Roman Reigns Discusses The Rock, Cody Rhodes, and Future WWE Prospects; Tommy Fury Eyes WWE Career; NXT Star Oba Femi’s Absence Noted
By Mike Chiari, Bleacher Report — November 27, 2024
The WWE Universe has been abuzz with recent developments involving some of the company’s biggest names. Roman Reigns opened up about his WrestleMania 40 experience facing Cody Rhodes, the possibility of a future match with The Rock, while boxing star Tommy Fury hinted at a potential move into WWE. Additionally, NXT fans have been concerned about the absence of former North American Champion Oba Femi. Here’s the latest on these top stories.
Roman Reigns Reflects on WrestleMania 40 and Teases Future with The Rock
In a recent interview on the SI Media podcast with Jimmy Traina, Roman Reigns shared his thoughts on the shifting plans for WrestleMania 40’s main event. Initially, there was speculation that Reigns would face his cousin, The Rock, but the match ultimately pitted him against Cody Rhodes instead.
When asked if he was disappointed not to face The Rock, Reigns made it clear that being in the main event was what mattered most. "I was the main event. I’m the guy that everyone wanted to dance with," Reigns said. "It didn’t matter who it was. 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."
Following Cody Rhodes’ victory in the 2024 Men’s Royal Rumble, he initially stated he would not challenge Reigns for the WWE Championship at WrestleMania but later reversed course amid negative fan reactions, resulting in The Rock turning heel as “The Final Boss” and aligning with Reigns. The Rock and Reigns teamed up to defeat Rhodes and Seth Rollins on Night 1 of WrestleMania 40, but Rhodes won the WWE title from Reigns on Night 2. Regarding the possibility of a Reigns vs. The Rock match in the future, Reigns expressed openness depending on fan interest. "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 recently made an unannounced return to WWE at the Bad Blood event but has yet to commit to any storyline. With the Bloodline factions clashing in a WarGames match at Survivor Series, a return by The Rock could set the stage for a high-profile showdown against Reigns.
Tommy Fury Shows Interest in WWE After Backstage Visit
Professional boxer Tommy Fury, brother of former world heavyweight boxing champion Tyson Fury, recently teased a potential transition into professional wrestling. During a backstage visit to a WWE event in the United Kingdom, Fury posted a video highlighting his interactions with WWE superstars including Randy Orton and Cody Rhodes.
"So guys, that is a night at WWE complete… Big up to Randy Orton, absolutely amazing guy. Big up to Cody Rhodes, all of them, Gunther, the lot of them," Fury said. "Thank you to the WWE for showing us such appreciation. And I look forward to possibly climbing through those ropes one day. Who knows?"
Tommy Fury, 25, holds an undefeated 10-0 professional boxing record and is notable for being the only boxer to defeat YouTuber-turned-boxer Jake Paul. His connections to the Paul family and his growing boxing profile could help him seamlessly step into WWE storylines, potentially setting up intriguing matches with Logan Paul, a WWE superstar and former United States champion.
NXT Star Oba Femi Has Been Absent Following Recent Losses
Fans of WWE’s NXT brand have noticed that Oba Femi, the recently dethroned North American Champion, has not appeared on NXT television or backstage since late October.
According to reports from Fightful Select (via Ringside News), Femi has been absent since his loss at Halloween Havoc to Tony D’Angelo, which ended his record-setting 272-day title reign. He also lost a title rematch to D’Angelo at the same event.
The reasons behind Femi’s disappearance remain unclear. It could be a strategic break for him to regroup after the losses, an injury-related hiatus, or possibly preparation for a main roster call-up. Given his strong start in NXT—including winning the Breakout Tournament and a dominant early run—many view Femi as a natural contender for the NXT Championship once he returns.
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