Last month, Oba Femi, the reigning NXT Champion, took the unusual step of leaving his title in the center of the ring, marking the conclusion of his second championship reign as well as his time on the WWE NXT brand. This move was intentional, with Femi revealing that there were clear reasons behind his decision, which now places him among a select group of former NXT champions who have exited in similar fashion.
Understanding the Significance of Leaving Without Losing the Belt
Speaking on the No-Contest Wrestling podcast, Femi highlighted the uniqueness of his departure from NXT without suffering a title loss. He explained,
“It feels very unique [to leave NXT without losing the title],”
emphasizing how it reflects the company’s regard for his placement within their hierarchy.
“It lets me know where the company kind of sees me caliber-wise, like where I am in the pecking order, which is really reassuring. Very, very short list. I believe it’s me, Asuka, and The War Raiders, if I’m not mistaken. That is a very, very short list. It’s a privilege to be on that list. Not everyone gets to be on it.”
Femi’s Transition to WWE’s Main Roster and Future Plans
Femi made clear that vacating the NXT Championship was “for a very good reason,” pointing to his upcoming integration into WWE’s main roster. He explained his motive on the podcast:
“I have to show everybody coming up to the main roster now that like it wasn’t just done for anybody. You don’t just have like any regular old call-up on your hands. You have a Superstar here. So I believe it was done for a good reason, and well executed too.”
Oba Femi regained the NXT Championship by defeating Ricky Saints at the NXT Deadline event in early December. Shortly after, at NXT New Year’s Evil, he successfully defended the title against Leon Slater. Femi then officially vacated the championship, signaling a fresh chapter in his career. Since then, known as “The Ruler,” he has pursued opportunities on WWE’s main roster, notably overpowering The War Raiders on WWE Raw and defeating Kit Wilson on WWE SmackDown. However, the brand where he will ultimately settle has not been announced.
The Potential Impact of Femi’s WWE Main Roster Entry
Oba Femi’s move from NXT to WWE’s primary stage underlines his rising status within the company. By leaving NXT without surrendering the title, he joins a distinguished group alongside veterans like Asuka and The War Raiders, reflecting WWE’s confidence in his abilities. His recent victories against well-known competitors such as Ricky Saints, Leon Slater, The War Raiders, and Kit Wilson suggest that he is poised to become a formidable presence on either WWE Raw or WWE SmackDown, making this transition a significant moment in his wrestling career.
