Roman Reigns Reflects on WrestleMania 40, The Rock, and Cody Rhodes; Tommy Fury Considers WWE Future; Oba Femi’s NXT Absence Raises Questions
By Mike Chiari, Bleacher Report – November 27, 2024
In the latest updates from the WWE Universe, Roman Reigns shared his thoughts on his WrestleMania 40 opponents The Rock and Cody Rhodes during a recent interview. Meanwhile, boxer Tommy Fury has hinted at a potential future in professional wrestling with WWE. Additionally, rumors swirl around NXT star Oba Femi’s recent absence from television and tapings.
Roman Reigns on WrestleMania 40: Facing Rhodes or The Rock Was Secondary
During an interview on the SI Media podcast with Sports Illustrated’s Jimmy Traina, Roman Reigns opened up about the evolving WrestleMania 40 main event plans and his feelings toward facing either The Rock or Cody Rhodes.
When asked if he was disappointed not to face The Rock in the main event, Reigns was clear that it didn’t matter who he faced. "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," said Reigns, emphasizing his focus on defending his title against any challenger.
Reigns highlighted that the real contest was about maintaining dominance at the top of the WWE hierarchy: "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."
The storyline had evolved rapidly after Rhodes won the 2024 men’s Royal Rumble but initially declined to challenge Reigns for the WWE Championship at WrestleMania 40. This opened speculation that The Rock would challenge Reigns instead. However, fan backlash prompted a change of plans. Rhodes reversed his stance, The Rock turned heel as “The Final Boss,” aligned with Reigns, and together they defeated Rhodes and Seth Rollins on Night 1 of WrestleMania 40. Night 2 saw Rhodes capture the WWE title from Reigns.
Addressing the long-anticipated Rock vs. Reigns singles match, which did not happen at WrestleMania, Reigns expressed optimism about a future showdown if fans demand it: "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 surprise appearance at WWE’s Bad Blood event last month but has yet to clarify his next moves. With the ongoing internal rivalry within The Bloodline shaping up for a major WarGames match at Survivor Series, fans are speculating that The Rock may return to build toward an eventual clash with his cousin Reigns.
Tommy Fury Teases WWE Prospects After Meeting WWE Superstars in UK
Boxer Tommy Fury, younger brother of former heavyweight champion Tyson Fury, dropped hints about a possible future in WWE following a visit to a WWE event during their recent UK tour. In a YouTube video posted on Sunday, Fury showcased backstage moments meeting WWE stars such as Randy Orton, Cody Rhodes, and Gunther.
“So guys, that is a night at the WWE complete. All the wrestlers showing love. Big up to Randy Orton. Absolutely amazing guy. Big up to Cody Rhodes, all of them, Gunther, the lot of them. Thank you to the WWE for showing us such appreciation," Fury said. "And I look forward to possibly climbing through them ropes one day. Who knows? But it’s been a great night.”
Tommy Fury, 25, has found boxing success with a perfect 10-0 record and the distinction of handing Jake Paul his only defeat. His connection to the Paul family through boxing rivalries, coupled with his family friendship to Tyson Fury— who won a WWE match at Crown Jewel 2019 and famously knocked out Austin Theory at Clash at the Castle 2022—might make Tommy an intriguing WWE addition.
Given Logan Paul’s ongoing WWE career and the Paul brothers’ mainstream appeal, WWE could see value in a potential "Fury brothers vs. Paul brothers" storyline.
Oba Femi’s Absence from NXT Raises Speculation
NXT’s former North American Champion Oba Femi has not been seen on tapings or television for over a month, raising questions about his current status within WWE’s developmental brand. Reports from Fightful Select, noted by Ringside News, indicate that Femi has been missing from NXT tapings since his loss to Tony D’Angelo at Halloween Havoc on October 27. While the reasons for his absence remain unclear, it might be related to a break following two consecutive significant losses, as Femi lost the North American Title after a historic 272-day reign before falling again in a rematch.
Following his successful NXT debut in April 2023, Femi quickly rose through the ranks, winning the NXT Breakout Tournament, capturing the North American Championship from Dragon Lee, and establishing himself as a dominant force.
Speculation suggests he could either be preparing for a main roster call-up, recovering from injury, or simply being rested off television as creative recalibrates his path. When he returns, Femi is positioned as a strong contender for the NXT Championship, potentially being the next to challenge current champion Trick Williams.
Stay tuned for more updates from the WWE world as storylines develop with Reigns, The Rock, Rhodes, Fury, and emerging NXT stars like Oba Femi.
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