Roman Reigns Discusses The Rock and Cody Rhodes, Tommy Fury Eyes WWE Career, and NXT Rumors Surround Oba Femi
By Mike Chiari, Bleacher Report – November 27, 2024
Bleacher Report brings you the latest updates from the WWE Universe, including thoughts from Roman Reigns on WrestleMania 40, a potential WWE future for boxer Tommy Fury, and speculation surrounding NXT star Oba Femi’s recent absence.
Roman Reigns Reflects on WrestleMania 40 Main Event and Potential Match with The Rock
In a recent interview on the SI Media podcast with Sports Illustrated’s Jimmy Traina, Roman Reigns opened up about the evolving main event scene at WrestleMania 40. The Original Tribal Chief discussed his feelings about headlining against Cody Rhodes instead of his cousin, WWE legend The Rock.
When asked if he was disappointed not to face The Rock in the WrestleMania main event, Reigns was clear that his focus remained on being at the center of the action regardless of the opponent. “It doesn’t matter to me. I was the main event. I’m the guy that everyone wanted to dance with… It didn’t matter who it is,” Reigns said. He noted that the challenge was about defending his place at the top and stopping others from interrupting his historic run.
The WrestleMania 40 storyline took several twists. After Cody Rhodes won the 2024 men’s Royal Rumble, he initially declared he wouldn’t challenge Reigns for the WWE Championship, hinting that The Rock would take that spot instead. However, fan backlash led to Rhodes changing course, and The Rock turned heel, adopting the moniker “The Final Boss” and joining forces with Reigns. Ultimately, The Rock and Reigns teamed to defeat Cody Rhodes and Seth Rollins on Night 1, while Rhodes defeated Reigns for the WWE title on Night 2. Traina probed the possibility of a future match between Reigns and The Rock, given the much-anticipated bout did not occur at WrestleMania 40. Reigns acknowledged that if fans loudly demand it, and with The People’s Champ willing, WWE could make it happen. “We’re a company who… know who’s paying the hard-earned money, and we want to satisfy those people,” he said.
The Rock made a surprise return at the Bad Blood event last month but hasn’t publicly declared his WWE plans since. With The Bloodline factions set to clash in a WarGames match at the upcoming Survivor Series, many are hoping The Rock’s next appearance will help lead towards that coveted match with Reigns.
Boxer Tommy Fury Hints at Possible WWE Career
Tommy Fury, younger brother of former world heavyweight boxing champion Tyson Fury, teased a potential move into pro wrestling with WWE. On Sunday, Fury shared a video from backstage of a recent WWE tour in the United Kingdom, where he mingled with several WWE Superstars including Randy Orton, Cody Rhodes, and Gunther.
In the video, Fury expressed his gratitude and interest in the wrestling business, saying, “I look forward to possibly climbing through them ropes one day. Who knows?”
Tommy Fury boasts a professional boxing record of 10-0 and notably handed Jake Paul his only defeat so far. His budding relationship with the Paul family makes him a natural fit for storylines involving Logan Paul, a WWE Superstar and former United States champion.
WWE could capitalize on the crossover appeal by potentially booking a tag team scenario pitting the Fury brothers against the Paul brothers, enticing a wider audience beyond traditional wrestling fans.
NXT Star Oba Femi Absent From Recent Tapings Amid Speculation
Former NXT North American Champion Oba Femi, who earned prominence with a 272-day title reign after winning the NXT Breakout Tournament, has reportedly been missing from recent NXT tapings. Fightful Select reported that since his loss to Tony D’Angelo at Halloween Havoc on October 27, Femi hasn’t been seen backstage or on television.
The reason for Femi’s absence remains unclear. It may be a strategic time-off to recover after two consecutive losses or to reset his character. Alternatively, it could indicate plans for a main roster call-up or injury that has not been publicly disclosed.
Femi, once a University of Alabama shot put star, is seen as a critical contender to challenge for the NXT Championship upon his return, potentially targeting current champion Trick Williams.
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Photo Caption:
The Rock and Roman Reigns, moments after their victory over Cody Rhodes and Seth Rollins at WrestleMania 40, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, April 6, 2024. (Photo by WWE/Getty Images)
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