Internal praise for NXT Champion Oba Femi has reached new heights following his high-profile performances on the main roster throughout December. According to Bodyslam.net, WWE officials are “unbelievably impressed” with the powerhouse athlete, particularly citing his work on SmackDown and at Saturday Night’s Main Event on December 13.
Femi’s momentum skyrocketed after he defeated Ricky Saints at NXT Deadline on December 6 to regain the NXT Championship. This victory earned him a Champion vs. Champion showcase against Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes. The match, which shared the card with John Cena’s final wrestling appearance, ended in a no-contest following interference from Drew McIntyre. Still, Femi’s poise in the spotlight solidified his status as a priority for the creative team.
Vignettes for Femi have recently begun airing on both Monday Night Raw and SmackDown, a clear signal that he is expected to be called up to the main roster very soon. Comparisons are already being drawn between Femi and Bron Breakker, with one report stating: “If Bron’s current push and trajectory tells you anything, it’s that Oba Femi will be a special, special case and main event player for years to come.”
Femi, a former University of Alabama track and field standout, is already a record-breaker, holding the longest reign in NXT North American Championship history at 273 days. Before Femi officially transitions to the main roster, he must first navigate a dangerous title defense at NXT New Year’s Evil on January 6, 2026.
He is scheduled to defend the NXT Championship against Leon Slater, a TNA X Division Champion who earned the opportunity after winning a fatal four-way match. Femi also faces a looming threat from Tony D’Angelo, who made a shocking return at NXT Deadline to attack Je’Von Evans, making it seem like Oba Femi looked like he’s seen a ghost when confronted by the man who ended his historic North American Title reign.
