Oba Femi, the current NXT Champion, recently shared insights about his rapid rise in WWE during an interview on The Hall of Fame podcast. He spoke about the strong connection he has built with fans and emphasized that his experience as a lifelong wrestling enthusiast has been vital to his success in the ring. His journey reflects not only talent but a deep understanding of wrestling’s nuances that come from being a dedicated fan.
Clarifying Comparisons With Brock Lesnar
Femi addressed the common comparisons made between him and Brock Lesnar, stating that while he respects Lesnar’s influence, he is creating a distinct identity for himself. He acknowledged similarities in athleticism and strength but insisted that his persona stands apart.
“I’ve definitely taken some things, some inspiration from him, in the way I work. But I don’t think there’s a one-to-one correlation between Brock Lesnar and Oba Femi,”
he said.
“The athleticism is there, and the strength is there. But I think Oba Femi is a beast of its own… Oba Femi is a very unique experience.”
—Oba Femi, NXT Champion
He further explained that those making such comparisons might not fully grasp the depth of his character.
“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 never seen before.”
—Oba Femi, NXT Champion
How Childhood Fandom Shaped His Wrestling Style
Born Isaac Odugbesan in Nigeria, Oba Femi credits his early years as a wrestling fan for honing his instincts and timing inside the ring. He believes the best preparation for a professional wrestling career comes from passionate fandom rather than other sports.
“A lot of people ask, what’s the best sport to transition into wrestling? Some people think it’s football… amateur wrestling. But to me, personally, there’s no other sport than being a fan,”
Femi explained.
“When you’ve watched it as a child, you just, you know the timing… when you become a professional wrestler, you can just do it.”
—Oba Femi, NXT Champion
Reflections on Returning to His Nigerian Roots
Oba Femi recently visited his hometown in Nigeria, where the reaction from his community deeply touched him. Upon arriving at the airport, many people recognized him, and back in his neighborhood, his family and friends showed immense pride for his accomplishments abroad.
“I come into the airport and a lot of people see me. A lot of people know who I am, and say, ‘Oh my God, that’s Oba Femi,’”
he shared.
“And then I get to my own neighborhood where my family is… everybody’s excited to see, you know, the young man that left them seven, eight years ago.”
—Oba Femi, NXT Champion
Upcoming Title Defense and Growing Influence
Oba Femi is preparing to defend his NXT Championship in a highly anticipated Triple Threat Match against Josh Briggs and Yoshiki Inamura. This bout will take place during the upcoming NXT television tapings in Houston, Texas. With his growing momentum and expanding international following, Femi is establishing himself as a dominant force who is shaping the present rather than living in anyone’s shadow.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. How did Oba Femi lose?
A. To use Femi Daily, begin by putting a small amount of the gel on your intimate area with your finger. Apply it where you feel itching, unpleasant odor, dryness, or other discomfort. For the best results, use Femi Daily once or twice a day.
Q. Who did Oba Femi lose to?
A. Wrestling under the name Oba Femi, he first appeared in the ring on November 18, 2022, during an NXT Level Up event, where he lost to Dante Chen.
Q. Who has Oba Femi lost to?
A. During Week 2 of NXT’s CW premiere on October 8, Femi lost his title to D’Angelo. This loss ended his championship reign after 273 days, which was a record. It was Femi’s first defeat in 2024, breaking his streak of 30 consecutive wins.
Q. Is Oba Femi accent real?
A. Oba Femi, who just won the NXT Championship, responded to claims about faking his accent on the January 14th NXT show. On the No-Contest Wrestling podcast, he explained that his accent is genuine because he lived in Nigeria for 19 years.
