania 40
Roman Reigns recently appeared on the SI Media podcast with Jimmy Traina, where he shared his perspective on the main event situation for WrestleMania 40. For months, WWE fans speculated whether Reigns would face The Rock, his real-life cousin and wrestling icon, or Cody Rhodes, one of the top stars and 2024 Royal Rumble winner, in the marquee match. Ultimately, Reigns squared off against Rhodes on Night 2 while teaming with The Rock on Night 1 in a high-profile tag main event.
When asked if he was disappointed not to wrestle The Rock, Reigns said it was irrelevant to him as long as he held the spotlight.
“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,” Reigns explained.
Regarding the possibility of a future match against The Rock, Reigns expressed openness if fan demand is strong enough:
“I think our fanbase and the company’s proven that if our fans are loud enough and passionate enough about something, we’re a company who—we’re not being dictated to… If that’s what the people want and The People’s Champ is down, I’m sure we can make something happen.”
The Rock, who made a surprise WWE appearance at the Bad Blood event last month but has since remained absent, could re-emerge soon — perhaps at the upcoming Survivor Series, where the “new” and “original” versions of The Bloodline will clash in a WarGames match. This could be an opportune moment to build toward his ultimate showdown with Reigns.
Tommy Fury Teases Possible WWE Future After Backstage Visit
Prominent British boxer Tommy Fury, younger brother of heavyweight champion Tyson Fury, has hinted at a pro wrestling career with WWE.
In a recent YouTube video backstage at a WWE show during their United Kingdom tour, Tommy expressed enthusiasm after meeting WWE stars including Randy Orton, Cody Rhodes, and Gunther. He said:
“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 is undefeated in his boxing career and notably handed Jake Paul his only loss. Given his family’s prior WWE involvement — Tyson Fury wrestled Braun Strowman at Crown Jewel 2019 and famously interrupted Austin Theory’s Money in the Bank cash-in at Clash at the Castle in 2022 — Tommy’s crossover into wrestling could generate major mainstream interest.
A potential feud or tag match featuring the Fury brothers against the Paul brothers (Logan Paul is an active WWE Superstar and former United States Champion) would capture casual and hardcore audience attention alike.
Oba Femi’s NXT Absence Sparks Speculation
Oba Femi, former NXT North American Champion known for his breakout run since debuting in April 2023, has reportedly been absent from NXT tapings for over a month, according to Fightful Select.
After a dominant title reign lasting a record-setting 272 days, Femi lost the North American Championship to Tony D’Angelo and also fell in the rematch at Halloween Havoc on Oct. 27. Since then, Femi has been missing from television and backstage reports.
Reasons for his absence are unclear but may include time off to regroup following two losses, a lull in storyline direction, or possibly preparation for a main roster promotion. There’s also the chance Femi is recovering from an injury, though no official word has surfaced.
Given his talent and momentum, Femi would be a logical candidate to challenge for the NXT Championship upon return—potentially targeting current titleholder Trick Williams.
What’s Next in WWE?
Roman Reigns’ openness to a future clash with The Rock, Tommy Fury’s WWE aspirations, and Oba Femi’s unknown status add fresh intrigue to WWE’s evolving landscape. Fans can anticipate more developments as WWE progresses toward the end of 2024 and beyond.
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Photo credit: WWE/Getty Images
Roman Reigns and The Rock after their WrestleMania 40 victory over Cody Rhodes and Seth Rollins.