Roman Reigns Reflects on WrestleMania 40 Opponents, Tommy Fury Eyes WWE Future, and Oba Femi’s NXT Absence
By Mike Chiari | Bleacher Report | November 27, 2024
The WWE Universe continues to buzz with compelling storylines and potential new faces as Roman Reigns shares his thoughts on WrestleMania 40, boxer Tommy Fury hints at a pro wrestling career, and former NXT North American Champion Oba Femi remains conspicuously absent from recent shows. Here’s the latest on these hot topics in professional wrestling:
Roman Reigns Opens Up on The Rock, Cody Rhodes, and WrestleMania 40
In a revealing interview on the SI Media podcast, Roman Reigns discussed his experiences leading up to and during WrestleMania 40, touching on the high-profile build-up between him, Cody Rhodes, and The Rock.
Reigns began by addressing questions about the main event’s shifting dynamics, as WWE initially seemed to be considering a marquee Reigns versus The Rock showdown before ultimately opting for Reigns vs. Rhodes:
“It doesn’t matter to me. I was the main event. I’m the guy that everyone wanted to dance with… We just need to get there and defend this thing. It didn’t matter who it is," Reigns said, emphasizing his confidence in holding the top spot regardless of opponent.
The interview illuminated the complex storyline changes that unfolded. After Cody Rhodes triumphed in the 2024 Men’s Royal Rumble, he initially declared he wouldn’t challenge Reigns for the WWE Championship at WrestleMania 40, leading to speculation that The Rock would step in. However, fan backlash prompted Rhodes to reverse course, triggering The Rock’s heel turn, adopting the persona “The Final Boss,” and aligning with Reigns. The Rock and Reigns then teamed up to defeat Rhodes and Seth Rollins on Night 1 of WrestleMania 40, only for Rhodes to reclaim the WWE title from Reigns on Night 2. When asked if a Reigns vs. The Rock singles match might still materialize, Reigns remained optimistic but clear that fan demand would be key:
“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 unexpected return at WWE’s Bad Blood event last month, but has remained mostly off programming since. With the ongoing faction wars within The Bloodline culminating in a WarGames match at Survivor Series, many speculate The Rock could reappear soon to further intensify the family rivalry.
Tommy Fury Shows Interest in WWE Career
Tommy Fury, rising boxing star and younger brother of heavyweight champion Tyson Fury, signaled interest in WWE following a recent backstage visit during WWE’s United Kingdom tour.
In a YouTube video posted Sunday, Fury shared his experience meeting WWE superstars, including Randy Orton, Cody Rhodes, and Gunther. Fury expressed gratitude and hinted at the possibility of stepping into the squared circle one day:
“I look forward to possibly climbing through them ropes one day. Who knows? But it’s been a great night.”
Tommy Fury, 25, boasts an undefeated professional boxing record and notably defeated Jake Paul — a prominent figure with ties to WWE through his brother Logan Paul, who is an active WWE Superstar. Given these connections, a wrestling storyline involving the Fury and Paul families could attract considerable mainstream attention.
Tyson Fury, Tommy’s older brother, previously made a WWE appearance at Crown Jewel 2019 and notably disrupted Austin Theory’s Money in the Bank contract cash-in at WWE Clash at the Castle in 2022. Tommy’s potential move into wrestling could extend the Fury family’s presence in WWE.
Oba Femi’s Absence Raises Questions in NXT
Former NXT North American Champion Oba Femi has not appeared on NXT television or been reported backstage since his loss to Tony D’Angelo at Halloween Havoc on October 27. Fightful Select sources report this month-long absence without a clear explanation.
After debuting on televised NXT in April 2023, Femi quickly gained momentum by winning the NXT Breakout Tournament and capturing the North American Championship from Dragon Lee. His reign lasted an impressive 272 days before losing the title to D’Angelo last month. He then dropped a rematch at Halloween Havoc.
The break could be a creative reset following his back-to-back losses or a strategic hiatus as he recovers from injury or prepares for a main roster call-up. Fans and analysts view Femi as a strong contender for the NXT Championship when he returns, potentially positioning him as the next top challenger to titleholder Trick Williams.
Final Thoughts
As WWE evolves through fresh storylines and the entrance of new talent, these developments highlight the dynamic nature of the sport. Roman Reigns remains the focal point of major WWE narratives, Tommy Fury’s cross-sport curiosity could bring a new flavor to pro wrestling, and Oba Femi’s next move is anxiously awaited by NXT fans.
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