{"id":150661,"date":"2026-01-14T11:00:12","date_gmt":"2026-01-14T16:00:12","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/prowrestling\/?p=150661"},"modified":"2026-01-14T00:13:13","modified_gmt":"2026-01-14T05:13:13","slug":"the-bringer-of-war-is-here-five-potential-wwe-rivals-for-oba-femi","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/prowrestling\/2026\/01\/14\/the-bringer-of-war-is-here-five-potential-wwe-rivals-for-oba-femi\/","title":{"rendered":"The Bringer of War Is Here: 5 Potential WWE Rivals for Oba Femi"},"content":{"rendered":"

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.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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.<\/span><\/p>\n

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.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

WWE Beginnings<\/h2>\n

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\u2019s Performance Center in 2022, where he quickly impressed his trainers by displaying phenomenal athleticism.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

During his time spent in NXT\u2019s 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\u2019 special, where he defeated Oro Mensah. Femi quickly earned two nicknames: \u201cThe Ruler\u201d and \u201cThe Bringer of War\u201d.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u2019s Breakout Tournament and the 2024 Men\u2019s Iron Survivor Challenge. <\/span><\/p>\n

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.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\"A
Photo Credit: By Jonathan Rivera – https:\/\/www.flickr.com\/photos\/202897796@N07\/54556546687\/, CC BY 2.0,<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

After successfully defending the NXT Championship against Leon Slater at New Year\u2019s 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.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

All indicators, including WWE\u2019s cryptic teaser videos airing over the past several weeks, suggest that Femi\u2019s arrival on the main roster is imminent. With the stage set for a massive push, it\u2019s time to look at five superstars “The Bringer of War” should collide with upon his inevitable call-up.<\/span><\/p>\n

    \n
  1. \n

    Dominik Mysterio\u00a0<\/b><\/h2>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

    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 \u201cdirty\u201d tactics to evade the powerhouse Femi would be highly entertaining.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

    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.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

    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.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

    Pushing younger stars like Mysterio and Femi, at 28 and 27 years old, respectively, is a promising sign for WWE\u2019s future. By elevating these younger athletes now, the company is effectively future-proofing its roster as several top-tier veterans inch closer to retirement.<\/span><\/p>\n

    <\/p>\n

      \n
    1. \n

      Bron Breakker\u00a0<\/b><\/h2>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

      Given the fact that Bron Breakker is already being established as a top star, as well as a prime candidate to become the next WWE World Heavyweight Champion, Breakker would be a fantastic potential opponent for Oba Femi. Clashing with Breakker would elevate both, given the fact that they win their matches by not just simply beating their opponents, but by breaking them.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

      The battle between Femi and Breakker would be legendary, with Breakker\u2019s explosive speed and Femi\u2019s raw strength on full display. If WWE sets this up properly, it could be a feud that could last for the foreseeable future. A clash between the two could be revisited on and off for years, with fans being the ultimate winners in such a scenario.<\/span><\/p>\n

      The fact that, like Mysterio, Breakker is also only 28 years old provides another building block for the future of the company. A \u201cclash of the titans\u201d with a fresh edge is just what Raw and fans have been needing for quite some time.<\/span><\/p>\n

      <\/p>\n

        \n
      1. \n

        Drew McIntyre\u00a0<\/b><\/h2>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

        With Drew McIntyre becoming the Undisputed WWE Champion after defeating Cody Rhodes in their intense back-and-forth Three Stages of Hell match this past Friday, he would be an excellent option for Femi to go after. Both are similar in size and strength, and their matchup would be a ferocious powerhouse vs. powerhouse battle.<\/span><\/p>\n

        This feud would show that WWE has a lot of belief in Femi, having him go after the coveted Undisputed WWE Championship early on, and would cement him as one of the true next faces of the WWE for years to come.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

        Both Femi and McIntyre have established themselves as forces to be reckoned with, not only in the ring but on the mic. Their clashes would be electric, and fans have already been given a taste of what their feud would look like.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

        The superstars had a tense exchange at Saturday Night\u2019s Main Event in December 2025, when McIntyre crashed Femi\u2019s main roster debut match against Cody Rhodes, causing it to end in disqualification. Having \u201cThe Scottish Warrior\u201d battle \u201cThe Bringer of War\u201d would be must-see TV.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

        <\/p>\n

          \n
        1. \n

          Cody Rhodes\u00a0<\/b><\/h2>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

          Despite losing the Undisputed<\/span> WWE Championship to Drew McIntyre in their Three Stages of Hell battle during last Friday\u2019s SmackDown, there is still a lot of intrigue for Femi to stir things up with Cody Rhodes. A title definitely does not need to be on the line for their feud to be legendary.<\/span><\/p>\n

          For starters, Femi and Rhodes didn\u2019t get to finish what they started when they faced each other at Saturday Night\u2019s Main Event in December 2025. Femi not only held his own against Rhodes but at times dominated the match, proving he is more than ready for a big-league feud. Because the bout did not end with a definitive winner, a rematch storyline would not be out of the question.<\/span><\/p>\n

          Rhodes has been heavily pushed as the top face of the WWE in recent years. Having Femi try to prove that it is he, rather than Rhodes, who should be the top superstar would be another interesting dynamic, as we don\u2019t often see \u201cface vs. face\u201d rivalries.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

          Finally, if Femi manages to defeat Rhodes in a 1-on-1 match, it would be imposing, as \u201cThe American Nightmare\u201d has only lost six times in televised singles matches since making his return in 2022, positioning Femi as a top dominant powerhouse.<\/span><\/p>\n

          <\/p>\n

            \n
          1. \n

            Gunther\u00a0<\/b><\/h2>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

            And for the last potential opponent, Gunther is highly intriguing, having gotten a huge push after defeating John Cena in his final match at Saturday Night\u2019s Main Event in December 2025. Playing into the unrelenting boos he has been receiving from the fans, he has now adopted a second nickname: \u201cThe Career Killer.\u201d <\/span><\/p>\n

            Despite having an up-and-down 2025 calendar year, having tapped out to Jey Uso at WrestleMania 41, and losing to CM Punk at SummerSlam, Gunther\u2019s victories against Goldberg and Cena more than made up for the losses.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

            Gunther would be an incredible choice for Femi to face, as he has been strutting around the Raw landscape in a taunting fashion, mocking the fact that he made Cena tap out. Femi\u2019s arrival could put an end to Gunther\u2019s games and give him a formidable opponent to take on. Gunther is known for his no-nonsense powerhouse approach in the ring, with his vicious chest chops and technical precision dominating a match.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

            He not only thrives on physically dominating his opponent but also mentally breaking them as well. Femi approaches his bouts with explosive power, and having Gunther come face-to-face with an opponent he cannot intimidate would provide incredible drama for fans.<\/span><\/p>\n

            This rivalry is one that could go on for a while, including multiple matches. The concept of having \u201cThe Ring General\u201d face \u201cThe Ruler\u201d sounds on paper like a match between two titans fighting in a coliseum, rather than inside a professional wrestling ring.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

            By placing the NXT Championship in the center of the ring, Oba Femi sent a clear message: \u201cThe Ruler\u201d has officially conquered everything in his path. His tenure in developmental proved that his moniker wasn’t just a clever nickname, but an inevitable reality. However, as he transitions to the grand stage of the main roster, the key to his success will be patience. <\/span><\/p>\n

            WWE must resist the urge to rush his ascent, allowing his character the space to breathe as he prepares for his next great clash. Whether he lands on Raw or SmackDown, one thing is sure: the main roster landscape is about to change, and Femi is ready to take command.<\/span><\/p>\n

            More From LWOS Pro Wrestling<\/strong><\/p>\n

            Header photo \u2013 WWE \u2013 Stay tuned to the\u00a0<\/i><\/em>Last Word on Pro Wrestling<\/i><\/u><\/em><\/a>\u00a0<\/span>for more on Oba Femi and other stories from around the world of wrestling, as they develop. You can always count on LWOPW to be on top of the significant news in the wrestling world, as well as to provide you with analysis, previews, videos, interviews, and editorials on the wrestling world.<\/i><\/em><\/amp-ad><\/p>\n

            You can check out WWE programming on\u00a0<\/i><\/em>Netflix<\/i><\/u><\/em><\/a>\u00a0(Raw),\u00a0<\/i><\/em>USA Network<\/i><\/u><\/em><\/a>\u00a0(SmackDown),\u00a0<\/i><\/em>The CW<\/i><\/u><\/em><\/a>\u00a0(NXT),\u00a0<\/i><\/em>Tubi<\/i><\/u><\/em><\/a>\u00a0(WWE Evolve),\u00a0<\/i><\/em>A&E<\/i><\/u><\/em><\/a>\u00a0(WWE Superstar Sunday \u2013 Rivals, WWE LFG, and Greatest Moments), and\u00a0<\/i><\/em>Peacock<\/i><\/u><\/em><\/a>\u00a0(WWE Main Event, as well as archives and premium live event streaming). Follow WWE on social media to relive top moments and matches on\u00a0<\/i><\/em>YouTube<\/i><\/u><\/em><\/a>, and catch fast-paced action on X (<\/i><\/em>WWE Speed<\/i><\/u><\/em><\/a>).<\/i><\/em><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

            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.\u00a0 […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":5699,"featured_media":150681,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_lmt_disableupdate":"no","_lmt_disable":"","sfio_featured_image":false,"sfio_embed_code":"","_ef_editorial_meta_date_first-draft-date":"","_ef_editorial_meta_paragraph_assignment":"","_ef_editorial_meta_checkbox_needs-photo":"","_ef_editorial_meta_number_word-count":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[2192,25,26,4,3],"tags":[8734],"class_list":["post-150661","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-wrestling","category-raw","category-smackdown","category-wwe","category-wwe-universe","tag-oba-femi"],"modified_by":"Michael Joseph Sugue, Manager","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/prowrestling\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/150661","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/prowrestling\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/prowrestling\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/prowrestling\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/5699"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/prowrestling\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=150661"}],"version-history":[{"count":4,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/prowrestling\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/150661\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":150683,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/prowrestling\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/150661\/revisions\/150683"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/prowrestling\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/150681"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/prowrestling\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=150661"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/prowrestling\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=150661"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/prowrestling\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=150661"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}