Oba Femi, the Nigerian grappler and former WWE NXT Champion, lost his title at the recent No Mercy premium live event after a reign of 262 days, when Ricky Saints defeated him. This unexpected title change surprised many fans, as Saints—formerly Ricky Starks in AEW—secured his second WWE title reign since debuting in February. The Oba Femi WWE Call-Up had been eagerly anticipated, especially after Femi’s championship victory earlier this year, but his recent defeat has fueled new rumors surrounding his potential move to WWE’s main roster, including RAW or SmackDown.
Current WWE Plans Exclude Femi From Immediate Main Roster Promotion
Despite ongoing talk about Oba Femi joining WWE’s main shows, recent developments suggest that he is not in line for an immediate call-up. WWE revealed the teams for an upcoming NXT vs. TNA special, and Femi was notably absent from Team NXT. The event’s main match will feature new NXT Champion Ricky Saints allied with Myles Borne, Je’Von Evans, and TNA World Champion Trick Williams, facing Mike Santana, Moose, TNA X-Division Champion Leon Slater, and TNA International Champion Frankie Kazarian. Femi’s absence from this lineup indicates he remains a significant part of NXT’s creative plans.
Uncertainty Surrounding Femi’s Future With WWE Roster
Reports from The Wrestling Observer Newsletter reveal that sources close to NXT confirm no current plans exist to promote Oba Femi to the main roster immediately after his title loss. While WWE officials are known for surprising fans and insiders alike by keeping call-ups secret until the last moment, insiders currently regard a call-up for Femi as unlikely. One source described the situation by stating,
“a no as far as just about anyone knows, but there is no such thing as a 100% no.”
This reflects the uncertain and fluid nature of WWE’s booking decisions in relation to Femi’s status.
Implications of Femi’s Position Within NXT and WWE’s Strategy
Oba Femi’s continued involvement in NXT suggests WWE still values his presence for ongoing storylines, particularly amid the NXT versus TNA rivalry currently unfolding. His extended reign and sudden title loss have generated significant fan interest, keeping him relevant but delaying the anticipated main roster opportunity. The situation highlights WWE’s cautious approach to transitioning key talent, balancing creative storytelling and timing for call-ups. Fans hoping for Oba Femi WWE call-up will likely need to remain patient as WWE continues to evaluate the best moment for his promotion.
