It looks like the Oba Femi era in NXT is officially over. On Tuesday night, “The Ruler” defended his title once again, this time against TNA star Leon Slater. And like most of his foes during his time with the brand, they were defeated. However, after the match, the current NXT champion left the belt in the ring in a sign that he is vacating the title.
There have been recent reports that WWE management is very high on the Nigerian, and the videos hyping his skills on RAW and SmackDown last week were evidence that a promotion was likely coming. Assuming he is leaving NXT for the main roster, we look at six matches we need to see him in, including against Brock Lesnar.
Bron Breakker
If you didn’t notice, WWE is also extremely high on former NXT champ Bron Breakker. It’s why he has been positioned as the unofficial leader of The Vision and headlined the first anniversary of RAW on Netflix. His mix of intensity and absurd athleticism makes him so unique. However, Femi is an impressive athlete as well for a man of his size.
The physical clash, as well as the contrast in personalities between Breakker and Femi, could lead to some very entertaining WWE TV in 2026.
Jacob Fatu
Like Breakker, SmackDown star Jacob Fatu has become a standout in the company because of his impressive athleticism and second-to-none intensity. The former Bloodline member has made it a goal to earn a reputation as one of the most feared men on the roster. A battle with Oba Femi seems inevitable, and we are totally here for it.
Talla Tonga
For his entire run in NXT, Femi was the biggest man on the roster. That is going to change soon as he faces men just as powerful, if not more. It is why a future match with MFT member Talla Tonga could be a lot of fun. Seeing Femi have to face someone bigger and just as strong would be a great showcase of his versatility inside the ring because he will be forced into a different approach to get the win.
Dominik Mysterio
Dominik Mysterio has grown to become one of the best bad guys in WWE. He is weasly but very clever. While he is not physically imposing, he finds ways to constantly overcome huge odds. Seeing the Intercontinental champ try get a questionable win over Femi could be equal parts entertaining and hilarious.
Brock Lesnar
There has been a lot of chatter that this could be Brock Lesnar’s final year in the industry. Just like John Cena’s retirement tour, getting a chance to face him before he is gone — and possibly get a win — would be huge for rising talent. That is why a Femi vs. Lesnar match needs to happen.
Not only could it be a really good battle in the ring, but getting a W over “The Beast” would be massive for “The Ruler’s” long-term prospects.
Gunther
Gunther has become the most hated man in WWE after making Cena tap in his final match. However, well before that, the cocky and confident former two-time world champ has been one of the most dominant forces in the company. Femi has the potential to be just as formidable. It just feels like an inevitability that the two create a wrestling version of the unstoppable force versus the immovable object.
