Oba Femi WWE debut is poised to become a pivotal moment for WWE as the company looks to transition its talent from NXT to the main roster. Since his 2021 debut, Femi has climbed steadily through WWE’s developmental system, sharpening both his in-ring skills and microphone work, making his eventual move to Raw or SmackDown highly anticipated.
The Path from NXT to WWE’s Main Stage
WWE’s developmental brand, NXT, serves as a launching pad for emerging wrestlers like Oba Femi, preparing them for the heightened exposure and competition on the primary shows. Over the past few years, Femi has transformed into one of NXT’s top stars, cementing himself as a commanding force inside the ring and gaining confidence on the mic. After falling short against Ricky Saints for the NXT Championship, Femi’s next logical step is to break into the main roster in a meaningful way.
The company has been deliberate with how it manages Femi’s character, providing him chances to excel and build a fanbase while maintaining his momentum. Now, the WWE Universe is waiting to see how the organization will officially introduce him to a broader audience on Raw or SmackDown.
Why Oba Femi Shouldn’t Be John Cena’s Final Opponent
Speculation swirled immediately after Femi lost the NXT Championship that he might become John Cena’s final rival before Cena retires. With the iconic 17-time World Champion slated for only five remaining WWE appearances, culminating in a match scheduled for WWE’s Saturday Night Main Event in December, many viewed Femi as a potential candidate to close out Cena’s in-ring career.
However, despite Femi’s impressive rise, a matchup with Cena at this stage may be too premature. Cena’s closing opponent is still undecided, but given the significance of Cena’s farewell, WWE is likely to select a more recognizable star to maximize fan interest and ticket sales. While a debut as Cena’s last adversary would be a huge vote of confidence, it involves a considerable risk because a large portion of the audience might not yet recognize Femi.
Furthermore, Cena’s established tendency is to elevate his final foe, rewarding a wrestler whom he respects and who already commands a significant following. WWE’s creative overseer, Triple H, has several candidates in mind, and it’s expected that the chosen wrestler for Cena’s send-off will have a greater star power currently than Femi.
Answering Sami Zayn’s United States Championship Open Challenge: A Prime Debut Opportunity
Although a Cena confrontation seems unlikely, WWE still has strong options to launch Oba Femi prominently. One compelling possibility is debuting him as the challenger to Sami Zayn’s United States Championship open challenge on SmackDown. Zayn defends this midcard title weekly, facing surprise challengers, which provides a natural platform to showcase Femi immediately.
Sami Zayn is known for excelling against larger opponents, using his skill in storytelling and selling moves to highlight their strengths and engage the audience. Bringing Femi into this spotlight would generate excitement among fans familiar with him and intrigue those new to his imposing stature and style.
Making a strong impression by competing against Zayn during his debut match could quickly establish Femi as a serious contender. More significantly, if WWE decided to have Femi capture the United States Championship, it would instantly elevate him to a key player, signaling to the WWE Universe that he is a star to watch. This scenario also opens opportunities for an extended feud between Femi and Zayn, setting the stage for engaging storytelling and a sustained program that could help Femi cement his place on the main roster.
The Unique Role Oba Femi Could Fill on WWE’s Main Roster
Currently, WWE’s main roster displays a broad spectrum of talents and personalities, but it lacks a dominant monster figure of the kind Oba Femi can bring. Historically, WWE has featured imposing, intimidating wrestlers such as The Great Khali, Big Show, and Kane, whose sheer physical presence has created dramatic, larger-than-life rivalries and storylines. These monster characters have often been villains that babyfaces struggle to overcome, providing compelling narrative tension.
WWE’s current powerhouse stars like Roman Reigns, Jacob Fatu, and Drew McIntyre are dominant but differ from what Femi offers in terms of size and aura. Brock Lesnar comes closest to fitting this role; however, as a part-time performer with some off-screen controversies, he doesn’t fully fill this niche. Oba Femi, with his considerable size and aggressive style, could become that vital figure once again.
Femi’s journey in WWE demonstrates his ability to adapt and grow within various roles, a trait valued highly by WWE management. His in-ring capabilities are solid, and he has cultivated a character that fans can engage with. If the booking and creative direction support him, Femi could significantly enhance the main roster’s dynamics, bringing back the thrilling monster archetype that fans once loved and that offers new storytelling avenues.
The Significance of Femi’s Debut and What to Expect Next
Oba Femi WWE debut carries significant weight for both the wrestler and WWE’s creative direction. Successfully introducing him to the main roster could fill a glaring gap in the company’s current roster makeup while offering fresh matchups and storylines. By positioning Femi in a carefully chosen rivalry—such as taking on Sami Zayn for the United States Championship—WWE can showcase his talents convincingly and build his credibility with the audience.
As WWE continues to phase out veteran stars like John Cena, the need to elevate new, dynamic performers becomes urgent. Femi’s potential to emerge as a powerful force could revitalize parts of the roster that currently lack a true monster heel. His progress will be closely watched by fans and insiders alike, as it may signal the company’s path toward creating new icons for the future.
“From the moment that Femi lost the NXT Championship, fans immediately speculated that Femi will retire John Cena at the end of the year.” – unnamed source
“Cena will likely want to put someone over to finish up his career, as that’s the type of person and character he is.” – unnamed source
“If WWE truly wants to get behind Femi, then having him dethrone Zayn would be the way to go.” – unnamed source
“Femi has grown and adapted to every situation he has been put into, clearly being capable and coachable, which is what the company looks for.” – unnamed source
