Roman Reigns Reflects on The Rock, Cody Rhodes, and WrestleMania 40; Tommy Fury Considers WWE Future; NXT Observes Absence of Oba Femi
By Mike Chiari | November 27, 2024
Bleacher Report brings you the latest updates from the world of WWE, featuring insights from Roman Reigns, a possible WWE venture from boxer Tommy Fury, and NXT rumors about Oba Femi’s recent absence.
Roman Reigns Talks WrestleMania 40 Matchup and Potential Bout With The Rock
In a recent interview on the SI Media podcast with Sports Illustrated’s Jimmy Traina, WWE Universal Champion Roman Reigns opened up about his experiences leading up to WrestleMania 40, where he faced Cody Rhodes instead of the long-anticipated match against The Rock.
When asked about whether he felt disappointed not facing The Rock at the event, Reigns was clear that his main focus was being in the WrestleMania main event itself, no matter the opponent.
“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 stated.
The storyline leading to WrestleMania 40 saw Rhodes winning the 2024 men’s Royal Rumble but initially declining to challenge Reigns for the WWE Championship at the marquee event. This led to speculation that The Rock would step into that position. However, after negative fan reaction, Rhodes reversed his stance, triggering The Rock’s heel turn as "The Final Boss," aligning with Reigns. The Rock and Reigns teamed to defeat Rhodes and Seth Rollins on Night 1 of WrestleMania 40, before Rhodes captured the WWE Championship from Reigns in the main event of Night 2. Looking to the future, Reigns indicated that a match against The Rock could still happen if the fans and the company demonstrate strong desire for it.
“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. We have a vision for where we’re trying to go, but we know who the consumers are. We know who’s paying their hard-earned money, and we want to satisfy those people,” Reigns explained.
“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 an unannounced return to WWE programming last month at the Bad Blood pay-per-view, but his intentions remain unclear. With the ongoing storyline involving the Bloodline factions vying for supremacy at the Survivor Series WarGames match, speculation is rife that The Rock could reappear and eventually set the stage for a high-profile clash with his cousin, Reigns.
Tommy Fury Hints at Joining WWE
Boxer Tommy Fury, younger brother of former world heavyweight boxing champion Tyson Fury, has teased the possibility of pursuing a wrestling career with WWE. Fury shared a video on YouTube capturing his backstage experiences during WWE’s recent UK tour.
In the video, he expressed enthusiasm about his interaction with WWE Superstars such as Randy Orton, Cody Rhodes, and Gunther, saying:
“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.”
At 25 years old, Tommy Fury has built his own reputation in boxing with an undefeated record of 10-0 and is noted for his victory over YouTuber-turned-boxer Jake Paul. With Logan Paul, Jake’s brother, currently active as a WWE Superstar and former United States Champion, a potential wrestling rivalry or even a brother-versus-brother tag match between the Pauls and Furys could attract significant mainstream interest.
Tyson Fury previously worked with WWE, competing in a match at Crown Jewel 2019, and more recently caused a high-profile incident by knocking out Austin Theory at Clash at the Castle 2022, preventing Theory from cashing in the Money in the Bank contract.
Former NXT North American Champion Oba Femi Reportedly Missing from Recent Tapings
Rumors have surfaced regarding Oba Femi’s absence from NXT events since late October. Fightful Select reported no sightings or backstage presence of Femi during NXT tapings following his title loss to Tony D’Angelo at Halloween Havoc on October 27. Femi, a former University of Alabama shot put star, debuted on NXT television in April 2023 and quickly rose through the ranks, winning the NXT Breakout Tournament and capturing the North American Championship from Dragon Lee. His reign lasted 272 days, a record-setting tenure.
His recent back-to-back losses to D’Angelo and subsequent disappearance from television have led to speculation about the reasons behind his absence. Possibilities include injury, a storyline reset, or a potential call-up to WWE’s main roster. Fans anticipate that upon his return, Femi could be a top contender for the NXT Championship and a prime candidate to dethrone current champion Trick Williams.
Stay tuned for continued coverage of WWE and NXT as storylines evolve and new talent emerges.
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Photo Caption: The Rock and Roman Reigns celebrate their victory against Cody Rhodes and Seth Rollins at WrestleMania 40, held at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia on April 6, 2024. (WWE/Getty Images)