Throughout WWE history, dominance has typically manifested in two distinct forms. There are the immovable forces, unstoppable monsters like Mark Henry, Umaga, and Kane, who win through sheer intimidation. Then, there are the elite physical specimens such as Batista, Bobby Lashley, Brock Lesnar, and most recently, Bron Breakker, whose success is built on explosive athleticism.
Rarely does a superstar emerge who blurs the line between these two archetypes, but as Oba Femi arrives, that mold is about to be shattered.
Femi has had an exciting path that led him to the WWE. He was born in Lagos, Nigeria, and initially dreamed of becoming a visual artist, a field in which he eventually earned a degree from the University of Alabama. His physical abilities, however, led him to pursue track and field, where he competed in shot put.
In college, Femi won 10 medals as a freshman at the University of Lagos before moving to the United States on a scholarship. He would then win three SEC shot put titles while studying at the University of Alabama. His time in track and field was an early indication of his capabilities and dominance, as well as his drive to win championships.
WWE Beginnings
In 2021, Femi was recruited by WWE to their Next In Line program, designed to bring high-level college athletes directly into professional wrestling. Femi began training at WWE’s Performance Center in 2022, where he quickly impressed his trainers by displaying phenomenal athleticism.
During his time spent in NXT’s development rosters, where he displayed his impressive work ethic, he was given the opportunity to join the NXT main roster on April 25, 2023, at the Spring Breakin’ special, where he defeated Oro Mensah. Femi quickly earned two nicknames: “The Ruler” and “The Bringer of War”.
Through force and dominance over the span of two years in NXT, Femi earned an impressive number of accolades during this time. He would win two separate tournaments, the 2023 NXT Men’s Breakout Tournament and the 2024 Men’s Iron Survivor Challenge.
He also had dominant title reigns as NXT North American Champion, where he held the title for a record-setting 273 days, as well as being a two-time NXT Champion, with his first reign being most notable as he had the title for 263 days.
After successfully defending the NXT Championship against Leon Slater at New Year’s Evil, Femi left the title belt in the center of the ring before exiting. WWE announced the following day that Femi had vacated the championship.
All indicators, including WWE’s cryptic teaser videos airing over the past several weeks, suggest that Femi’s arrival on the main roster is imminent. With the stage set for a massive push, it’s time to look at five superstars “The Bringer of War” should collide with upon his inevitable call-up.
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Dominik Mysterio
Dominik Mysterio, the current Intercontinental Champion, is an intriguing first option for Oba Femi should he make his way to Raw, as all indicators are pointing towards. As the heel everyone loves to hate, having Mysterio try to use his “dirty” tactics to evade the powerhouse Femi would be highly entertaining.
Having Femi feud with Mysterio would be popular if WWE wants to start his main roster time the same way it ended in NXT, by displaying sheer dominance. Femi chasing Mysterio for the Intercontinental Championship and eventually winning it would be a definite pop for the newcomer. Taking the title from someone as established as Dirty Dom would instantly elevate Femi.
By having Oba Femi competing against a proven, high-profile star such as Dominik Mysterio, it would ensure his debut isn’t wasted on squash matches against lower-tier talent.
Pushing younger stars like Mysterio and Femi, at 28 and 27 years old, respectively, is a promising sign for WWE’s future. By elevating these younger athletes now, the company is effectively future-proofing its roster as several top-tier veterans inch closer to retirement.
