Oba Femi made his much-anticipated main roster debut during Saturday Night’s Main Event earlier this month, coinciding with John Cena’s farewell appearance. Entering the ring as the reigning NXT Champion, Femi faced off against Cody Rhodes in a match that highlighted his strength and presence. Femi delivered an array of powerful moves, clearly demonstrating that he belonged on the main stage and could compete toe-to-toe with established names like Rhodes.
The momentum of the match shifted unexpectedly when Drew McIntyre interfered, leading to a no-contest outcome. While this abrupt finish drew groans from fans anticipating a decisive end, some considered it preferable to Femi taking a clean loss to Rhodes. The decision to avoid a defeat for Femi suggests WWE is interested in protecting his image as a dominant newcomer, and a confrontation with McIntyre could be the ideal storyline to usher him into the main roster spotlight.
Potential for a Compelling Rivalry With Drew McIntyre
A feud between Femi and McIntyre stands out as an opportune way to introduce the NXT standout to a broader WWE audience. The current storyline offers straightforward possibilities: with SmackDown’s creative direction in question and the ongoing McIntyre vs. Rhodes rivalry growing stale, moving McIntyre into a new program with Femi would refresh the brand. This pivot could elevate Femi’s profile, positioning him as a credible threat from the outset.
In the aftermath of the chaotic main event, Rhodes and Femi working together to send McIntyre packing sets the stage for further conflict. A logical next step sees McIntyre, still smarting from the outcome, seeking retribution on NXT—potentially interfering in Femi’s championship defense. Femi’s dominance over NXT’s top talent has left few legitimate challengers, making an angle that sees him lose the NXT title, perhaps through a high-impact move like a Claymore kick from McIntyre, a believable path to his full-time main roster transition. This new rivalry would also motivate Femi to seek payback, fueling his arrival on SmackDown with purpose and urgency.
Comparisons and Concerns From Previous NXT Call-Ups
There is significant anticipation surrounding Femi’s main roster debut, with fans and pundits alike agreeing that he must be presented as a major player from the very beginning. Femi possesses a combination of size, charisma, and in-ring ability that marks him as a potential future megastar for WWE—a label previously earned by other NXT talents like Keith Lee. However, comparisons to Lee’s experience are cautionary: despite a strong introduction, inconsistent creative direction stalled his momentum.
This context fuels anxieties that current WWE leadership, including Triple H, may not give Femi the consistent push required for him to thrive at the highest level. The handling of his initial match with Rhodes did little to quell those doubts. As the discussion extends to wrestlers like Trick Williams and Je’Von Evans, there is a broader sense that Femi and his contemporaries represent the last hope for WWE to restore faith in how the company books Black male talent as strong and legitimate threats.
How WWE Should Capitalize on Oba Femi’s Momentum
The excitement around Oba Femi’s transition to the main roster is palpable, but WWE’s creative choices moving forward will be crucial. Launching his SmackDown career with a hard-hitting program against Drew McIntyre would not only make a statement but could also reinforce the unique potential Femi brings. McIntyre, known for his credibility and in-ring skills, represents the kind of opponent Femi needs to establish himself right away.
However, given past booking missteps in similar situations, skepticism persists about whether WWE will fully commit to Femi as a featured attraction. The company cannot afford to repeat previous errors if it wants to signal a new era where rising stars like Femi receive the spotlight and consistent booking support they need.
Outlook for Oba Femi’s Main Roster Future
The next steps in Femi’s WWE journey are critical. If managed well, his debut could signal a rejuvenation not only for SmackDown but for WWE’s approach to emerging talent. Femi’s success or failure on the main roster could also have wider implications for how WWE’s audience perceives its willingness to make new stars, particularly among Black male wrestlers. With so much enthusiasm and anxiety swirling around Oba Femi’s main roster debut, all eyes will remain fixed on how the company plans to shape his path moving into 2026 and beyond.
