Roman Reigns Reflects on WrestleMania 40 Opponents, Tommy Fury Eyes WWE Future, and Oba Femi’s NXT Absence Sparks Rumors
Bleacher Report’s latest WWE round-up covers significant updates involving top stars Roman Reigns, The Rock, Cody Rhodes, emerging prospect Oba Femi, and boxer-turned-wrestling hopeful Tommy Fury.
Roman Reigns Shares Thoughts on WrestleMania 40 Match-Up and Potential Future with The Rock
In a candid interview on the SI Media podcast with Sports Illustrated’s Jimmy Traina, Roman Reigns discussed his main event journey at WrestleMania 40 amid the intrigue over who he would face for the WWE Championship.
Reigns revealed that he was indifferent about whether his WrestleMania opponent was Cody Rhodes or his cousin The Rock. He said the key was being the main event and defending his title, regardless of who stood across the ring.
“It doesn’t matter to me. I was the main event. I’m the guy that everyone wanted to dance with… 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.
The storyline had shifted after Rhodes won the 2024 Royal Rumble, initially declining to challenge Reigns at WrestleMania 40 with The Rock rumored as the opponent. However, fan backlash led to Rhodes reversing his position, The Rock turning heel as “The Final Boss,” and aligning with Reigns for Night 1’s main event victory over Rhodes and Seth Rollins. Ultimately, Rhodes defeated Reigns on Night 2 to claim the WWE Championship.
When asked if a long-awaited Reigns vs. The Rock match could still happen, Reigns expressed openness contingent on fan demand, emphasizing WWE’s responsiveness to its audience.
“If that’s what the people want and The People’s Champ is down, I’m sure we can make something happen,” he said.
The Rock made an unexpected WWE return at the recent Bad Blood event but has yet to clarify future plans. With Survivor Series featuring a WarGames match involving factions linked to The Bloodline storyline, speculation abounds that The Rock could appear again to build toward a potential showdown with Reigns.
Tommy Fury Hints at WWE Ambitions After UK Tour Experience
Emerging boxing star Tommy Fury, brother of former heavyweight champ Tyson Fury, has sparked buzz about a possible wrestling career with WWE. In a YouTube video posted during WWE’s UK live event tour, Fury shared his backstage interactions with top WWE talents and expressed gratitude.
“Big up to Randy Orton… Cody Rhodes, all of them, Gunther, the lot of them… I look forward to possibly climbing through them ropes one day,” Fury said.
At 25 years old and undefeated professionally with a notable victory over Jake Paul, Tommy Fury’s entrance into WWE could create compelling mainstream interest, particularly with existing connections to the Paul family and their ongoing involvement in wrestling.
His brother Tyson previously wrestled for WWE once, achieving a count-out win at Crown Jewel 2019 and making memorable appearances thereafter. The potential for a tag match featuring the Fury brothers versus the Paul brothers is an exciting prospect that could draw crossover audiences and media attention.
Oba Femi’s Absence from NXT Raises Questions on His Next Chapter
Former NXT North American Champion Oba Femi has reportedly been missing from NXT tapings for around a month, stirring speculation about his status within the company.
Fightful Select reported no sightings or mentions of Femi in backstage areas since his loss to Tony D’Angelo at NXT Halloween Havoc on October 27. The reason remains unclear; it could be a strategic break following two consecutive defeats or a precautionary injury absence.
Femi made a strong impact after debuting in April 2023, capturing the NXT Breakout Tournament and subsequently the North American Championship, holding it an impressive 272 days before falling to D’Angelo.
His hiatus is being closely watched, with fans and insiders wondering if he might soon be called up to WWE’s main roster or reintroduced in NXT with a fresh push. A return aiming for the NXT Championship, possibly to challenge current titleholder Trick Williams, would align with his trajectory.
Stay tuned to Bleacher Report and Ring Rust Radio for ongoing coverage and analysis of all things WWE.
Photo Caption: Roman Reigns and The Rock look back after defeating Cody Rhodes and Seth Rollins at WrestleMania 40, Philadelphia, April 6, 2024 (WWE/Getty Images).