Latest WWE Universe Updates: Roman Reigns on The Rock & Cody Rhodes, Tommy Fury’s WWE Interest, and Oba Femi’s NXT Absence
Bleacher Report’s Mike Chiari brings you the latest news and insights from the WWE world covering notable WWE superstars Roman Reigns, Tommy Fury, and NXT standout Oba Femi.
Roman Reigns Reflects on WrestleMania 40 and Potential Match with The Rock
In a candid interview on the SI Media podcast with Sports Illustrated’s Jimmy Traina, WWE’s Roman Reigns opened up about his experience surrounding the main event of WrestleMania 40, where he faced Cody Rhodes instead of The Rock.
When asked if he was disappointed not to go one-on-one with his cousin The Rock, Reigns emphasized that it didn’t matter who he faced, as long as he remained 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’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.”
Following Cody Rhodes’ victory in the 2024 men’s Royal Rumble, there was speculation around whether Rhodes or The Rock would challenge Reigns for the WWE Championship at WrestleMania. After fan backlash caused an initial change in plans, The Rock turned heel, adopting the persona "The Final Boss" and aligning himself with Reigns.
Together, The Rock and Reigns defeated Rhodes and Seth Rollins in the Night 1 main event, but Rhodes ultimately claimed the WWE Championship by beating Reigns on Night 2. Looking toward the future, Reigns suggested that a showdown with The Rock remains possible if fans demonstrate enough enthusiasm:
“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… 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 appearance at last month’s Bad Blood event but has since remained absent from WWE programming. With intense family rivalries heating up inside WWE, especially with The Bloodline factions battling in a WarGames match at Survivor Series, fans could see The Rock reemerge to build toward that anticipated encounter with Roman Reigns.
Tommy Fury Hints at Wrestling Future with WWE
British professional boxer Tommy Fury, who is undefeated with a 10-0 record and famously handed Jake Paul his first boxing loss, has hinted at a possible move into WWE wrestling.
During WWE’s recent UK tour, Fury posted a YouTube video sharing his experience backstage, expressing admiration for talents like Randy Orton, Cody Rhodes, and Gunther. He stated:
“Thank you to the WWE for showing us such appreciation. And I look forward to possibly climbing through those ropes one day. Who knows? But it’s been a great night.”
Fury is the younger brother of Tyson Fury, the former world heavyweight boxing champion who had a one-off match at WWE Crown Jewel 2019 and has remained engaged with the company through notable appearances.
Given Tommy Fury’s connections to both the boxing and celebrity worlds, along with his ties to the Paul family, WWE could consider him a potential asset, particularly given Logan Paul’s active wrestling role. A tag match featuring the Fury brothers vs. the Paul brothers could attract mainstream attention.
Oba Femi’s NXT Absence Sparks Speculation
Former NXT North American Champion Oba Femi has reportedly been absent from NXT tapings for the past month. Fightful Select reports that Femi has not been seen backstage since his loss to Tony D’Angelo at Halloween Havoc on October 27. Femi experienced a meteoric rise after debuting in April 2023, winning the NXT Breakout Tournament, capturing the North American Championship from Dragon Lee, and holding it for a record-setting 272 days before succumbing to D’Angelo.
His recent losses and prolonged absence have led to speculation that he might be resting or being prepped for a main roster call-up. Alternatively, WWE’s creative team could be allowing time for the impact of his setbacks to settle before reintroducing him.
When he returns, Femi is expected to be a top contender for the NXT Championship and potentially positioned to dethrone current champion Trick Williams.
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Photo Credit: WWE/Getty Images
Roman Reigns and The Rock after their WrestleMania 40 victory