Oba Femi’s reign as NXT North American Champion ended on Saturday night when Ricky Saints defeated him at NXT No Mercy, held at the FTL War Memorial in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. This defeat after 263 days as champion has intensified discussions among fans about the Nigerian powerhouse’s next step, focusing on his transition to the Oba Femi WWE main roster.
Fans Suggest Oba Femi as a Key Figure on WWE’s Main Shows
Since his debut in WWE’s NXT brand in April 2023, Oba Femi has delivered a commanding performance, becoming the longest-reigning NXT North American Champion in history. Despite the recent championship loss to Ricky Saints, many fans believe Oba Femi’s journey on NXT has reached its natural conclusion and that he is primed for a call-up to WWE’s main roster, either RAW or SmackDown.
Supporters eagerly propose high-profile scenarios for his debut on the main stage. One fan suggested that Oba Femi should answer Sami Zayn’s United States Championship Open Challenge on SmackDown, imagining a victorious debut to solidify his arrival:
I ain’t gonna lie, Oba Femi answering Sami Zayn’s U.S. Title open challenge, beating him, and winning the title would be a PERFECT main roster debut. NEED IT.
— Fan
Others believe Oba Femi could be the ideal opponent for John Cena’s retirement match, should Cena’s Farewell Tour indeed include a final bout against an emerging star:
Or have him be Cena’s retirement match. Cena takes (the Intercontinental) title off of (Dominik Mysterio) in Boston in front of his family/hometown & holds onto it till Oba debuts & takes it off of him at (Saturday Night’s Main Event).
— Fan
Further emphasizing his potential stature, another fan highlighted the importance of booking Oba Femi as a dominant force, comparing him to elite WWE athletes:
I wouldn’t mind this at all because Oba Femi needs to be treated as a unit, just like Gunther, Bron Breakker, Bronson Reed, Brock Lesnar, and Jacob Fatu, because Oba is the caliber of athlete in the WWE.
— Fan
One brief but powerful comment captured the bold hope of many:
No Oba is gonna retire Cena.
— Fan
Prominent wrestling journalist Sean Ross Sapp also weighed in, proposing a future WrestleMania main event centered on Oba Femi:
Oba. Main Roster. Rumble win. Mania vs. Cody. Do it.
— Sean Ross Sapp, Fightful Select
Despite this excitement, Oba Femi himself tempered expectations about a high-profile match with John Cena. On the No Contest Wrestling Podcast, he expressed admiration but did not foresee their paths intersecting in such a way before Cena’s scheduled retirement in December.
Oba Femi’s Unique Style and Potential Rivalry with Brock Lesnar
Often compared to WWE’s other towering Nigerian superstar, Omos, Oba Femi stands out as a super heavyweight with a mix of in-ring agility, a commanding presence, and solid mic skills. His combination of size and athleticism positions him as a prime candidate to fill the large-man role as Brock Lesnar’s career approaches its end.
Lesnar has been one of WWE’s most dominant big men since his 2003 debut, but with his time winding down, the company likely needs a long-term successor who can assume that level of impact. Oba Femi’s style and charisma suggest he could be that figure.
Addressing comparisons to Brock Lesnar, Oba Femi emphasized his individuality and inspiration rather than imitation, highlighting his own strengths (via Reality of Wrestling):
I’ve definitely taken some inspiration from him in the way I work, but I don’t think it’s a one-to-one correlation between Brock Lesnar and Oba Femi. The athleticism and strength are there, but I think Oba is a beast of his own.
— Oba Femi
Future Implications for Oba Femi’s Career Trajectory
Though no longer NXT North American Champion, Oba Femi’s defeat at No Mercy does not diminish his prospects within WWE. Instead, it appears to be a launching point for greater challenges as he moves toward the main roster, where his size, skill, and growing fanbase could secure him significant storylines and championship opportunities.
Fans and insiders alike watch with anticipation, wondering how WWE will position Oba Femi as a potential champion on RAW or SmackDown, possibly facing off against top stars like Sami Zayn or participating in major events such as the Royal Rumble or WrestleMania. His growth and booking could set the tone for a new era of powerhouse wrestling in WWE’s landscape.
