Oba Femi WWE journey has catapulted him from ambitious dreamer to two-time, reigning WWE NXT Champion. At just 27, Femi combines his extraordinary size—nearly 300 pounds—with agile ring skills, standing out as a formidable and unique presence on the WWE stage.
Originally discovered by WWE talent scouts while excelling as a shot putter at the University of Alabama, Femi was signed under an NIL deal. After graduation, he committed fully to his wrestling ambitions, determined to transform childhood hopes into reality despite doubts rooted in distance and lack of exposure to the professional wrestling world in Africa.
Femi recently spoke with BBC Sport about his personal and professional journey, emphasizing his aspiration to motivate young people everywhere. He recalled how, growing up far from WWE’s American base and frustrated by the rarity of live wrestling events on the African continent, he often felt the odds were stacked against him. Yet Femi’s determination remained unbroken, and as he explained to the BBC, genuine self-belief was essential to break through the barriers set by circumstance and geography.
“I grew up a fan, and I was like man, I would kill to be a wrestler, you know? But, it just didn’t feel plausible. Like, I mean, Africa is run out of the United States. They don’t even really come to Africa for live events. You know, like, you start telling yourself all these things, and my goal is not necessarily to, make young kids come and wrestle. Like, that’s not the goal, but my goal is more to let them know that you can dream big and it’s okay and it’s possible.”
— Oba Femi, WWE NXT Champion
Developing a Distinctive Wrestling Persona
During his conversation with BBC Sport, Oba Femi reflected on his evolving on-screen persona in NXT. He stands out not simply for his physical attributes but for the authenticity he brings to his character, “The Ruler.” Femi draws inspiration from his Nigerian heritage, striving to inject sincerity and personality into his performance, rather than relying on clichés or stereotypes common in wrestling entertainment.
“That’s just what comes with the territory of building a character. A lot of people go out there and pretend to be wrestlers and pretend to be, you know, something they’re not. But for me, it’s like, how much of a human being can I put into this one character? Let me have that natural cadence of a Nigerian man. Like, what does a Nigerian man who is like, you know, egotistical, poised and all that, you know, how does he fit into the wrestling meta? I think I’ve been able to figure that out.”
— Oba Femi, WWE NXT Champion
This careful blend of authenticity and confidence has enabled Femi to carve out a unique spot in WWE, earning respect from peers and fans alike, and fueling speculation about his future at the top levels of the organization.
Main Roster Hopes and Recent WWE Highlights
After an impressive performance against WWE Champion Cody Rhodes at the recent Saturday Night’s Main Event—an occasion also marked by John Cena’s retirement—buzz has grown regarding Femi’s potential move to the main WWE roster. Reports suggest that Femi, alongside other NXT standouts, could be called up soon given their standout performances at major events.
In recent weeks, WWE has highlighted Femi in video segments on both Raw and SmackDown, signaling confidence in his star potential. However, no official date for his main roster debut has been announced as of now, leaving fans and WWE insiders waiting in anticipation for his next career step.
Defending the NXT Championship at New Year’s Evil
The next significant milestone in the Oba Femi WWE journey is his upcoming title defense at the prestigious New Year’s Evil event on January 6th. Femi is slated to defend the NXT Championship against Leon Slater, who currently holds TNA’s X-Division Championship. This high-profile matchup is expected to draw even greater attention to Femi’s reign as NXT Champion and further test his resilience in a challenging contest.
The New Year’s Evil card features several other prominent matches, underscoring the intensity and competitive spirit that defines WWE events:
- Tatum Paxley vs. Izzi Dame
- NXT Women’s Championship: Jacy Jayne vs. Kendal Grey
- NXT Women’s North American Championship: Thea Hail vs. Blake Monroe
- NXT Championship: Oba Femi vs. Leon Slater
Who walks out as #WWENXT Champion when @Obaofwwe puts his title on the line against @LEONSLATER_ THIS TUESDAY at #NewYearsEvil?!📺 8e/7c on @TheCWpic.twitter.com/RKObcwuYiE— WWE NXT (@WWENXT) January 5, 2026
The New Year’s Evil bout will be watched closely by both WWE officials and fans worldwide, marking a pivotal moment in Femi’s career trajectory.
Oba Femi’s Legacy: Inspiring Ambition Beyond the Ring
Oba Femi’s journey from a hopeful young fan in Africa to WWE NXT Champion serves not just as an example of athletic achievement, but as a rallying point for aspiring dreamers everywhere. His focus on authenticity—as a wrestler and as a Nigerian—represents a powerful message in an industry often shaped by larger-than-life personas that sometimes lack connection to reality.
While speculation about Femi’s future with WWE continues to swirl and significant events like New Year’s Evil loom, his story stands as proof that persistence, self-belief, and the willingness to remain true to one’s roots can overturn daunting odds. Whether defending his championship or eyeing a leap to the main WWE roster, Oba Femi’s influence now extends far beyond the ring, lighting the way for those who dare to dream big.
🗣 "My goal is to let them know you can dream big!" 🤩
Oba Femi speaks about inspiring young Nigerian kids and being an “authentically African” WWE wrestler 💪 pic.twitter.com/YS25cPUiFS
— BBC Sport (@BBCSport) January 3, 2026
Who walks out as #WWENXT Champion when @Obaofwwe puts his title on the line against @LEONSLATER_ THIS TUESDAY at #NewYearsEvil?!
📺 8e/7c on @TheCW pic.twitter.com/RKObcwuYiE
— WWE NXT (@WWENXT) January 5, 2026
