Oba Femi, the former two-time WWE NXT Champion, is gearing up to make a significant impact at the WWE Royal Rumble match on January 31st in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Known for his dominant reign in NXT, the Nigerian powerhouse’s transition to WWE’s main roster is highly anticipated by fans and experts alike, with many expecting him to face some of the biggest names in the industry.
Throughout January, WWE has been spotlighting Oba Femi’s impressive achievements on Raw and SmackDown, highlighting his undefeated streak in defending the NXT title for the second time. His decision to leave the championship in the ring after defeating Leon Slater on the New Year’s Evil edition of NXT confirmed that WWE plans to elevate him onto the main stage, signaling a new chapter in his career.
Veteran Insights: Booker T on Oba Femi’s Potential Confrontation with Brock Lesnar
Booker T, a two-time WWE Hall of Famer, closely followed Oba Femi’s dominant run as an announcer at NXT. On his Hall of Fame podcast, he speculated on the possibility of Femi crossing paths with a legendary figure like Brock Lesnar during the Royal Rumble match, framing it as a smart move given Lesnar’s limited time left in the business.
“I mean, I don’t want to book the show or anything like that. But I can see something like that perhaps happening, because Brock Lester has a limited amount of time left in this business. If you’re going to do something like that, you got to kind of pull the trigger early on it.” ?Booker T, WWE Hall of Famer
Booker T emphasized that Lesnar’s experience could serve as an invaluable guide for Oba Femi as he adjusts to the pressures and spotlight of WWE’s main roster.
What Oba Femi Could Gain From Facing Brock Lesnar
Continuing his discussion, Booker T pointed out that Brock Lesnar’s 20-plus years in professional wrestling could offer essential lessons for Oba Femi, especially in maintaining a strong character and navigating WWE’s complex environment. Lesnar’s ability to balance in-ring dominance with business savvy has made him a model for newcomers to study.
“I really think that Brock Lesnar is someone that could actually teach Oba Femi a few tricks of the game. Oba’s going to need somebody like Brock Lesnar to show him a couple of do’s and don’t’s when you’re in that position. When you’re trying to keep your character big, as Brock Lesnar has done throughout his whole career. I don’t think anybody can talk to Oba Femi better than a guy like Brock Lesnar as far as that goes. As well as just handling business at the same time. So I would love to see someone like Oba in that position, just because I know what kind of networking it would be for him. What kind of knowledge he could take away from him a match like that. So I would love to see him in a situation like that.” ?Booker T, WWE Hall of Famer
This potential mentorship could help Oba Femi develop the skills necessary to thrive in WWE’s competitive landscape and maintain the momentum he built in NXT.
Event Overview: Key Matches and Schedule for WWE Royal Rumble
The WWE Royal Rumble event, set for January 31st, will also feature several high-stakes matches. The Men’s Royal Rumble match is the centerpiece, with Oba Femi confirmed as a participant. Alongside it, Drew McIntyre will defend the Undisputed WWE Championship against Sami Zayn, while AJ Styles faces Gunther in a match with retirement consequences for Styles should he lose. The event also includes the Women’s Royal Rumble match.
The Royal Rumble will be broadcast live starting at 2 p.m. ET/11 a.m. PT, available exclusively on ESPN in the United States and on Netflix internationally.
Wider WWE Storylines Stirring the Universe Ahead of Royal Rumble
Beyond Oba Femi’s journey, the WWE Universe is actively discussing several other pressing topics. Vince McMahon’s potential return remains a divisive subject, with debates ongoing about what conditions must be met before he comes back. Roman Reigns addressed rumors about a possible “super alliance” forming at the event, heightening the speculation surrounding the Royal Rumble’s surprises.
Meanwhile, SmackDown’s Carmelo Hayes continued his United States Championship Open Challenge, putting his title on the line against various opponents. AJ Styles’ career trajectory is also under scrutiny, as he appears to be contemplating retirement. His impending match against Gunther carries heavy significance, adding to the tension building around the card.
Additionally, Cody Rhodes shared a unique funeral request that connects deeply to his wrestling heritage, emphasizing the personal nature of the business. On SmackDown, a major feud reached its climax, with a former champion reclaiming his mask, illustrating the ongoing dramas shaping WWE’s landscape.
John Cena recently broke his silence on the Royal Rumble, issuing a statement that further fueled anticipation for this year’s event. Drew McIntyre has expressed a desire to have future WWE events held at historic venues, reflecting the company’s intent to blend tradition with new developments.
Significance of Oba Femi’s Royal Rumble Appearance and Future Prospects
Oba Femi’s entry into the 2024 WWE Royal Rumble represents more than just a debut on the main roster; it marks the arrival of a new powerhouse with the potential to challenge the existing hierarchy in WWE. Facing off against veterans like Brock Lesnar could provide the Nigerian star with crucial experience and visibility, possibly propelling him to prominent storylines and title opportunities.
This event can act as a launching pad for Oba Femi’s career at the highest level, making his performance and interactions during the Royal Rumble critical moments for his future. Fans and insiders alike will be watching closely, eager to see if he can live up to the promise his NXT run suggested. As WWE continues to evolve, the inclusion of fresh talent like Oba Femi may be key to maintaining excitement and competitive energy across both Raw and SmackDown.
