Oba Femi, a former WWE NXT Champion, recently spoke openly about his experience relinquishing the NXT title. The two-time NXT titleholder discussed his mindset surrounding the loss, emphasizing his professional outlook on the situation. This insight sheds light on Femi’s perspective regarding career progression within WWE, particularly related to his NXT title loss.
Femi’s first NXT reign was notably dominant, lasting over 250 days until he dropped the championship to Ricky Starks at WWE NXT No Mercy. Later, Femi regained the title at WWE NXT Deadline in 2025. However, this second reign was short-lived, as he vacated the championship after receiving his promotion to WWE’s main roster. Unlike most title changes that occur via match defeat, Femi’s decision to vacate the belt was uncommon within WWE’s NXT history.
Understanding the Decision to Vacate Instead of Losing the Title
In a conversation on the No-Contest Wrestling podcast, Femi explained that he never doubted the choice to give up the championship outside of a match. He stated firmly, “No. No. It’s a job,” clarifying that the creative vision for WWE comes from leadership figures.
“Shawn has a vision, Triple H has a vision, and we’re all just – I hate to say it, but we’re tools to execute the vision.” ?Oba Femi, WWE Superstar
Femi emphasized the importance of understanding his role within that broader vision, saying,
“When people lose sight of that, that’s when they get caught up in their feelings and stuff like that. When I did that, I was like, ‘I’m sure there’s a good reason why,’ and I went with it, and didn’t think too much into it.” ?Oba Femi, WWE Superstar
The Uncommon Path of Vacating the NXT Title Before Moving Up
Femi also discussed how rare it is for a WWE Superstar to vacate the NXT title before joining the main roster. He recognized the significance of this move as a clear indication of his stature within the company.
“It feels very unique. It lets me know where the company sees me caliber-wise, where I am in the pecking order, which is really reassuring.” ?Oba Femi, WWE Superstar
He acknowledged that only a select few, including Asuka and the War Raiders, have left their NXT titles vacant prior to their call-ups. Femi considers this a privilege and a mark of distinction rather than a setback.
“It’s a privilege to be on that list. Not everyone gets to be on it, and it’s for a very good reason. I have to show everybody coming up to the main roster now – that wasn’t just done for anybody, you don’t just have any regular old call-up on your hands, you have a superstar here.” ?Oba Femi, WWE Superstar
Femi’s explanation highlights how WWE views his progression in a serious light, framing his vacated title as a meaningful step rather than a loss. This approach offers fans insight into the company’s internal decision-making and the respect given to performers like Femi when transitioning to larger stages.
