WWE’s promising young star Oba Femi has announced his goal to retire two of the sport’s biggest veterans, John Cena and Randy Orton, in the coming years. This declaration comes as Cena’s final match is scheduled for December 13, 2025, during Saturday Night’s Main Event XLII, marking an anticipated turning point in WWE’s evolving roster.
Oba Femi, the reigning NXT Champion, sees himself as the next major force in WWE, poised to end the eras of Cena and Orton, who are among the few remaining active wrestlers from the OVW Class of 2002. Femi’s comments reflect both respect for their legacies and determination to lead WWE’s future.
Oba Femi’s Vision to End the Careers of WWE Icons
In a recent interview with Going Ringside, Oba Femi shared his ambition to be the one responsible for retiring John Cena and Randy Orton. At just 27 years old, Femi has already made significant impact in NXT, blending physical presence with undeniable charisma that marks him as a superstar in the making.
The Nigerian-born wrestler expressed frustration at how long Cena and Orton have maintained their positions at the top of the industry, suggesting a change is overdue. He stated his intentions clearly, signaling a desire to directly compete with and defeat these established icons.
“If I could catch John Cena, I would put him out,” claimed Oba Femi. “I’ll show him–he’s on his way out, so watch your step, you know? […] I would definitely fight Randy [Orton]. Just feel sorry for Randy, his back–I’ll show him the door too. It’s about time. I grew up watching those guys. They’ve been on top for a really long time and I think enough is enough,” he added.
—Oba Femi, NXT Champion
Femi’s confidence stems from his rapid rise in WWE’s developmental system, where his performances have garnered attention and respect. Although Cena has announced plans to retire following his match in late 2025, Orton appears less inclined to step away anytime soon. Nonetheless, Femi remains undeterred in his goal to “show [them] the door.”
Separating Himself from Brock Lesnar Comparisons
Fans and commentators have drawn comparisons between Oba Femi and Brock Lesnar, largely because of their similar builds and athleticism. However, Femi argues that such comparisons overlook what makes his character unique and special within WWE.
Speaking on the Reality of Wrestling platform, Femi emphasized that those comparisons stem mostly from superficial traits rather than his deeper wrestling persona. He described his character using a distinct identity that sets him apart from anyone else in the WWE Universe.
“I think Oba Femi is a very unique experience. The people who draw the most correlation between Lesnar and Femi are the people who have not seen a lot of Femi. So they look at the superficial stuff — the build, the speed; the exterior. But like I said, when you know the character of The Ruler, The Destroyer, The Bringer of War, you will understand that that is a unique experience that the WWE Universe has not seen before. Oba Femi is one of one, and I just wanted to make that clear.”
—Oba Femi, NXT Champion
This declaration highlights Femi’s desire to be recognized on his own merits and points to the growing complexity of his in-ring persona. Unlike Lesnar, who is known as a dominant force with a background in MMA, Femi is carving out a role charged with different intensity and storytelling elements under the monikers “The Ruler,” “The Destroyer,” and “The Bringer of War.”
Oba Femi’s Ascending Career and Future Prospects
Oba Femi’s current tenure as NXT Champion has already lasted 235 days, a significant achievement mirroring his prior championship reign with the NXT North American Title, which extended for 272 days. These accomplishments underline his status as a major player within WWE’s developmental ranks.
The question now arises whether WWE will push Femi onto the main roster with a high-profile match against John Cena at Saturday Night’s Main Event XLII in December 2025. Such a debut could be a landmark moment, signaling the start of a new era as longtime legends like Cena and Orton prepare to exit the spotlight.
With WWE’s landscape poised for transition, Oba Femi’s bold challenge to retire two of the company’s greatest names frames him as a central figure in the sport’s next chapter. His ambitions reflect the broader shift from veteran stalwarts to rising stars eager to define professional wrestling’s future.
