In a stunning move, Oba Femi left the NXT Championship in the ring after defeating TNA X-Division Champion Leon Slater. The moment instantly sparked speculation that Oba Femi had seemingly vacated the NXT Championship. WWE has been airing vignettes teasing Oba Femi’s main roster debut in recent weeks. This quiet but powerful scene could be the final chapter of his run in NXT. Femi leaves NXT as the Champion, as his main roster debut now seems official.
Following the match, NXT cut to a backstage segment with Ava, who was speaking to EVOLVE talent about possible call-ups. The conversation was interrupted by a knock on the door, followed by Robert Stone urgently asking Ava if she had seen what Oba Femi just did. The camera then cut to a striking image: the NXT Championship sitting alone in the middle of the ring, with no sign of Oba Femi in sight. There was no explanation or follow-up commentary, just the title left behind and Tony D’Angelo eyeing it down.
Slater vs Femi: A Modern Classic
The match itself was fantastic. With TNA President Carlos Silva watching on from ringside, Femi put his power on display in the early going. Slater would create an opening by sending Oba crashing into the steel ring steps. The Young OG remained in control with an impressive powerslam.
Slater refused to back down despite the massive size difference, but The Ruler didn’t relent as he tossed the challenger across the ring. Later in the match, Slater soared through the air to wipe out Oba with Big Play Slater. The TNA star finally found his footing thanks to supreme athleticism. In the end, he fell to a thunderous Fall From Grace.
What’s Next For Oba Femi?
Oba Femi is a phenom. His incredible raw athleticism has made him the Ruler of NXT for the last two years. With a record 272 days as NXT North American Champion, an Iron Survivor Challenge Winner, and already a 2-time NXT Champion, Femi has already established himself as one of the preeminent forces in the industry. There is no telling the heights that he can reach in WWE.
WWE officials were “unbelievably impressed” by Femi’s recent outings on the main roster. So impressed, in fact, that the company has aired vignettes for him on both SmackDown and RAW, an indication that his full-time call-up was just around the corner. Wherever he’ll land, the momentum now seems to be clear: The Ruler is coming to the WWE main roster.
Opportunity knocks… 👀
Who will step up in 2026 and rise to the top of NXT?! pic.twitter.com/MDqBk2d1p9
— WWE (@WWE) January 7, 2026
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