Last week, Oba Femi abruptly vacated the NXT Championship after his match against Leon Slater, leaving the title belt in the center of the ring before walking out of NXT without any explanation. This unexpected departure sparked widespread speculation about his future, especially since WWE has since released promotional segments hinting Femi is moving on to the main roster.
Femi, who joined NXT in 2021, quickly gained recognition for his impressive physical power and wrestling skill. He initially captured the NXT title in January of last year but lost it to Ricky Saints in September. Later, Femi regained the championship at the Deadline event following an intense contest that also secured him a place in SNME XLII, a high-profile show that featured John Cena’s final WWE match and spotlighted emerging talents.
Disruption Marks Femi’s Showdown With Cody Rhodes
At the start of SNME XLII, Oba Femi faced the then-Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes in a match interrupted by Rhodes’ bitter adversary Drew McIntyre. This interference added more tension to Femi’s final appearances as NXT champion and underscored the shifting dynamics within WWE’s roster.
NXT General Manager Ava Details Plans to Crown New Champion
On the following NXT episode, General Manager Ava addressed the roster gathered around the ring, announcing the championship belt was suspended above the ring awaiting its next holder. Ricky Saints interrupted, insisting he deserved to reclaim the vacant title. Ava rejected his claim and declared that the new champion will be decided in a six-man ladder match set for the February 3rd NXT broadcast.
The announcement sparked a scuffle involving several contenders, including the promotion’s newest signee Keanu Carver, who made a strong impression by standing out amid the chaos.
“MESSAGE. SENT. With the entire locker room setting their sights on the NXT Championship, it’s new signee Keanu Carver who stands tall!! 😱” —WWE
Significance of the NXT Championship in WWE Careers
The NXT Championship has long been a key stepping stone for wrestlers aiming to reach WWE’s main roster prominence. Seth Rollins, the first-ever NXT titleholder in 2012, exemplifies how holding this championship can propel a career to the highest levels within the company. With Oba Femi’s sudden exit, the upcoming six-man ladder match promises to be crucial for determining the next rising star prepared to claim the valuable title and the opportunities it brings.
🪜 LADDER. MATCH. 🪜
The new #WWENXT Champion will be decided on February 3rd in a Six-Man Ladder Match! @avawwe_ pic.twitter.com/JIWXIUzXte
— WWE (@WWE) January 14, 2026
MESSAGE. SENT.
With the entire locker room setting their sights on the NXT Championship, it's new signee Keanu Carver who stands tall!! 😱@KeanuCarverWWE pic.twitter.com/5ESFDEYmGH
— WWE (@WWE) January 14, 2026
