Roman Reigns Talks The Rock, Cody Rhodes, While Tommy Fury Eyes WWE Future and Oba Femi Remains Absent from NXT
By Mike Chiari – Bleacher Report, November 27, 2024
Bleacher Report brings you the latest updates from the WWE Universe, including insights from Roman Reigns about his WrestleMania 40 opponents, a potential WWE career move by boxer Tommy Fury, and rumors surrounding the recent absence of NXT’s Oba Femi.
Roman Reigns Reflects on The Rock and Cody Rhodes at WrestleMania 40
In an engaging interview on the SI Media podcast, WWE’s “Original Tribal Chief,” Roman Reigns, shared his thoughts on the ever-changing main event scene at WrestleMania 40, particularly regarding facing The Rock or Cody Rhodes.
When asked by reporter Jimmy Traina if he was disappointed not to face The Rock in the main event, Reigns responded candidly that the actual opponent was irrelevant 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… 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."
Earlier in the year, after Cody Rhodes won the 2024 men’s Royal Rumble, he initially declined to challenge Reigns for the WWE Championship at WrestleMania 40, leaving The Rock as the likely challenger. However, due to negative fan reactions, Rhodes reversed his stance, which led to The Rock turning heel, adopting the moniker “The Final Boss,” and aligning with Reigns. This set up a team effort where Reigns and The Rock defeated Rhodes and Seth Rollins in the Night 1 main event of WrestleMania 40, while Rhodes reclaimed the WWE Championship by defeating Reigns on Night 2. Looking toward the future, Reigns did not rule out a potential match against The Rock, provided the WWE Universe shows enough enthusiasm.
"If that’s what the people want and The People’s Champ is down, I’m sure we can make something happen."
The Rock returned unannounced at WWE’s Bad Blood event last month but has not revealed his intentions or appeared since. With the upcoming WarGames match at Survivor Series between new and original versions of The Bloodline, speculation is mounting about a possible appearance from The Rock as a step towards a showdown with his cousin Reigns.
Tommy Fury Hints at Possible WWE Career
British professional boxer Tommy Fury, brother of former world heavyweight champion Tyson Fury, has shown openness toward joining WWE.
In a recent YouTube video filmed backstage at a WWE show during the company’s UK tour, Fury mingled with WWE Superstars including Randy Orton, Cody Rhodes, and Gunther. He expressed his gratitude and excitement about potentially stepping into the wrestling ring someday.
“So guys, that is a night at the WWE complete. All the wrestlers showing love… I look forward to possibly climbing through them ropes one day. Who knows? But it’s been a great night.”
Tommy Fury, 25, holds an undefeated boxing record of 10-0 and notably defeated Jake Paul, raising his profile as a mainstream athlete. Given his ties to the Paul family and WWE’s recent inclinations to integrate crossover celebrities, a potential WWE run for Fury could lead to intriguing matchups—possibly even involving Logan Paul, who is both a WWE Superstar and former United States Champion.
His older brother Tyson made a memorable WWE appearance at Crown Jewel 2019 and was involved at WWE Clash at the Castle in 2022, adding context to Tommy’s wrestling interest.
NXT’s Oba Femi Absent Amid Rumors
Oba Femi, former NXT North American Champion, has reportedly been missing from NXT events and tapings for approximately a month. Fightful Select, citing backstage sources, notes there has been no mention of Femi since his loss to Tony D’Angelo at Halloween Havoc on October 27, 2024. Since debuting on televised NXT in April 2023, Femi had an impressive run by winning the NXT Breakout Tournament and capturing the North American Championship from Dragon Lee. However, his reign came to an end after a surprising defeat to D’Angelo, followed by a second loss at Halloween Havoc.
The reasons behind his absence remain unclear—it could be a strategic hiatus to recalibrate following back-to-back losses, a potential main roster call-up, injury-related, or simply a storyline pause. Wrestling insiders suggest that upon his return, Femi is likely to make a strong championship pursuit, possibly targeting the NXT Championship and becoming a prime contender to dethrone current champion Trick Williams.
Stay Tuned for More WWE Updates
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Photo Caption: Roman Reigns and The Rock look back at the ring following their victory over Cody Rhodes and Seth Rollins at WrestleMania 40, April 6, 2024, Philadelphia. (Photo: WWE/Getty Images)
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