Roman Reigns Reflects on The Rock and Cody Rhodes at WrestleMania 40; Tommy Fury Hints at WWE Future; Oba Femi Missing from NXT
By Mike Chiari, Bleacher Report – November 27, 2024
Bleacher Report brings the latest updates from the WWE Universe, including insights from Roman Reigns on WrestleMania 40, a boxing star’s potential leap into professional wrestling, and rumors surrounding an NXT standout.
Roman Reigns Opens Up on WrestleMania 40 Opponents The Rock and Cody Rhodes
In a recent interview on the SI Media podcast hosted by Jimmy Traina, WWE superstar Roman Reigns shared his thoughts on facing Cody Rhodes instead of his cousin The Rock in the highly anticipated WrestleMania 40 main event.
Reigns was candid when asked if he was disappointed not to face The Rock, a legend and one of WWE’s biggest icons. He explained that the identity of his opponent was less important than the status of being in the main event 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 didn’t matter who it is."
The path to WrestleMania initially saw Cody Rhodes win the 2024 men’s Royal Rumble match but then opting not to challenge Reigns for the WWE Championship, which temporarily opened the door for The Rock to return to the title picture. However, fan backlash led Rhodes to reverse his stance, and the storyline shifted with The Rock turning heel, adopting the moniker “The Final Boss,” and aligning with Reigns.
At WrestleMania 40, The Rock and Reigns teamed up to defeat Rhodes and Seth Rollins on Night 1, followed by Rhodes capturing the WWE Championship from Reigns on Night 2’s main event.
When asked if a Rock vs. Reigns match could still happen in the future, Reigns appeared open to the idea, emphasizing WWE’s attentiveness to fan interest:
"If that’s what the people want and The People’s Champ is down, I’m sure we can make something happen."
The Rock’s sporadic recent appearances, including an unannounced return at WWE’s Bad Blood event last month, fuel speculation that a showdown against Reigns might be on the horizon, possibly starting at Survivor Series during a WarGames match featuring different factions of The Bloodline.
Tommy Fury Hints at Joining WWE After Backstage Visit
British professional boxer Tommy Fury, younger brother of heavyweight champion Tyson Fury, teased the possibility of venturing into the world of WWE after attending a recent WWE event in the United Kingdom.
Sharing a backstage video to his YouTube channel on Sunday, Fury mingled with top WWE stars including Randy Orton, Cody Rhodes, and Gunther. He expressed gratitude and an interest in potentially competing one day:
"And I look forward to possibly climbing through them ropes one day. Who knows? But it’s been a great night."
Tommy Fury boasts a perfect 10-0 boxing record and notably defeated YouTuber-turned-boxer Jake Paul. Given his connection to the Paul family and the current presence of Logan Paul in WWE, a potential feud or tag team involving the Fury and Paul brothers could appeal to a broad audience.
His brother Tyson Fury previously appeared for WWE at Crown Jewel 2019 and was involved in a high-profile altercation with Austin Theory at Clash at the Castle 2022. —
Oba Femi Absent from NXT; Future Plans Uncertain
Former NXT North American Champion Oba Femi has reportedly been absent from WWE’s NXT television tapings over the past month, sparking speculation about his status.
Fightful Select reported there has been no sign of Femi backstage or at tapings since his loss to Tony D’Angelo at Halloween Havoc on October 27. The reasons for his absence remain unclear, but it may be a creative decision or a break after consecutive losses.
Femi had an impressive run following his NXT debut in April 2023. He won the NXT Breakout Tournament, captured the North American Championship from Dragon Lee, and held the title for a record-setting 272 days before falling to D’Angelo.
Fans are awaiting his return, with many believing Femi could be a strong contender for the NXT Championship and a key player in future storylines.
Looking Ahead
With WrestleMania 40 behind them and Survivor Series approaching, WWE’s landscape continues evolving. Fans will be watching closely for potential matches involving The Rock and Roman Reigns, the debut of boxing star Tommy Fury, and the return of exciting talents like Oba Femi.
For more updates and deep dives into WWE storylines and rumors, stay tuned to Bleacher Report’s wrestling coverage.
Photo Caption:
Roman Reigns and The Rock celebrate after their victory over Cody Rhodes and Seth Rollins at WrestleMania 40 Night 1 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, April 6, 2024. (Photo Credit: WWE/Getty Images)